Consultant – Plant Breeding and Genetics

Organizational Setting

The Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications implements the IAEA’s Major Programme 2, “Nuclear Techniques for Development and Environmental Protection”. This Major Programme comprises individual programmes on food and agriculture, human health, water resources, environment and radiation technologies. These programmes are supported by laboratories in Seibersdorf, Monaco and Vienna. The Major Programme’s objective is to enhance the capacity of Member States to meet basic human needs and to assess and manage the marine and terrestrial environments through the use of nuclear and isotopic techniques in sustainable development programmes.

The Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture assists Member States of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the IAEA in using nuclear techniques and related technologies to improve food security, alleviate poverty and promote sustainable agriculture. The Joint Centre consists of five Sections, each with an associated laboratory (located in Seibersdorf, 45 km south-east of Vienna), in the areas of: animal production and health; plant breeding and genetics; insect pest control; soil and water management and crop nutrition; and food safety and control.

The Plant Breeding and Genetics Section and Laboratory assist Member States with the development of mutation induction methodologies and integrated applications of mutation breeding techniques for crop improvement and biodiversity, contributing to the sustainable intensification of crop production systems.

Main Purpose

This consultancy will provide technical advice to the Plant Breeding and Genetics (PBG) subprogramme by focusing on projects related to mutation induction for better adaptation to climate change. The consultant will offer technical expertise in designing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating these projects. Additionally, the consultant will play a key role in establishing and managing public-private sector partnerships. Responsibilities also include preparing newsletters, updating databases, and drafting briefing notes.

Functions / Key Results Expected

• Identify and Develop Partnerships: Identify new partnership opportunities (public-private sector) and potential extra-budgetary resources in plant breeding and genetics. Provide technical expertise to foster these partnerships, particularly those focused on plant mutation breeding and adaptation to climate change.
• Mutation Breeding and Biotechnologies for Intensification of Agricultural Production Systems: Provide technical/ expertise in the design, implementation, and evaluation of crop improvement projects aimed at improving climate change adaptation. Ensure these projects follow results-based management principles and cover all phases up to project closure, including components related to plant breeding and biotechnologies.
• Technical Input and Editorial Review: Provide technical inputs and perform editorial reviews for reports, projects and publications related to Plant Breeding and Genetics and relevant biotechnologies.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Project Management
• Creating Visibility for the Organization an asset

Qualifications and Experience

• University degree (bachelors) in biological or agricultural sciences with specialization in plant breeding, crop improvement, crop science or related field.
• Minimum two years of combined experience in any of the following areas:
  • Demonstrated experience in project management, specifically within the UN System.
  • Experience working on climate change issues, particularly in plant breeding and genetics for crop improvement.
  • Proven experience in preparing funding proposals and reports for funding agencies and donor countries, including PUI.
  • Experience in building partnerships, especially with the private sector.
  • Experience in designing and implementing programmes and projects.

• Track record of developing relevant strategic partnerships and alliances with key stakeholders. Ability to recommend and pursue opportunities for collaboration.
• Good oral and written command of English. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) is an asset.

Remuneration

The remuneration for this consultancy is a daily fee of up to a maximum of € 250, based on qualifications and experience. In case duty travel is required within the assignment, a daily subsistence allowance (DSA) and travel costs are provided. Health coverage and pension fund are the responsibility of the incumbent.