~ COORDINATOR: SEED SECURITY / ALTERNATIVES TO GENETIC ENGINEERING THEMATIC AREA ~
FOR THE AFRICAN BIODIVERSITY NETWORK (ABN)

INFORMATION
Position: Coordinator Seed Security and Alternatives to Genetic Engineering thematic area
Type: Full-time
Location: Africa Based – Kenya, South Africa or Ethiopia
Term: 1 year probationary period, three year commitment, extendable

The African Biodiversity Network (ABN) aims to promote biodiversity conservation and sustainable development, and protect local communities in Africa. It seeks to achieve this through promoting biodiversity-related rights, policy and legislation, and supporting viable ways forward for diverse livelihood systems. The ABN is an informal network of African NGOs and individuals, who are engaged in promoting these activities in Africa and strengthening alliances with like-minded others internationally. Specific objectives are: network support and development, capacity building, and catalysing wider action.

ABN’s work focuses on four thematic areas: seed security, alternatives to genetic engineering, cultural biodiversity, and community ecological governance. The work in each thematic area is led by a thematic coordinator. Since its origin, the ABN has successfully combined activities at the international level, with a strong presence at the regional and national levels, and strengthening work with local and community-level initiatives.

The ABN is now looking for a dynamic, energetic and skilful person who can take on the job of Coordinator of the seed security and alternatives to genetic engineering thematic area of the network.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Under the direction of the ABN steering group, responsibility for the overall coordination and further development of ABN’s seed security / alternatives to genetic engineering thematic area activities.
• Support partners and other groups in the region in their efforts and activities for seed diversity and against genetic engineering and, and facilitate regional communication and collaboration amongst them.
• Establish, develop and nurture new partnerships and collaborations with organisations active at the national and regional level in Africa.
• Monitor international and regional developments that affect farmers in Africa and their control and rights over biodiversity, and communicate them to the network.
• Maintain good communication and information flows within the network related to activities and developments on seed diversity and genetic engineering.
• Develop plans with partners and then manage the disbursement and allocation of funds according to workplans agreed at the annual meeting and adjust these throughout the year to best align with changing and emerging requirements.
• Complete activity and financial reports and respond to reporting and information requirements as needed by the secretariat and funding partners.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Experience in working with NGOs, networks and farmers organisations in Africa.
• Good knowledge and practical experience in the area of genetic engineering and seed security issues in Africa, both at the technical and political level.
• Excellent communication and writing skills in English.
• Affinity with ABN issues, values, processes, visions and goals.
• Ability to work autonomously as well as in a highly multicultural team.
• Good facilitation skills and ability to motivate groups and plan strategically.
• Willingness and ability to travel within Africa and abroad if required.
• Computer literate with the ability to use basic software packages, email and internet.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

The work can be performed from South Africa, Kenya, or Ethiopia, but a reliable communication infrastructure (phone and high-speed internet) is essential. Set up costs will be provided.

ABN seeks an initial three-year commitment for this position. Salary will be commensurate with experience. Starting date: late 2006 or early 2007 depending on what arrangements can be made with the successful candidate.

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants should send a CV and application letter to [email][email protected] no later then 30 September 2006. Applications must include full contact details, as well as the names and telephone numbers (including mobile phone, if possible) of three references.

Interviews will take place in mid-October. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted, so thank you in advance for your interest in the ABN.

Interview costs of short listed candidates will be met. Receipts will be required.