Call for Proposals - Component 3 Lead : Seed Commercialization - Uganda

About IFDC

IFDC is a public international organization active in 27 countries in Africa, Asia, and America. IFDC uniquely approaches the global issues of food security and poverty by bridging the gap between research and impact, combining science-based innovations, holistic market systems development, an enabling policy environment, and strategic partnerships to assist farmers and countries to identify and scale sustainable agricultural solutions, including improved nutrient use efficiency. These approaches are needed to boost soil health and crop productivity while reducing the environmental impact of fertilizer use. IFDC translates research into action by using locally driven, environmentally sound, and impact-oriented solutions. With our partners, we seek to close the yield gap, eradicate global hunger, safeguard the soil on which our lives depend, and generate economic resilience for farming households and the countries in which they live.

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 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 3 Lead : 15

of August 2025

Responsibilities

Develop strategies for the introduction of climate resistant varieties

Build partnerships between local and international (Dutch) seed companies and their distributors, NGOs, and foundations

Stimulate seed companies to find ways to share foundation material for LSBs for non-hybrid crops.

Stimulate seed companies to engage LSB for the last mile production of seed to enhance availability, affordability and uptake at village level

Develop strategies to combat poor quality seeds (counterfeits) in the market

Implement strategies to increase quality, diversity and affordability of quality seed, leading to increased utilization by SHF.

Implement and develop demonstrations and access to insurance

Develop outlet market systems, including remote areas for seed companies

Engage in dialogues on new policies, piloting reforms to procedures of import, quarantine, variety release and protection, and seed certification, intern- / traineeships, transferring knowledge and skills to local entrepreneurs like seedling or young plant raisers, and improving labor conditions

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 Agricultural Business, Seed science, Project Management and Business Administration

Minimum 8 years’ experience with development projects or programs management and be able to steer component three.

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 competitive variety introduction, variety certification and variety releases together with public and private stakeholders is preferred.

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

Reporting and Work Relationships

The Component lead will report to the Project Team leader

Location

Uganda

Benefits

I FDC's benefits include annual and sick leave, health and group life insurance coverage, a 13th-month salary, social security and pension contribution in compliance with local laws and end-of-contract benefits.

Salary Clause

The salary grade for this position is BG9 with  a  monthly  salary of UGX 7216487.917 .

The determination of new employee salaries takes into account various factors. These include the salary range linked to the assigned job grade, the candidate's qualifications in relation to the job's responsibilities and prerequisites, internal fairness, the competitive state of the job market, as well as potential organizational and budgetary considerations.

Diversity Clause

IFDC is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe in the value of bringing together people with a broad range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. All employment decisions at IFDC are made on the basis of ability, performance, and organizational need, in alignment with our values of fairness, respect, and opportunity for all.

Required Skills

Required Experience