Readvertisement - Project Officer - Consultant

Reports to: Scientist – Seed System Specialist/Country Coordinator - Pakistan Location: Aleppo , Syria Purpose of the position The objective is to support key national partners including the General Organization for Seed Multiplication (GOSM) and the General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR), in coordination with ICARDA to (i) conduct a rapid seed system security assessment and design an emergency seed assistance program in Aleppo, Hama, Homs, and Idlib (and where feasible other areas); (ii) strengthen early generation seed (EGS) supply for priority cereals and legumes; and (iii) rehabilitate and strengthen capacity for certified seed production, quality assurance, and related services. The Consultant will assist in providing technical and implementation support to deliver the project activities and deliverables. About ICARDA The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) is a treaty-based international non-profit research organization supported by CGIAR. ICARDA’s mission is to reduce poverty, enhance food, water, and nutritional security, as well as environmental health in the face of global challenges including climate change. We do this through innovative science, strategic partnerships, linking research to development and capacity development that take into account gender equality and the role of youth in transforming the dry areas. ICARDA works in partnership with governments, universities, civil society, national agricultural research organization, other CGIAR Research Centers, and the private sector. With its temporary Headquarters in Beirut, Lebanon, ICARDA operates in regional and country offices across Africa, Asia and the Middle East. For more information: www.icarda.org Main responsibilities · Assist in formulating/designing and digitalizing the needs assessment questionnaire and related data collection tools (including a digitized survey form and guidance for enumerators). · Facilitate the development of the assessment methodology and sampling plan and participate in rapid seed system security assessment in Aleppo, Hama, Homs, and Idlib governorates (and where feasible other areas), in close coordination with GOSM and GCSAR. · Support compilation of an inventory of recently released climate-resilient Syrian crop varieties (e.g., bread/durum wheat, barley, chickpea, lentil, faba bean), including inspection of seed production sites and verification of compliance with national seed quality standards (as applicable and feasible). · Assist in technical coordination to secure breeder seed and pre-basic seed and plan EGS multiplication activities with relevant partners and sites (including ICARDA Research Station at Tal-Hadya and national partner stations). · Provide technical oversight and documentation support for EGS production steps (e.g., nucleus material handling/planting, breeder seed production, and pre-basic/basic seed planning) consistent with partner mandates. · Provide post-distribution technical backstopping and monitoring guidance, including follow-up on seed use, planting, and emergence. · Conduct/coordinate awareness and sensitization activities (e.g., field days) for seed producers, processors, and marketers on quality standards, handling, and storage practices. · Participate in drafting and finalizing the Seed System Assessment Report, including prioritized recommendations for the design of an emergency seed assistance program (targeting 2,000–3,000 farmers as per project targets). · Coordinate with local authorities and community structures to facilitate transparent identification of eligible small-scale farmers and returning refugees for seed pack distribution. · Assist in training and capacity building programs of the project, including developing training materials and short training modules. Key outputs to be delivered · Assist in the digitized needs assessment questionnaire and data collection package prior to field deployment · Assist in rapid Seed System Security Assessment Report for Aleppo, Hama, Homs, and Idlib (and other feasible areas), including analysis and recommendations for design of the emergency seed assistance program. · Support in stakeholder mapping and seed source/cultivar identification note summarizing potential suppliers and prioritized locally adapted varieties/cultivars. · Facilitate GOSM facilities needs assessment report (seed production, processing, storage, quality assurance), including validated findings and prioritized recommendations. · Assist in EGS technical support documentation (inventory support summary, demonstration site documentation, and technical backstopping notes as applicable). · Support in Training/field day materials and brief reports (agendas, participant lists, key topics, and recommendations) for quality standards/handling/storage, seed health management, and good agricultural practices (as applicable under Outputs 1 and 3). · Assist in monthly progress updates (1–2 pages) summarizing activities conducted, outputs delivered, issues/risks, and next steps. Education, qualifications, and experience · Advanced university degree in seed science/technology, plant breeding, agricultural economics, or a closely related field. · At least 2-5 years of relevant experience in seed systems (including seed security assessments, seed value chain analysis, and/or emergency seed assistance programming). · Demonstrated experience with design and implementation of rapid assessments, including digitized data collection tools and data quality assurance. · Technical knowledge of seed quality assurance, certification systems, seed health management, and post-harvest seed operations (cleaning, grading, storage). · Experience supporting EGS/certified seed production programs, including coordination with research and seed multiplication institutions. · Proven ability to facilitate stakeholder consultations, trainings/field days, and produce high-quality technical reports. · Strong communications skills, including interpersonal and drafting skills in English, is a must, strong proficiency in Arabic. · Early to mid-career staff are encouraged to apply. Terms of appointment, salary, and benefits This position is only open to Syrian nationals. The successful candidate will be offered a 11-month consultancy contract on a full-time basis, renewable subject to continued need for the position based on the project. The Incumbent will be provided with a monthly honorarium. Please be advised that ICARDA accepts applications only in English, as per the organization's standard communication language. Applications in other languages will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.