THE WEST AFRICA SEED PROGRAM (WASP)
The West Africa Seed Program will be implemented under the ECOWAS Regulation C/REG.3/05/2008 on the Harmonization of Rules Governing Quality Control, Certification and Marketing of Plant Seeds and Seedlings in ECOWAS Region. The Goal of WASP is to expand both the production and supply of quality improved certified seed, both OPVs and hybrids, from the current 12 to 25% over the five years of the program. The General objective is to contribute to the sustainable improvement of agricultural productivity. The program seeks to achieve its objectives by building an Alliance for Seed Industry in West Africa (ASIWA) involving all partners working in the seed sector, which will ensure the sustainable production and use of quality seeds of the major staple crops in West Africa. The program allows the ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS countries to share experiences across the sub-region and with other regions of the world while minimizing duplication of effort between programs and building synergeies.

The Program draws upon the combined expertise of the CGIAR centres, NARS including the National Seed Services, Quality Control and Certification Agencies, NGOs, Farmers' organizations, Universities, Local and National Private Sector Organizations and Companies, Seed initiatives, Sub-regional organizations and International private sector organizations and companies to achieve the following expected results: i) an inclusive West Africa Consortium established and operational; ii) national and regional seed laws and regulations implemented; iii) sufficient quantities of breeder, foundation and certified seeds to meet required demands produced and used; iv) private sector participation in the seed industry, enhanced, and; v) capacities of National Seed Trade Associations strengthened. Activities are defined in general terms and specific activities will vary depending on the needs and strategies of individual countries and technical agencies.

At the national level, WASP will work with the existing governmental organizations and the private sector; these will include the (i) National Agricultural Research Institutions for breeder seed production, conduct of variety trails and training; (ii) Agricultural Extension Services in the promotion of new varieties and fostering linkages between farmers and seed entrepreneurs; (iii) National Seed Services on coordination activities; (iv) National Seed Committees in governance issues; (v) National Variety Release Committees in the release and cataloguing of new varieties; (vi) National Seed Quality Control and Certification Agencies in carrying out the implementation of seed policy and regulatory activities; (vii) Plant Protection and Regulatory Services in carrying out general regulatory activities relating to plant health; (viii) Universities in training and development of new varieties, and (ix) NSTAS in the production and marketing of seeds.

The project will support the CAADP, ECOWAP and the USAID FtF programs to improve agricultural productivity in attaining the expected 6% growth by 2015 (CAADP target), which will translate into reducing poverty by half and increased food security in West Africa. An alliance bringing stakeholders together will be formed, which will mobilize and pool resources together, and pursue a common vision, in order to contribute to objectives of CAADP, ECOWAP and FtF. Organizational, technical and agribusiness capacities of key actors will be strengthened in variety testing, releases, maintenance breeding, production, processing, storage, quality control and certification, and marketing. The private sector will be transformed and empowered to play a key role in the delivery of certified seeds. It is envisaged that within a time frame of five (5) years, 25% of seed supplied to farmers in the sub-region will come from certified sources. The expected impacts will include improvements in rural household income, incease in average yields of target crops, and the creation of an enabling environments for well functioning private sector participation in seed business.

CORAF/WEACARD is responsible for coordinating and monitoring the effectiveness of mechanisms for technology dissemination and the progress of indicators for the productivity and competitiveness of the agricultural sector in the beneficiary countries of WASP. More specifically, it is responsible for: (i) managing the regional program and the national components of the program; (iii) compiling and synthesising information generated by regional and national systems and monitoring and evaluating program activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Under the authority of the WASP Chief of Party, the National Seed Specialist will assume the following main roles:

•  Management and administrative oversight role at the National Coordinating Office
•  Support the implementation of the ECOWAS Seed Regulation C/REG.3/05/2008 in-country
•  Support the functioning of national level seed alliance to ensure synergy creation and complementarily among stakeholders and partners
•  Support the National Agricultural Research Systems in assessing and strengthening human, technical and infrastructure capacity needs and in planning and production the required quantities of quality breeder seeds
•  Support functional capacity strengthening of the National Seed Trade Associations (NSTAs)
•  Support functional programs to strengthen the technical and agri-business capacities of national and regional agri-dealer networks (NSTA members), the private sector and public sector institutions in the production and marketing of quality foundation and certified seeds
•  Demonstrate to stakeholders (farmers, public and private sector) the benefits and options for investing in improved seeds
•  Facilitate linkage of the output market to the seed market to drive demand for improved seeds

Facilitate Coordination:

•  Coordinate planning as well as financial resource allocation and management of seed production;
•  Perform any other related duties as may be requested by the Chief of Party to ensure the efficient management of WASP to achieve the objective.

Facilitate Communication and Liaison:

•  Maintain strong relationships with seed industry stakeholders in the countries involved - at the individual and organizational levels and provide timely and appropriate information as needed
•  Facilitate communication with the Regional Coordinating Office, through meetings, regular contacts and using appropriate communication tools
•  Collaborate with the Communication and the Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Units at WASP Regional Office ( in the effective use of communication tools) to facilitate information sharing with seed production stakeholders (e.g. local producers, research institutions, extension, quality control and certification and agricultural advisory services
•  Ensure reporting of major program meetings at the national

Monitor Milestones:

•  Facilitate Program planning, monitoring, evaluation, and impact assessment relating to seed production in-country
•  Monitoring progress towards results, both at national level;
•  Support the preparation of Programme technical and financial reporting

Coordinating Internal Operations:

•  Manage internal processes on behalf of the Chief of Party
•  Coordinate national teams in the management of WASP seed production activities

Working with CORAF/WEACARD:

CORAF/WEACARD is not just looking to fill a vacancy. Whenever it recruits, it is looking for individuals, who share its values, are adaptable and resourceful, and who will complement the team and contribute to the development of the Organisation

Salary and remuneration will depend on the skills, experience and track record of the successful applicant, and will be competitive. CORAF/WEACARD invests heavily in creating a culture of quality, professionalism, mutual support and team work. It creates opportunities for continuing formal and informal professional development and training. The candidate must be a national of a CORAF/WEACARD member state. The National Seed Specialist will be based in home country. He/she will report to the WASP Chief of Party through the National Coordinator of WAAPP.

This contract will be for an initial period of twenty four months, subject to a positive performance review during the first year. The contract may be renewed based on satisfactory performance and availability of financial resources for the period.

Qualification Required & Experience

•  The present vacancy is for the position of National Seed Specialist. This position will be held by someone with at least B.Sc in Seed Technology, Agronomy, Plant Breeding or related subjects
•  He/She should be knowledge in the agricultural research and development and seed systems in-country, having worked for at least 10 years in the seed sector with focus on the production and marketing of Breeder, Foundation and Certified seeds
•  He/she should have experience in working with the private sector and multi-national companies will be an advantage
•  He/she shall be capable for managing the national office and facilitate linkages with national stakeholders and partners, organizing national-level training and supporting the management of grants in-country
•  He/she should have the ability to provide advisory and technical support to the implementation, monitoring and improvement of seed production targets in-country
•  He/she should have the ability to work with, coordinate and inspire, multi-disciplinary teams in a multi-partner environment, and to engage in both local and high level policy dialogue;
•  He/she should have the ability to represent CORAF/WEACARD in consultations with governments and bilateral partners, and civil society;
•  He/she should have the ability to contribute to maintaining constructive working environment and excellent relationships with national and international stakeholders;
•  He/she should be willingness to travel extensively in-country and sub-regionally;
•  The candidate should possess excellent English and/or French oral and written communication skills

Location: Accra

How To Apply For The Job

Qualified and interested applicants should send applications including detailed curriculum vitae and copies of certificates and other relevant documentation in a sealed envelope, indicating the position being applied for clearly on the outer envelope to the address below:

THE CHIEF DIRECTOR
ATTN: NATIONAL PROGRAM COORDINATOR
West Africa Agricultural Productivity Program (WAAPP-2A)
Ministry of Food and Agricultural
WAAPP Block (Located around Juvenile Court, Riviera Beach)
P. O. Box M.37
Accra, Ghana

Tel.: +233-302-666567; Fax: +233-302-668245

Reliable mobile number(s) and email address(es) must be included in the application to facilitate early and easy contact.

Closing Date: 24 January 2013