Seed Sector & PGRFA Strategy Consultant

Organizational Context

Mauritius faces challenges in food security and agricultural resilience due to climate change. The Ministry of Agro Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries (MAIFSBEF) has historically supported farmers with seeds. However, the sector now relies heavily on imported hybrid varieties. The government is strengthening the seed sector through the Seed Act (2013) and the Industrial Property Act (2019) for plant variety protection. Mauritius is also committed to the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA). Despite policy frameworks, gaps exist in technical know-how, infrastructure, and conservation of traditional varieties. FAO is assisting MAIFSBEF to modernize the seed system and enhance capacity in seed technology and plant genetic resources management.

Job Purpose

This consultancy aims to provide strategic leadership in strengthening Mauritius’ seed sector and plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA). The role involves in-depth policy and institutional analysis, developing national strategies and costed action plans, and ensuring alignment with international frameworks like the ITPGRFA. Key responsibilities include reviewing legislation and seed systems, assessing conservation infrastructure and germplasm management, facilitating stakeholder consultations, and guiding the formulation of strategies that integrate biodiversity conservation, sustainable use, and equitable benefit sharing. The consultant will ensure national priorities are supported by modernized, inclusive, and climate-resilient approaches to the seed system.

Responsibilities

The Consultant will provide technical guidance to the Ministry of Agro Industry and stakeholders for formulating and validating the PGRFA Strategy and Action Plan. This includes conducting an inception workshop, reviewing seed sector policies and regulations, and assessing institutional frameworks. The consultant will evaluate Mauritius’ compliance with the ITPGRFA and other international conventions, analyze the seed value chain to identify gaps and opportunities, and assess the status of national gene banks and conservation infrastructure. Field visits, stakeholder interviews, and consultations will inform preliminary findings presented to Technical Working Groups. The consultant will facilitate thematic working sessions, draft status reports for the seed sector and PGRFA, and guide the formulation of strategies and action plans. Additionally, the consultant will develop Standard Operating Procedures for seed conservation, draft regulations for Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS), and prepare various reports, including an end-of-assignment report detailing contributions and recommendations for sustainability.

Work Experience

A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience is required in seed systems, plant genetic resources conservation and utilization, and policy development, including agricultural legislation and institutional frameworks. Experience with international conventions related to plant genetic resources is also necessary.

Skills

The consultant should possess in-depth knowledge of plant genetic resources conservation and utilization, including ex-situ and in-situ methods. Experience in drafting national PGR strategies and action plans aligned with international obligations is crucial. Proven ability to implement regulatory frameworks for access and use of PGRFA, ensuring fair benefit-sharing, is required. Strong analytical and report-writing skills are essential, along with the ability to engage effectively with government agencies, farmers’ organizations, private sector actors, and development partners. Familiarity with agricultural policies in Mauritius and the Southern African region is an advantage. Knowledge of molecular techniques for germplasm characterization and conservation is an asset.

Explore related opportunities