Seed Health and Molecular Diagnostics Specialist

The Seed Health and Molecular Diagnostics Specialist will provide technical guidance and support to the Ministry of Agro Industry and key stakeholders for upgrading, operationalizing, and building capacity of the Seed Health and Biotechnology laboratory in Mauritius. The role focuses on introducing molecular and biotechnological tools for seed health diagnostics and delivering training to build national expertise in advanced laboratory techniques.

Responsibilities

• Assess current NPPO laboratory capacity, infrastructure, and technical needs with regards to conventional and molecular techniques for seed health diagnosis.
• Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs/Protocols) for seed sampling, molecular characterization (DNA extraction, PCR, electrophoresis), and seed health screening (conventional/molecular seed health testing methodologies and seed borne diseases detection protocols).
• Work with Technical Working Group to adapt SOPs to the local context.
• Provide input on equipment specifications and procurement if required.
• Train national staff on SOP/protocols development and application.
• Conduct a Train-the-Trainer program for approximately 20 technical staffs, including theoretical modules and practical hands-on training on molecular characterization (DNA extraction, PCR, electrophoresis), and seed health screening (conventional/molecular seed health testing methodologies and seed borne diseases detection protocols).
• Mentor trainees during supervised practice sessions, and conduct final certification of master trainers.
• Develop a trainer cascade plan to ensure knowledge transfer across institutions.
• Ensure all SOPs/protocols are finalized, adopted, and integrated into laboratory operations.
• Review training materials and curriculum to ensure quality and relevance.
• Provide remote mentoring as and when required.
• Finalize training reports, including evaluation of outcomes and recommendations for sustainability.
• Review project outputs, including draft reports and final documents, ensuring compliance with FAO standards and national requirements.
• Submit an end-of-assignment report detailing contributions, outcomes, and recommendations for sustainability.
• Perform any other related duties and activities required.

Requirements

• Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Seed Health and Biotechnology, molecular biology, seed pathology or related fields; Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant professional experience in Seed Health and Biotechnology, molecular diagnostics, and seed health testing.
• Working knowledge of English and knowledge of French will be an asset.
• Experience in project planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting.
• Knowledge of results-based management (RBM) and monitoring and evaluation systems.
• Experience in organizing workshops, training sessions, and stakeholder consultations.
• Ability to prepare technical and progress reports.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Adherence to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.

Skills

• Seed Health
• Molecular Diagnostics
• Biotechnology
• Molecular Biology
• Seed Pathology
• Seed Health Testing
• Project Planning
• Project Implementation
• Project Monitoring
• Project Reporting
• Result-Based Management
• Monitoring and Evaluation
• Workshop Organization
• Training Delivery
• Multi-Stakeholder Consultation
• Technical Report Preparation
• Progress Report Writing
• MS Word
• MS Excel
• MS PowerPoint
• Microsoft Outlook

Languages

English, French