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 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 expertise and input to the Plant Breeding and Genetics (PBG) subprogramme with a focus on effective delivery of outputs to Member States on mutation breeding and related biotechnologies, as well as plant health innovations for climate-resilient crop improvement. The consultant will provide technical expertise to the sub-programme to design and implement projects, including Coordinated Research Projects (CRPs), in line with results-based management principles.

The consultant will provide technical input to the planning of an International Symposium on Mutation Breeding to be held in 2028, including stakeholder engagement, partnership development, publications and communication materials, supporting the strategic positioning and visibility. The consultant will offer technical expertise in designing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating ongoing and new donor funded and ongoing projects. Additionally, the consultant will play a key role in establishing and managing public-private sector partnerships. He/she will contribute to broader section's priorities, including the preparation of technical and programmatic publications, development of strategic partnerships, support for reports and presentations, and contributions to the Atoms4Food initiative.

Functions / Key Results Expected

• Identify and develop strategic partnerships (public and private) and support preparation of concept notes and technical proposals with a focus on plant breeding, plant health, and Atoms4Food. 
• Provided technical expertise on mutation breeding, plant health and biotechnologies particularly with design, implementation, and evaluation of projects aimed at improving climate change adaptation ensuring these follow results-based management principles and cover all phases up to project closure, including components related to plant breeding and biotechnologies.
• Provide technical expertise for visibility, outreach, and strategic positioning activities of the sub-programme through communication and engagement activities.
• Provide technical inputs and editorial review for reports, project documents, scientific publications, and knowledge products. 
• Provide technical/scientific expertise for the organisation of scientific meetings, including liaising with partners, stakeholders, and service providers.

Required Skills and Expertise

• Plant Breeding and Genetics

Qualifications, Experience and Language skills

• Advanced degree in biological or agricultural sciences

• Specialization in plant breeding, crop improvement, crop science, plant health or related field

• Minimum five years' experience in one or all of the following areas:

  • Demonstrated experience in project management, specifically within international organizations and/ or UN System.
  • Proven experience in climate-resilient agriculture, particularly in plant breeding and genetics, including the application of mutation breeding and related biotechnologies for crop improvement.
  • Proven experience in resource mobilization including preparing funding proposals concept notes, and technical reports for donor agencies and funding mechanisms.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop and manage strategic partnerships, including engagement with public and private sector stakeholders 
  • Track record of developing relevant strategic partnerships and alliances with key stakeholders. Ability to recommend and pursue opportunities for collaboration.
  • Experience in organizing and supporting technical events, including webinars, workshops, and technical meetings, as well as preparation of related technical materials and reports. 
  • Experience in programme design and implementation, including development of workplans, results frameworks, indicators, and performance tracking systems.

• Excellent 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.