Technical Advisor - Seed Systems (Secondment to MINAGRI)

About the role

IITA, the executing agency of the TAAT program funded by the African Development Bank, is calling for expressions of interest for an individual consultant as Technical Advisor - Seed Systems. The consultant will be seconded to Rwanda's Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) to lead and coordinate the project "Building a Sustainable Private Sector-Led Seed Sector in Rwanda's Food Basket Sites". The aim is to strengthen Rwanda's seed sector through a market-driven, private-sector-led approach, supporting youth Agripreneurs in certified maize seed production and basic seed potato multiplication.

Key responsibilities

• Liaise with the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) and the Rwanda Inspectorate, Competition and Consumer Protection Authority (RICA) to harmonize seed certification protocols.
• Provide technical leadership in developing sustainable, market-driven seed systems, working closely with MINAGRI and national stakeholders.
• Coordinate project planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting across target Food Basket Sites.
• Strengthen partnerships with government institutions, financial institutions, private seed companies, Farmer Service Centers and youth Agripreneurs.
• Ensure production and delivery of high-quality certified seed of priority crops, especially maize, rice and potato.
• Facilitate seed demand forecasting and seed balance sheets at district level.
• Support youth enterprises' business development and link them with anchor farmers and companies, and ensure they have access to extension services.
• Support MINAGRI on seed business matters and technology transfer to FOBASIs.

Required profile

• Master's degree in Agronomy, Seed Science, Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics or a related field.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in seed systems, agribusiness or agricultural value chain development.
• Proven experience in project coordination and implementation, and strong understanding of seed production, certification and extension systems.
• Experience working with government, private sector and farmer organizations.
• At least 3 years of experience in East Africa with knowledge of local seed markets; residence in Rwanda is an added advantage.
• Fluency in English, the working language.