Program Officer – Hybrid Seeds Production

Organizational Context

AATF is an international not-for-profit organisation that facilitates and promotes public/private partnerships to promote food security and enhance livelihoods of smallholder farmers in SSA. AATF works with African governments, private and public technology owners and developers, NGOs, seed companies and African small holder farmers to identify and access technologies that address farmers’ key problems andempower them through availability of a choice of agricultural innovations that generate wealth and health for their families and communities. AATF is a registered charity under the laws of England and Wales and has host country status with the Government of Kenya. The Foundation depends on the ongoing support and collaboration of different partners and investors to meet its objectives.

Overview:

The Hybrid Seeds Production Officer is responsible for overseeing and managing the entire hybrid maize seed production process in the field, ensuring the efficient and high-quality production of hybrid maize seeds. This role involves working closely with various TELA Maize Project teams, including agronomy, research and development, operations, and national seed authority to achieve production targets, and maintain seed quality standards.

Responsibilities:

Crop Planning and Coordination:

• Collaborate with commercial, agronomy, and research teams of TELA Maize Project to develop seed production plans based on market demand and research findings.
• Coordinate the planting and harvesting schedules of seed companies to ensure optimal hybrid seed production and assuring harvesting does not surpass the seed processing plant daily intake capacity.

Field Operations Management:

• Supervise and manage field operations, including planting, irrigation, fertilization, rogueing, detasseling, pest control, and seed harvesting.
• Ensure compliance with seed production best practices and quality standards.

Inventory Management:

• Manage seed inventory levels to meet production and sales demands.
• Implement effective tracking and record-keeping systems for seed stocks.

Quality Assurance:

• Implement and monitor quality assurance processes to ensure seeds meet regulatory standards and internal quality specifications.
• Conduct regular inspections and tests to assess seed viability and germination rates.

Research and Development Collaboration:

• Collaborate with research and development teams to incorporate new seed-based technologies and improved hybrid seed varieties into the production process.
• Participate in field trials and evaluations of new hybrids.
• Conduct seed production research to improve seed production processes.

Team Leadership and Training:

• Lead and manage a team of field staff, ensuring proper training, and adherence to safety and quality standards.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the production team.

Budget Management:

• Develop and manage budgets for seed production activities.
• Monitor expenses, analyze variances, and implement cost-effective measures.

Key Competencies

• Strong advocacy and communication skills including effective public relations.
• proven social media sue skills and ability to use information technology effectively as a tool and resource.
• Strong organisational skills with ability to plan and prioritise work activities to meet TELA goals and objectives.
• Strong diplomatic and negotiation skills and nimble to changing environments and relationships.
• Good networking skills and ability to build and sustain relationships with key partners.
• Ability to write/edit good reports, impact stories and minutes of meetings.
• A good understanding of agricultural biotechnology social – political and regulatory environments
• Ability to build and sustain relationships with key constituents (donors, research institutions, media, government institutions, etc.)
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment.
• High-level interpersonal and cross-cultural skills including ability to build alliances and collaborative relationships with sensitivity to diversity.
• Ability to maintain high standards of integrity; establish straightforward, productive relationships; treating individuals with fairness and respect.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in agriculture, agronomy, or related field.
• Five years proven experience in seed production, preferably in a leadership role.
• Knowledge of crop management, agronomic practices, and hybrid seed technology.
• Strong organizational and management skills.
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities.
• Familiarity with quality assurance processes and seed regulatory requirements.
• Knowledgeable on Nigerian growers capable to produce reliable hybrid seeds under irrigated land.