Seed Sector & PGRFA Strategy Consultant

The consultant will provide strategic leadership to strengthen Mauritius' seed sector and plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA). The role involves policy and institutional analysis, development of national strategies and action plans, and alignment with international frameworks to modernize the seed system and enhance food security in the context of climate change.

Responsibilities

• Conduct an inception workshop (Seed Sector including PGRFA) to present project objectives and mobilize stakeholders.
• Review all seed sector policies, acts, and regulations, and assess institutional frameworks and stakeholder roles.
• Assess Mauritius’ compliance with ITPGRFA and other international conventions, and evaluate national obligations.
• Analyze the seed value chain from production to distribution, identifying gaps and opportunities for improvement, including potential for local seed production and barcoding systems.
• Assess the current status of the National Seed Gene Bank (NSGB), National Field Gene Bank (NFGB), NPPO, and other institutions involved in genetic resources conservation.
• Evaluate conservation infrastructure, storage facilities, and existing protocols for germplasm management.
• Conduct field visits to conservation sites and seed facilities to document practices and identify areas for improvement.
• Conduct informant interviews and stakeholder consultations to gather insights and validate findings.
• Present preliminary findings to Technical Working Groups (TWGs) and FAO Programme Coordinator for discussion and refinement.
• Facilitate thematic working sessions to address specific issues in both seed systems and PGRFA.
• Draft the Seed Sector Status Report and the PGRFA Status Report, incorporating stakeholder inputs, and present findings for validation.
• Facilitate validation workshops for both reports and incorporate feedback into the final documents.
• Guide the formulation of the Seed Sector Strategy & Action Plan and the PGRFA Conservation Strategy & Costed Action Plan, ensuring alignment with national priorities and international best practices.
• Draft an Action Plan for germplasm collection, characterization, and regeneration.
• Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for seed conservation (drying, viability testing, storage).
• Draft regulations and protocols for Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) in line with international/regional treaties and national legislation.
• Prepare and submit workshop and consultation reports.
• 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 crop science, seed technology, genetics, plant breeding, biodiversity conservation 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 systems, plant genetic resources conservation, utilization, and policy development, including agricultural legislation and institutional frameworks.
• Working knowledge of English and knowledge of French will be an asset.
• In depth knowledge of plant genetic resources (PGR) conservation and utilization, including ex‑situ and in‑situ methods.
• Experience in drafting national PGR strategies and action plans aligned with regional and international obligations.
• Proven ability to implement regulatory frameworks governing access and use of PGRFA, ensuring fair and equitable benefit‑sharing in line with the ITPGRFA.
• Academic background in genetics, plant breeding, or biodiversity conservation, with references to implemented projects.
• Knowledge of molecular techniques for germplasm characterization and conservation (asset).
• Ability to conduct policy and institutional reviews related to biodiversity and plant genetic resources.
• Professional experience in programme design, planning, budgeting, and monitoring of PGR conservation projects.
• Demonstrated collaboration with government agencies, NGOs, farmer groups, and development partners on biodiversity initiatives.
• Familiarity with inclusive and gender‑sensitive approaches in conservation and resource management.
• Strong organizational and coordination skills.
• Capacity to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Excellent analytical and report‑writing skills.
• Ability to engage effectively with government agencies, farmers’ organizations, private sector actors, and development partners.
• Familiarity with agricultural policies and programmes in Mauritius and the Southern African region.
• Experience working with FAO or other UN agencies (advantage).

Skills

• Crop Science
• Seed Technology
• Genetics
• Plant Breeding
• Biodiversity Conservation
• Seed Systems
• Plant genetic resources management
• Plant Genetic Resources Utilization
• Policy Development
• Agricultural Legislation
• Institutional Frameworks
• PGR Conservation Methods
• Ex-situ Conservation
• In-situ Conservation
• National PGR Strategy Drafting
• Regulatory Framework Application
• Benefit-Sharing Models
• Molecular Techniques
• Germplasm Characterization
• Policy Review
• Institutional Review
• Programme Design
• Project Planning
• Budgeting
• Project Monitoring
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Inclusive Conservation Approaches
• Gender-sensitive Resource Management
• Analytical Skills
• Report Writing
• Agricultural policy knowledge
• FAO Experience

Languages

English, French