Terms of References
of the recruitment of a Technical
Advisor to the Rwanda National Gene Bank
1.
Background
The Rwanda
Agriculture Board (RAB)
is a government institution located in Kigali, with the national mandate to
provide research and extension services in order to improve agriculture.
Among other
missions, RAB is in charge of implementing’ the Rwanda Seed Initiative financed
by the program “Support to the SPAT II: market oriented advisory services
and quality seeds”, funded by the Kingdom of Belgium, under the project
number RWA 090711. The initiative is implemented in RAB through its four
Agricultural Zone Divisions (Southern, Northern, Eastern and Western).
In order to
complement and strengthen agricultural research in the crop, forestry and
livestock sector, the Government of Rwanda has invested in a state of the art
Gene Bank facility located at Rubona Research Station (Southern Agriculture
Zone Division). The infrastructure has been equipped to undertake Ex-situ
conservation of Rwandan genetic diversity of economic importance. The gene bank
is first intended to provide safe custody for cultivated crop varieties of
Rwanda.
The Gene Bank is
managed by a Rwandan curator and it is envisioned that the Rwanda National Gene
Bank will be a standalone functional institute identifying resources and
putting Rwanda into compliance with Nagoya Protocol on Access to genetic
resources
Intra- and
inter-specific variation for the benefit of farmers.
-To broaden the
genetic base of crops and assist the Curator in conserving all national
varieties grown by farmers and or released by the variety release committee.
-To strengthen linkages and collaborations between the Rwanda National Gene
bank and International Centres for Genetic Resources.
-To ensure maintenance of the National Genebank equipment, including requests
for repairs and maintenance as well as requests for procurement of laboratory
consumables.
-To plan and coordinate in accordance with the Curator the implementation of
the budgeted activities as conservation of in situ and ex-situ collections
characterization, evaluation of national plant genetic material and
documentation.
-To prepare proposed planning, financial budgeting to RAB and SP SPAT II in
assistance with the Curator.
-To assist the Curator in management of financial processes and transactions in
accordance with RAB and SP SPAT II.
The
Technical Advisor shall:
-Mentor all
technical staff at the Rwanda National Gene Bank, for sustainable gene bank
operations.
-Backstop all activities of the Genebank financed under the BTC/SPAT2 programme
-Prepare quarterly and annual progress reports on the activities at the RNGB to
RAB and SP arising from their utilization to the convention on Biological
Diversity (CBD) requirements as well as implementing the International Treaty
on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture provisions. The building of
the Rwanda National Gene bank in Huye District was supported by the Belgian
Development Agency (BTC) in agreement with the Government of Rwanda (GOR). The
facility has been equipped with laboratory equipment that will start up the
operations of the National Gene Bank.
For the full
implementation of the Rwanda National Gene Bank and execution of the Rwanda
Seed Initiative, the Rwanda Agriculture Board is currently recruiting the
following position:
Technical
Advisor to the Rwanda National Genebank (RNGB).
2. Function
of the Technical Advisor to the Rwanda National GeneBank
-To assist and
advise the Curator of the Gene bank on a daily basis.
-To work as a Technical Advisor to the Rwanda National Gene Bank to plan and
support the daily activities under RAB with support from BTC/SPAT II.
3. Tasks and
responsibilities
Reporting to the DDG
Research, the Technical Advisor shall provide technical support to the local
management team and perform the following tasks and responsibilities:
-To guide regularly
the management of the RNGB and formulate directions and strategies for the Rwanda
National Gene bank.
-To elaborate a 5 years plan for the RNGB;
-To identify capacity building needs and propose trainings and seminars for the
national staff
-To create and strengthen linkages between the Rwanda National Gene bank and
the national research programs in order to reduce crop vulnerability and
genetic erosion.
-To strengthen research that enhances and conserves biological diversity by
maximizing
-Undertake any Other assignments as may be directed by the Director General of
RAB.
4. Profile
-PhD or Master in
Plant Breeding, Biodiversity Conservation or any other related discipline from
a recognized university with at least 5 years practical experience in the field
of Gene Bank management and development and/or genetic resources conservation.
-Experience working in multidisciplinary teams and international experience are
assets.
-Excellent communication skills in English; working experience in French is an
asset, but not a must.
5. Work
duration:
The length of the
assignment will be 1 year starting preferable from 1st December 2013. It may be
renewable subject to the performance, need and budget.
6. Remuneration:
The Technical
Advisor will be offered an attractive package as to experience.
7. Location:
The position is at
Rwanda National Gene Bank Rwanda in Rubona Station, Southern Agriculture Zone
Division with frequent visits to Kigali.
Application:
Before 04/12/2013
Contact address:
Rwanda Agriculture
Board (RAB)
P.O. Box 5016, Kigali – Rwanda
E-mail:
rabprocurement@gmail.com, copy to: mliberathe@yahoo.fr