Seed Health and Molecular Diagnostics Specialist

Organizational Setting

Mauritius faces significant challenges in ensuring food security and agricultural resilience in the context of climate change. Seed is a fundamental input for agricultural production, and improving accessibility to high-quality seeds is essential for increasing crop productivity. The Ministry of Agro Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries (MAIFSBEF), through its Agricultural Services department, has historically played a vital role in producing and supplying vegetable seeds and propagating materials of locally adapted varieties to farmers at subsidized prices. However, the seed sector has evolved considerably over recent decades, with farmers increasingly relying on high-yielding hybrid varieties imported by private companies. Currently, imported seeds and farm-saved seeds collectively constitute approximately 75% of the national seed requirement.

The Government of Mauritius has demonstrated strong commitment to strengthening the seed sector through policy development. The Seed Act (2013), which came into force in September 2024, establishes a regulatory framework for seed quality assurance, implemented by the National Seeds Committee and National Plant Varieties and Seeds Office (NPVSO). Additionally, the Industrial Property Act (2019), effective since 2023, provides for plant variety protection to encourage introduction and development of improved varieties. Mauritius has also been a Contracting Party to the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) since 2003, demonstrating commitment to conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources. The National Seed Gene Bank (NSGB) and National Field Gene Bank (NFGB), operating under MAIFSBEF, currently maintain 492 seed accessions and 202 plant collections as ex-situ conservation measures.

Despite this policy framework, significant gaps persist in the seed sector. These include limited technical know-how across the value chain for modern seed sector development, inadequate infrastructure including refrigeration units at the 40-year-old National Seed Bank, insufficient expertise in conventional and molecular techniques for seed-borne disease identification at the National Plant Protection Office (NPPO), and marginalization of traditional landraces and wild relatives essential for climate resilience. The conservation and use of plant genetic resources require modernization through biotechnological tools and establishment of a comprehensive Seed Information Management System (SIS). Traditional varieties that could provide critical traits for climate adaptation have been largely replaced by imported hybrids, representing a loss of genetic diversity that threatens long-term food security.
In response to these challenges, MAIFSBEF is seeking assistance from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations through this Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) to build capacity in seed technology and plant genetic resources management. The project aims to modernize Mauritius’ seed system through introduction of new technological methods, improved conservation infrastructure, enhanced policy frameworks, and strengthened institutional capacity, thereby contributing to national food security efforts in the face of climate change. Four consultants will be recruited to cover the key areas as follows, Seed Sector Strategy & Action Plan, Plant Genetic Resources Strategy & Action Plan, Seed Health and Biotechnology and Seed Information System.  The Seed Health and Biotechnology Consultant will be expected to introduce and adapt molecular and biotechnological tools for seed health diagnostics, while also designing and delivering training modules to build national expertise in advanced laboratory techniques.
Reporting lines

The Specialist will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative for Madagascar, Comoros, Mauritius and Seychelles, and his Deputy in charge of programmes. The incumbent will work in close technical supervision of the National Project Coordinator and the LTO of the project to meet the project deliverables and expected outcomes of this assignment.

Technical Focus

Advanced expertise in seed health diagnostics, with emphasis on conventional and molecular techniques. The role centers on strengthening laboratory capacity, developing and adapting SOPs for seed health testing, and building national technical skills through training and mentoring. Core focus areas include molecular characterization, disease diagnostics, laboratory management, and knowledge transfer to ensure sustainable seed health systems.

Tasks and responsibilities

The Seed Health and Molecular Diagnostics Specialist will provide technical guidance and support to the Ministry of Agro Industry and key stakeholders for all activities related to the upgrading, operationalization, and capacity building of the Seed Health and Biotechnology laboratory.

The incumbent will undertake the following:

•     Assess current NPPO laboratory capacity, infrastructure, and technical needs with regards to conventional and molecular techniques for seed health diagnosis.
•     Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs/Protocols) for seed sampling, molecular characterization (DNA extraction, PCR, electrophoresis), and seed health screening (conventional/molecular seed health testing methodologies and seed borne diseases detection protocols).
•     Work with Technical Working Group to adapt SOPs to the local context.
•     Provide input on equipment specifications and procurement if required.
•     Train national staff on SOP/protocols development and application.
•     Conduct a Train-the-Trainer program for approximately 20 technical staffs, including theoretical modules and practical hands-on training on molecular characterization (DNA extraction, PCR, electrophoresis), and seed health screening (conventional/molecular seed health testing methodologies and seed borne diseases detection protocols).
•     Mentor trainees during supervised practice sessions, and conduct final certification of master trainers.
•     Develop a trainer cascade plan to ensure knowledge transfer across institutions.
•     Ensure all SOPs/protocols are finalized, adopted, and integrated into laboratory operations.
•     Review training materials and curriculum to ensure quality and relevance.
•     Provide remote mentoring as and when required.
•     Finalize training reports, including evaluation of outcomes and recommendations for sustainability.
•     Review project outputs, including draft reports and final documents, ensuring compliance with FAO standards and national requirements.
•     Submit an end-of-assignment report detailing contributions, outcomes, and recommendations for sustainability.
•     Perform any other related duties and activities required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements  

•     Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Seed Health and Biotechnology, molecular biology, seed pathology or related fields; Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
•     Minimum 5 years of relevant professional experience in Seed Health and Biotechnology, molecular diagnostics, and seed health testing.
•     Working knowledge of English and knowledge of French will be an asset.

FAO Core Competencies

•     Results Focus
•     Teamwork
•     Communication
•     Building Effective Relationships
•     Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Experience in project planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting. 
•     Knowledge of results-based management (RBM) and monitoring and evaluation systems. 
•     Experience in organizing workshops, training sessions, and stakeholder consultations. 
•     Ability to prepare technical and progress reports. 
•     Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).