Seed Industry Public Private Partnership (PPP) Specialist

Description

DAI implements the USAID-funded technical assistance program called Harmonized Seed

Regulations (HSR) in the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC). The HSR will allow seed trade across the region, integrating smaller and isolated national seed markets into one larger SADC market for seeds. This will increase availability of new improved varieties and high-quality seeds of targeted crops in Feed the Future focus countries. The HSR are part of a package of regional policy coherence to improve agricultural productivity and food and nutrition security.

DAI is currently seeking candidates for the Seed Industry Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Specialist. S/He will be responsible for operational bridging of the public-private relationships in the build-out of the SADC HSR Crop Variety Testing, Registration and Release, and Seed Certification and Quality Assurance; and the trade-related elements of phytosanitary certification and plant quarantine. S/He will work closely with the HSR staff, SADC Seed Centre staff, non-state actors, the African Seed Trade Association, seed trade and industry associations with special emphasis on South African National Seed Organization and Southern African Confederation of Agricultural Unions, and short-term experts in achieving project results.

Responsibilities include:

• Design and development of a sustainable business model in consultation with regional key stakeholders for implementing and administering the SADC HSR.
• Facilitate integrating the private and public sector systems for Seed Variety Testing, Registration and Release, and Seed Certification and Quality Assurance in Feed the Future focus countries using lessons from South Africa and/or other countries and regions.
• Facilitate public-private development of a seed market information system for seed demand forecasting.
• Facilitate transfer of technologies and management practices in target seed value chains from South Africa and other countries to Feed the Future focal countries in the region using tools such as the Partnership Fund.
• Participate in the development of a work plan for project activities.
• Actively participate in the development and implementation of the M&E plan for indicators related to his activity areas.
• Provide timely, detailed, and accurate trip, activity, quarterly, annual, and final reports.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of relevant professional experience, and at least 5 years of experience in the agricultural development sector with private for-profit, public, and/or nonprofit organizations, with an emphasis on technology transfer and marketing.
• Business feasibility study and business management experience with proven capacity in the design and delivery of market forecasting programs that integrate public and private information sources.
• Evidence of management and delivery of functioning, effective information systems on time and within budget.
• Knowledge of the SADC and Member State policy and institutions related to agricultural development, seed markets, regional trade, and regional and national agricultural and food security policies; experience working in Southern Africa required.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Advanced degree (M.B.A.) in business administration with a finance or marketing focus, or advanced degree (M.Sc. or higher) in agricultural economics or agricultural marketing; or in lieu of a graduate degree, a bachelor’s degree and five additional years of relevant experience.

HOW TO APPLY:

Please apply directly at the following link:
http://chc.tbe.taleo.net/chc06/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=DAINC&cws...