Country: Myanmar
Closing date: 15 Nov 2017
Welthungerhilfe (www.welthungerhilfe.de) is one of the large and respected private organisations in the field of development cooperation and humanitarian aid in Germany. It carries out projects in 39 countries and campaigns for fairer cooperation with developing countries. If you are prepared to dedicate yourself to carrying out projects under sometimes difficult conditions and you match the requirements set out below, we look forward to receiving your application for the position of
Seed Sector Advisor (m/f)
in Pathein, Ayeyarwady Delta Region, Myanmar
The position is to be filled as soon as possible, with an initial contract duration until June 30, 2019. There are good prospects for an extension. The place of work will be Pathein, the provincial capital of the Ayeyarwady Delta Region, Myanmar. Travel for work will be required.
Quality seed is a key input for increasing crop productivity, and experts generally estimate that 50% of the yield gap can be closed through the use of quality seed of improved varieties. The use of quality seed of well performing rice varieties is one of the key bottlenecks in the rice value chain in Myanmar. Welthungerhilfe and Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen Centre for Development (WCDI) developed a project in response to this challenge that applies an integrated approach.
As "Seed Sector Advisor" you will work closely together with experts from WCDI, guide the project team on issues related to seed production and provide technical support to key actors in the rice seed sector in line with the project's workplan.
Your responsibilities
- Carry out surveys/assessments related to the different project components and guide the development of a project strategy and operational plan for developing the capacity of the rice seed sector
- Prepare and facilitate trainings and develop training related methodologies, tools and materials
- Provide technical assistance and facilitate trainings to strengthen seed production and post-harvest management skills of seed producers and companies to strengthen systems of internal seed quality control
- Support the testing and promotion of new and/or adapted rice varieties with high market potential and coordinate the establishment of demonstration trials of improved varieties and quality seed
- Be creative and innovative in engaging seed producers and private companies in project activities like the development of proposals for investment grants, the set-up of “think thanks” etc.
- Evaluate existing and test alternative systems for internal seed quality control and external seed quality assurance
- Promote promising alternative seed quality assurance systems in close collaboration with DOA and support the development and systematic implementation of related regulations and guidelines
- Coordinate and facilitate trainings on various aspects of seed quality assurance for staff of townships, districts and regions involved in the project
- Supervise and coordinate daily activities of the project’s Seed Production and Quality Experts
- Develop a strong relationship with and facilitate linkages between relevant stakeholders in the rice sector in Ayeyarwaddy region
- Represent Welthungerhilfe in-country vis à vis selected relevant national and international stakeholders and partners in coordination with the Country Office
- Maintain contact and function as resource person for Wageningen University & Research and WCDI in technical matters of the project
Your profile
- A university or polytechnic degree in in a relevant field of sciences such as crop science, social science or economics with an agricultural orientation
- Several years of project and coordination experience in carrying out aid and development projects of international (aid) agencies - preferably in the region
- Excellent knowledge of and experience in seed agronomy and post-harvest handling practices, and seed quality control and seed quality assurance
- Specific knowledge of/experience in working with paddy rice
- Experience in working with stakeholders from the public and private seed sector, civil society and farmers
- Experience in capacity strengthening and facilitation of trainings
- Strong problem solving skills and out of the box thinking
- Excellent communication and facilitation skills and sensitivity towards cultural differences
- Coordination and organisational skills, even under high workloads and difficult local conditions
- A very good level of written and spoken English
Our offer
We offer you co-operation in a highly dedicated team and a responsible scope of tasks. Furthermore, we facilitate a flexible organisation of working time as well as a healthy work-life balance. The remuneration is based on an in-house salary scheme. Of course, an induction period is also part of our offer.
Please send your application via our online recruiting system by November 15, 2017. Your contact person is Carolin Moellenbeck.
How to apply: