Senior Technical Expert II- Focal Person

Position Summary

The Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI) is collaborating with the Ethiopian Agricultural Authority (EAA) as one of the implementing partners of the ISSSE project to enhance seed quality assurance, national seed policy, regulations, and legal frameworks. The focal person will be seconded to the EAA to oversee and facilitate various project activities aimed at improving the capacity of the Ethiopian Agricultural Authority in implementing ISSSE project activities.

The primary objective of the focal person is to ensure effective implementation and monitoring of ISSSE project activities related to seed quality assurances, seed policy development and implementation, and technical and physical capacity building of EAA.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversee and support the establishment of DUS and NPT testing stations across representative agro-ecological zones.
• Follow up and enforce drafting and endorsement of seed proclamations, regulations, and directives for ratification and implementation.
• Facilitate and monitor the process for the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) accredited Lab. at EAA.
• Facilitate and monitor the launching and operationalization of long- and short-term training programs on variety release, seed certification, and seed quality control.
• Facilitate and monitor strengthening and standardize regional seed laboratories to meet ISTA standards.
• Prepare and report on the status of the ISSSE project support activities at the EAA, ensuring transparency and accountability in project implementation.
• Participate in and provide updates on ISSSE project activities, donor and project implementing partners' monthly touchpoint meetings,
• Reporting Structure: The focal person will report directly to the EAA Director
• General/Deputy Director General, but matrix report to ISSSE project manager while maintaining close communication and collaboration with the ISSSE project team.

Required Qualification, Competencies, and Experience:

• MSc degree in Agriculture (plant science), agronomy, and Agri business or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of proven relevant experience in agricultural project management, seed quality assurance, seed policy development, and implementation.
• Proven experience in project management as well as liaising with senior decision-makers.
• Strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills.
• Familiarity with the Ethiopian agricultural sector and seed policies is essential.
• Strong capabilities in problem solving, project and stakeholder management with extensive experience with government institutions, development partners, the private sector, and actors.
• Strong set of personal values, including integrity, honesty, and desire to serve.
• Computer analytical and presentation skills.
• Proficiency in English and Amharic, and knowledge of the regional language, is an advantage.

 Required Number: One

Skills Required:

• Agricultural / Studies
• Environmental / Natural / Resource
• Quality / Safety
• Social / Science / Project / Management / Development