This job posting is expired.
Job posting: FAO, Breeding Specialist, The Gambia
Expires on April 1st - Please don't mind the alert above (we are fixing the issue)
Job Posting: 18/Mar/2019
Closure Date: 01/Apr/2019, 10:59:00 PM
Organizational Unit: FAO REPRESENTATION IN THE GAMBIA (FRGAM)
Job Type: Non-staff opportunities
Type of Requisition: Consultant / PSA (Personal Services Agreement)
Grade Level: N/A
Primary Location: Gambia-Banjul
Duration: 11 months
Tasks and responsibilities
- Develop breeding plans for rice, groundnut and maize;
- Develop breeding manual for rice, groundnut and maize;
- Coordinate the teams of the three main breeding programmes (rice, groundnut and maize) and support breeder seed production;
- Supervise research activities on the management of breeding programmes and genetic improvement in Gambia
- Facilitate/ensure the capacity development of technical staff in breeding, especially on basic principles in conventional breeding;
- Ensure adequate arrangements are in place for variety maintenance and breeder seed production;
- Ensure the breeding programme activities are well documented and managed through a database system adapted to breeding procedures;
- Ensure timely publication of research/development results and improve NARI visibility;
- Facilitate/ensure scientific mentorship for young researchers within the breeding programmes;
- Strengthen partnership with international research institutions, National research institutions in the sub-region, the WAAPP centres of excellence working on rice, groundnut or maize research/development and with key farmers’ associations, the private sector and projects involved in seed and grain production in the Gambia;
- Identify infrastructure and equipment required for the modernization of research in breeding and genetics of the three crops, especially molecular breeding and advise on their acquisition and utilization;
- Assist local staff in writing competitive research proposals to be submitted for grant opportunities at national, regional and international levels;
- Identify academic databases relevant for NARI area of work and advise on their access giving priority to open access databases and journals;
- Support the NARI’s Crop Research Directorate in assessing needs and strengthening human, technical and infrastructural capacity in planning and production of the required quantities of quality breeder seeds;
- Demonstrate to stakeholders (farmers, public and private sector) the benefits and options for profitably investing in variety development and quality seed production through demonstration plots and other appropriate mechanisms;
- Collaborate with different actors of the value chain of each crop to ensure good product profiling is integrated in the selection process leading to increased demand for improved seeds.
Minimum Requirements
- Advanced university degree in Agronomy, Agricultural or Biological Sciences, with specialization in plant breeding, crop improvement, crop genetics;
- At least 10 years experience managing a breeding programme on one of the three crops (rice, groundnut and maize) in public or private institution. Strong publication background in internationally recognized journals in the area of plant breeding and genetics;
- Working knowledge of English (at least Level C) and good working knowledge in French (at least level B).
FAO Core Competencies
- Results Focus
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Building Effective Relationships
- Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
- Relevant experience in using a software or database for managing breeding programmes;
- Experience in regional or international collaborative breeding programmes;
- Experience in molecular breeding.
- Field experience, preferably in developing countries;
- Proven experience in managing a breeding team and mentoring young scientists in developing countries;
- Proven experience in resource mobilization for research activities.
