JOB DETAILS:

About Program/Project

The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Uganda (EKN-KAM) plans to invest in interventions that enhance access to quality seed by smallholder farmers (SHFs) thereby contributing to increased agricultural productivity, improved food security, strengthened business growth, increased incomes, creation of employment opportunities, and sustainable market-based growth in the seed sector. The intended project’s scope, goal and objectives, and principles of approach are aligned with the policy and results frameworks of the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, the Multi-Annual Country Strategy of EKN-KAM, and relevant policies and programs of the Government of Uganda.

The project will develop and implement strategies and interventions that enhance access to quality seed by smallholder farmers and commercial medium and large-scale farmers, thereby contributing to increased agricultural productivity, improved food security, strengthened business growth, increased incomes, creation of employment opportunities and sustainable market-based growth in the seed sector.

Goal of the Project

The goal of the project is to enhance resilience and increase smallholder farmers' agricultural productivity and income through the availability and use of quality seed.

Main Objectives of the Project

The overarching objective is that quality seed of new, improved, and adapted varieties are available and accessible to and utilized by SHFs in Uganda.

1. Increased quality, availability, affordability and use of QDS (quality declared seeds) and other farmer managed seeds by SHF.

2. Increased quality, affordability, availability and use of commercialized seeds.

3. Enhanced enabling environment leading to strengthened regulation, coordination, and investment in the seed sector through the development and strengthened capacity of institutions in the implementation of policy, regulation, and research and development in the seed sector that is vibrant, dynamic, pluralistic, and demand oriented.

Duration/ funding amount of the Project

• Five (5) Years with funding amount of 8 million Euros

Expected start date of Component 2 Lead: 15th of August 2025

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the technical development (including basic seed production) of QDS production for 10 major crops: potato, beans, sweet potato, sorghum, peanuts, cassava, simsim, and others (selected through a participatory process (PIP)
• Ensure that quality and reliability QDS certification process strengthened
• Ensure that the availability of basic genetic material for QDS production is improved
• Strengthen the role of PS actors (next to NARO) to produce basic/foundation material for QDS seed production at farmer level
• Strengthen and expand Local seed businesses/networks that produce quality and quantity QDS affordable for farmers
• Improv extension services and the role of LG in the certification process.
• Provide support to the Team Leader to provide expert technical oversight and guidance in all aspects of the program, including program monitoring, evaluation, and reporting.

Requirements

• A minimum of a master’s degree in a relevant field is required. Relevant fields include, but are not limited to Rural sociology, Agricultural Business, Crop Science, Project Management.
• Minimum 8 years’ experience with development projects or programs management and be able to steer component two.
• Minimum 8 years’ experience managing a program of similar size and scope.
• Demonstrated working experience with seed sector stakeholders e.g. seed companies, agri-input dealers, councils, local seed businesses (LSBs), and farmers. Experience with QDS variety systems and certification is a plus.
• Demonstrated understanding of the Ugandan agricultural context; specific seed sector experience preferred
• Proven track record of achieving development results in a similar context and working relationship with the Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands or EU
• Demonstrated ability to work and coordinate effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders, including national and local government, donors, farmers associations, universities, and the private sector
• Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills, including the ability to build and manage cooperative high-level relationships and motivate team members
• Spoken and written fluency in English