Specialist on Seed Enterprise Development

Home Based - May require travel

Organization: FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Location: Home Based - May require travel
Grade: Level not specified - Level not specified
Occupational Groups:
- Development Cooperation and Sustainable Development Goals
- Agriculture and Forestry
- Social Entrepreneurship
- FAO REPRESENTATION IN THE GAMBIA (FRGAM)
Closing Date: Closed

IMPORTANT NOTICE\: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on your personal device date and time settings

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FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender and nationality

People with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply

All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

The incumbent may be re-assigned to different activities and/or duty stations

depending on the evolving needs of the Organization

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Organizational Setting

Through its Country Offices, or FAO Representations, FAO assists governments to develop policies, programmes and projects to address hunger and malnutrition, and provides technical support for the sustainable development of their agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors. The activities carried out by the of the FAO Country Offices include the design and implementation of country-tailored field programmes, liaison with local donor representatives, and active public awareness-raising as well as other and outreach activities related to FAO initiatives such as the World Food Day.

The project entitled “Agriculture for Economic Growth Project” is funded by the European Union and aim to contribute to a sustainable growth in the agricultural sector and reduce food insecurity and malnutrition, in order to create an enabling environment for improved economic growth. Agriculture is one of the main drivers of Gambia’s GDP growth. It employs 80.7 % of the rural working population. The sector typically contributes up to 31 % of GDP. This project aims to invest in a market stimulation approach by strengthening key market related infrastructural development and equipment supply to ensure that the required services are adequately equipped.

Under the overall supervision of the FAOR and the Lead Technical Officer (LTO), the International Consultant on Seed Enterprise Development will advise the Project Coordination Unit (PCU). The Consultant is expected to conduct activities aimed at laying the basis for enhancing the entrepreneurial status of current seed growers to transform them into credible seed businesses, able to independently conduct their seed production and marketing activities effectively, profitably and sustainably.

Reporting Lines

The Specialist on Seed Enterprise Development reports to the FAO Representative Republic of the Gambia who will be consulting AGPM for technical advise

Tasks and responsibilities

In close collaboration with NSS, conduct rapid studies to identify the training and development needs of registered seed growers and draw up a comprehensive program for developing the latter into fully registered and commenced private seed businesses, indicating effective timing for all the stages of development.
Ensure the rapid business registration of all the qualifying seed growers and ensure their proper connect to their parent association, The Gambian Seed Growers Association, which is also to be assisted to be properly established and positioned.
Conduct a systematic and comprehensive program of theoretical and practical training based on the training components identified as per 1. above, which should lead to a minimally identifiable independent business entities, signed to NSS, that can be further developed in a possible further capacity building project.
Investigate direct marketing needs of the seed growers and propose steps and structures that can lead to the proper development of an effective and sustainable seed market in The Gambia, including training needs for seed growers and seed stockists as well as marketing outlets, demand creation and demand forecast.
Conduct training sessions, based on recommendations in 4 above, aimed at establishing a good basis for seed marketing in The Gambia.
Provide inputs towards the organization of a Seed Fair aiming to build direct connect between Seed growers and seed consumers.
Examine marketing support provided by NSS and DOA and advice on ways to strengthen their required marketing support to seed businesses
Conduct any other activities related to the above, as may be requested by FAO and NSS, in furtherance of the objectives of the mission.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

Advanced degree (MSc or above) in either Seed Technology, Seed Marketing or Agricultural Economics
At least 5 years of practical experience in Seed Enterprise development and seed marketing.
Working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of another FAO language, French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian (for Consultants). Working knowledge of English for PSAs.

FAO Core Competencies

Results Focus
Teamwork
Communication
Building Effective Relationships
Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Selection Criteria

Relevant work experience in more than one geographic location
Knowledge of West Africa’s agricultural seed enterprise development
Training on seed enterprise development is an added advantage
Experience supporting seeds enterprise development in West Africa is an asset
Knowledge of economic issues in the Gambia is an added advantage
Experience in similar project setting in a developing country will be an advantage
Evidence of prior involvement in similar projects, publications and record of training on related topics will be an advantage.