Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, the African Seed Trade Association (AFSTA) is a Seed Industry Organization promoting Sustainable Agricultural Development in Africa through effective and efficient use of high quality seed and planting material.

AFSTA is inviting applications from suitably qualified candidates for the position of Biotechnology Officer.

Title: Biotechnology Officer
Duty station: AFSTA Secretariat Office, Nairobi, Kenya

Duties and Responsibilities:

Reporting directly to the Secretary General of AFSTA, the Biotechnology Officer would be in charge of the following:

Articulate, package and disseminate AFSTA’s position on Biotechnology.Develop and implement AFSTA’s strategic plan and objectives at regional and national levels;Design, update and execute the overall strategy to educate NSTA’s and Seed Company members on the need for and safe use of agricultural biotechnology;Provide and coordinate technical support to enhance African seed industry’s capacity for Biosafety, advocacy and communication;Provide tools to empower African seed companies maximize on biotechnology choices and partnerships;Improve linkages between AFSTA and stakeholder groups including CropLife and its local affiliates, PBS, ISAAA, AATF, CGIAR and other related organizations both at national and regional levels;Constantly refresh the AFSTA website to be a practical and useful tool in the use of biotechnology, Risk assessment and management.Technical knowledge in Biotechnology and experience in agricultural seed sector development.Knowledge of international biotech related laws governing seed trade such as the Cartagena Protocol and the Convention on Biodiversity among others;Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team and in a challenging environmentGood interpersonal skills to communicate dearly and effectively at all levels;Excellent written and spoken English with basic working knowledge of French;Strong computer skills — MS Office applications, web design, and Internet.Application:

Send the application by electronic mail to the Secretary General, African Seed Trade Association (ASTA) at afsta@afsta.org with a copy to rasaona@yahoo.com before 30th October 2010 comprising of a detailed Curriculum Vitae with a recent passport size photograph and a cover letter

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