Senior Technical Expert II -Lab Expert

About the Job

Vacancy Announcement

ETHIOPIAN AGRICULTURAL TRANSFORMATION INSTITUTE

Position:                                     Senior Technical Expert II -Lab Expert

Term of Employment:               One year with possibility of extension 

Duty Station:                             Addis Ababa, Secondment to EAA

Required Number:                    One

Application Deadline:               November 2, 2024

Background

The Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI), formerly known as the Agricultural Transformation Agency (ATA), is a strategy and delivery-oriented government institute created to help accelerate the growth and transformation of Ethiopia’s agriculture sector, which is a key contributor to the country’s GDP, exports, and workforce. The ATI’s work is centred on improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers (SHFs) across the country for improved income, inclusiveness, resilience, and sustainability. 

The ATI works to transform the agriculture sector in Ethiopia by conducting policy and analytical studies, providing technical implementation support and capacity building, coordinating platforms to better integrate partners and projects, and designing and directly leading several innovative/pilot interventions. 

The Institute joins forces with various stakeholders, including policymakers, researchers, farmers, and development partners, to support the implementation of agricultural development programs and initiatives. In addition, the ATI collaborates with national and international partners to facilitate knowledge exchange and learning opportunities. The Institute plays a crucial role in generating and disseminating information to support evidence-based decision-making in Ethiopia’s agricultural sector. 

Our Culture

We have an exceptional team of highly competent employees with a proven track record of success in managing complex activities and achieving transformational results.  Our culture is one where talented, dedicated and adaptable individuals are committed to doing their best and exhibit great teamwork to achieve excellent results. 

At ATI, we provide an exceptional platform for people who want to achieve their highest potential and make a meaningful contribution in changing the country’s agricultural sector.  We offer rewarding work in a young, fast-paced growing organization with passionate, committed, motivated colleagues and excellent career development and training.  We recognize our most valuable assets are our staff and are committed to providing our employees with the tools, training, and mentorships necessary to achieve their career goals.

Position Summary

The Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI) is collaborating with the Ethiopian Agricultural Authority (EAA) as one of implementing partner of ISSSE project to enhance seed quality assurance, national seed policy, regulations, and legal frameworks. The mainstreaming of national and international procedures for seed testing is vital in the establishment of any seed testing laboratory to effectively regulate the national seed industry and international seed trade. As part of human capacity building and address one of critical gaps of EAA, ATI recruits one senior lab expert for EAA who will be seconded to the Ethiopian Agricultural Authority (EAA) based at Addis Ababa. The primary objective of the Lab. expert is to ensure functional and ISTA accredited EAA seed Laboratory supporting national seed industry, and international seed trade. Reporting Structure of  the STE II : Lab expert will report directly to EAA Director General/Deputy Director General, but matrix report to ISSSE project manager while maintaining close communication with the ISSSE project team. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Ensure ISTA Accredited EAA Lab. based on current state of ISTA accreditation policies and standards
  • Ensure accredited seed lab is financially autonomous through dialogue with Ministry of Finance (MOF) & Reginal Bureau Of Finance (RBOF)
  • Select regional seed labs based on the audit report result by EAA central Lab. and grant basic functionality trier level 
  • Establish a functional plan for the EAA Lab. and layout the existing and a newly procured laboratory equipment to international standard 
  • Ensure EAA Lab. alignment with existing national and international body such as International Seed Testing Association (ISTA), Ethiopian Accreditation Institute (EAI), and International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC).
  • Establish the seed laboratory management system for seed sampling and testing procedures and reporting.
  • Develop updated Lab. standards based on national and international standard
  • Develop procedures for each of the required compulsory tests that include germination, physical purity, moisture content and other seed tests according to International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) rules.
  • Provide practical training to EAA and regional laboratory personnel to improve human skills in seed testing. 

About You

Required Qualification, Competencies and Experience 

  • MSc degree in seed science & technology, agronomy, Applied biology or a related field. 
  • A minimum of 8 years proven experience in seed laboratory management, seed quality testing, seed laboratory standard and accreditation.
  • Good knowledge of ISTA Lab. accreditation procedures, ISTA seed sampling and testing protocols
  • Experience in setting up of seed testing laboratory equipment and sustainable management of laboratories.
  • Participating in international seed quality testing training is an added value.
  • Strong set of personal values including integrity, honesty, and desire to be of service.
  • Good knowledge of computer and presentation skills.
  • Proficiency in English and Amharic, and knowledge of the regional language is an advantage

Required Skills

  • Time management
  • Teamwork
  • Communication
  • Leadership

How To Apply

Application Instructions

We invite all candidates meeting the required qualifications to submit (i) a cover letter and (ii) a CV (maximum 5 pages) to http://apply.ata.gov.et

It is mandatory to mention the position title under the subject line of your cover letter.

Please DO NOT submit scans of certificates with your application.

 Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.