Agricultural Research and Seed Systems Specialist

Posted 2 weeks ago
  • Job description
  • MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURAL AND DEVELOPMENT
  • SOMALILAND FOOD SYSTEMS RESILIENCE PROJECT (SL-FSRP)
  • REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (REOI)
  • Individual Selection of Consultant
  • Country: Government of Somaliland
  • Project ID No: P177816
  • Name of Project: Food Systems Resilience Program for Eastern and Southern Africa (Phase 3) FSRP
  • Consulting Service: Agricultural Research and Seed Systems Specialist
  • Individual/firm: Individual
  • Duty Station: Hargeisa
  • Deadline: 22nd May 2025
  • Ref Number: SO-MOAD-SL-474504-CS-INDV 
  • 1.       BACKGROUND OF THE PROJECT
  • Somaliland Food Systems Resilience Project (SL-FSRP) is part of a regional initiative by the World Bank to provide a comprehensive framework for intervention at both the national and regional levels. This Multi-phase Programmatic Approach (MPA) aims to tackle the underlying structural challenges of food insecurity and reduce beneficiaries’ vulnerability to unpredictable climate, crisis, and conflict events
  • The Project Development Objective (PDO) of the project is ‘to increase the resilience of food systems and the Somaliland’s preparedness for food insecurity in project target areas. The project has six components namely: Component 1: (Re-)Building Resilient Agricultural Production Capacity; Component 2: Supporting the Sustainable Development of Natural Resources for Resilient Agricultural Landscapes; Component 3: Getting to Market; Component 4: Promoting a Greater Focus on Food Systems Resilience in National and Regional Policymaking; Component 5: Contingent Emergency Response Component; Component 6: Project Coordination and Management. 
  • The Somaliland FSRP will directly benefit an estimated 65,000 of small farmers, agro-pastoralists, and nomadic pastoralists, at least 30 percent of which will be women. In addition, the project will support value chain stakeholders including women-owned agribusiness enterprises, financial services providers, disruptive Agriculture Technology start-ups, agricultural research and extension institutions. Within the public sector, the project will also build the capacity of Ministry of Agriculture Development, Ministry of Livestock and Rural Development and Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, and other institutions to implement resilience- focused policies. Therefore, the Ministry of Agricultural Development (MoAD) invites suitably qualified individuals to apply for the position of Agricultural Research and Seed Systems Specialist for this Project funded by the World Bank.
  • The Agricultural Research and Seed Systems Specialist is responsible for leading and coordinating agricultural research and seed systems activities within the project. This includes (i) coordinating the prioritization and formulation of the research agenda and developing collaborative research project proposals in alignment with the project objectives; (ii) coordinating the technical implementation of seed system activities such as seed production, certification, and distribution; (iii) preparing annual work plans and budgets for seed system-related activities; (iv) providing technical guidance to research teams and external partners on developing Agriculture Technologies, Innovations, and Management Practices (TIMPs); (v) contributing to the preparation of progress reports, including monitoring and evaluation of research activities and adherence to procurement, contract management, and environmental safeguards; (vi) working closely with the Project Coordination Unit (PCU) to ensure effective execution of activities; and (vii) collaborating with stakeholders, including the Somaliland Institute of Agricultural Research, to develop terms of references and manage the selection and contracting processes for seed system services and goods.
  • The MoAD seeks to recruit a qualified individual to serve as the Agricultural Research and Seed Systems Specialist for this project under the terms specified in the Terms of Reference (TOR).
  • 2.       RESPONSIBILITIES: The Agricultural Research and Seed Systems Specialist will collaborate closely with the Project Coordination Unit (PCU), government focal points, and development partners to ensure the smooth implementation of project activities. Key responsibilities include:
  • ·         Coordinating the prioritization and formulation of the research agenda and developing collaborative research project proposals.
  • ·         Assisting in the interpretation and application of the Project Implementation Manual (PIM) and the Research Grant Manual (RGM).
  • ·         Overseeing the technical implementation of research activities, providing guidance to research teams, and facilitating the development of Agriculture Technologies, Innovations, and Management Practices (TIMPs).
  • ·         Supporting the enhancement of sustainable seed systems and working with the Somali Seed System Recovery Initiative Project to develop community-based seed production systems.
  • ·         Ensuring the establishment of agricultural research databases and providing technical backstopping throughout the implementation of research activities.
  • ·         Coordinating the review of research and seed system policies.
  • Full details are available in the TOR at: https://sl-fsrp.org/vacancies-and-tender/
  • Skills and qualifications
  • 1.       SELECTION CRITERIA: The selection will be based on the qualifications, experience, and skills of the candidate, followed by an interview. The criteria include:
  • ·         A master’s degree in agricultural/environmental sciences or a related field.
  • ·         A minimum of 5 years of experience in managing agricultural research or related fields.
  • ·         Proven experience in managing research projects, developing research proposals, and overseeing seed systems, particularly community-based seed production.
  • ·         Strong ability to collaborate with stakeholders, including research teams, advisory bodies, and external partners, while providing technical guidance on the development of agricultural technologies, innovations, and management practices (TIMPs).
  • ·         Demonstrated leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
  • ·         Proficiency in using relevant software for data management, analysis, and reporting.
  • ·         Fluency in both written and verbal English.
  • Other Competencies and Requirements:
  • Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
  • Demonstrated analytical skills and the ability to interpret research findings for practical applications.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining accountability.
  • High level of integrity and professionalism in handling sensitive and technical information.
  • Flexibility and adaptability to respond to project needs and emerging priorities.
  • Commitment to knowledge sharing and continuous professional development.
  • Fluency in English; knowledge of Somali language is an added advantage
  • 2.       REPORTING
  • The Agricultural Research and Seed Systems Specialist will report directly to the Project Coordinator at the Ministry of Agricultural Development.
  • 3.       DURATION OF ASSIGNMENT
  • The Consultant will be contracted for a period of twelve (12) months, with the possibility of extension for up to two (2) additional years based on satisfactory performance, need for the role and availability of funding.
  • How to apply
  • The Ministry of Agricultural Development now invites eligible Individual Consultants to express their expression of interest in providing the above-mentioned services. Interested candidates must submit the following documents: (i) an updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) with at least three professional reference contacts; (ii) copies of academic qualification certificates; and (iii) a cover letter demonstrating their suitability for the assignment.
  • Attention of interested Consultants is drawn to section III, para 3.14,3.16 & 3.17 of the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers: Procurement in Investment Projects Financing Goods, Works, Non -Consulting and Consulting Services, July 2016, revised November 2017, 2018, 2020, September 2023 and February 2025 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.
  • A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Individual Consultant method set out in the World Bank Procurement Regulations. 
  • Interested applicants may obtain further information including the detailed Terms of Reference from the Ministry in person or by e-mail to the address given below during office hours from 8.00 a.m.– 3.00 p.m. Saturday to Thursday. The ToR is also available on our website: https://sl-fsrp.org/vacancies-and-tender/.
  • Deadline: Expressions of Interest (EOI) and CV must be delivered to the address below by hand, mail, courier or email on or before 22nd May 2025 at 3:00 PM East Africa Time (EAT). The subject line of the email should clearly state: “Agricultural Research and Seed Systems Specialist – Expression of Interest.”
  • Project Coordination Unit (PCU)
  • Ministry of Agriculture Development (MoAD)
  • East of Assod Hotel, Sha’ab Area, Hargeisa, Somaliland
  • Attn: Mrs. Zamzam Ahmed, Procurement Specialist
  • Email address: procurement@sl-fsrp.org

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