Seed Sector & PGRFA Strategy Consultant

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. The project will work closely with public sector institutions, private seed companies, research organizations, and farming communities to develop a resilient, integrated seed sector that ensures availability and accessibility of high-quality seeds for all farmers in Mauritius.

For the purpose of this assignment, private-sector contributions may include cash investments, equipment, technologies, data, services, logistics, staff time, market access arrangements, or other monetizable in kind inputs, provided that such contributions are clearly documented, attributable to the partnership, and agreed by the parties.

Reporting Lines

The Consultant 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

Provide strategic leadership in strengthening Mauritius’ seed sector and plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA). The role emphasizes policy and institutional analysis, development of national strategies and costed action plans, and alignment with international frameworks such as ITPGRFA. Core focus areas include reviewing legislation and seed systems, assessing conservation infrastructure and germplasm management, facilitating stakeholder consultations, and guiding formulation of strategies that integrate biodiversity conservation, sustainable use, and equitable benefit sharing. The consultant will ensure that national priorities are supported by modernized frameworks and inclusive approaches, contributing to a resilient and climate adapted seed system.

Tasks and responsibilities

The Consultant will provide technical guidance and support to the Ministry of Agro Industry and key stakeholders for all activities related to the formulation and validation of the PGRFA Strategy and Action Plan. The incumbent with the support of the Project Coordinator and members of the technical working Group, will undertake the following:

•     Conduct an inception workshop (Seed Sector including PGRFA) to present project objectives and mobilize stakeholders. 
•     Review all seed sector policies, acts, and regulations, and assess institutional frameworks and stakeholder roles. 
•     Assess Mauritius’ compliance with ITPGRFA and other international conventions, and evaluate national obligations. 
•     Analyze the seed value chain from production to distribution, identifying gaps and opportunities for improvement, including potential for local seed production and barcoding systems. 
•     Assess the current status of the National Seed Gene Bank (NSGB), National Field Gene Bank (NFGB), NPPO, and other institutions involved in genetic resources conservation. 
•     Evaluate conservation infrastructure, storage facilities, and existing protocols for germplasm management. 
•     Conduct field visits to conservation sites and seed facilities to document practices and identify areas for improvement. 
•     Conduct informant interviews and stakeholder consultations to gather insights and validate findings. 
•     Present preliminary findings to Technical Working Groups (TWGs) and FAO Programme Coordinator for discussion and refinement. 
•     Facilitate thematic working sessions to address specific issues in both seed systems and PGRFA. 
•     Draft the Seed Sector Status Report and the PGRFA Status Report, incorporating stakeholder inputs, and present findings for validation.
•     Facilitate validation workshops for both reports and incorporate feedback into the final documents. 
•     Guide the formulation of the Seed Sector Strategy & Action Plan and the PGRFA Conservation Strategy & Costed Action Plan, ensuring alignment with national priorities and international best practices. 
•     Draft an Action Plan for germplasm collection, characterization, and regeneration. 
•     Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for seed conservation (drying, viability testing, storage). 
•     Draft regulations and protocols for Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) in line with international/regional treaties and national legislation. 
•     Prepare and submit workshop and consultation reports. 
•     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 crop science, seed technology, genetics, plant breeding, biodiversity conservation 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 systems, plant genetic resources conservation, utilization, and policy development, including agricultural legislation and institutional frameworks. 
•     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

Selection Criteria

•     In depth knowledge of plant genetic resources (PGR) conservation and utilization, including ex‑situ and in‑situ methods.
•     Experience in drafting national PGR strategies and action plans aligned with regional and international obligations.
•     Proven ability to implement regulatory frameworks governing access and use of PGRFA, ensuring fair and equitable benefit‑sharing in line with the ITPGRFA.
•     Academic background in genetics, plant breeding, or biodiversity conservation, with references to implemented projects.
•     Knowledge of molecular techniques for germplasm characterization and conservation (asset).
•     Ability to conduct policy and institutional reviews related to biodiversity and plant genetic resources.
•     Professional experience in programme design, planning, budgeting, and monitoring of PGR conservation projects.
•     Demonstrated collaboration with government agencies, NGOs, farmer groups, and development partners on biodiversity initiatives.
•     Familiarity with inclusive and gender‑sensitive approaches in conservation and resource management.
•     Strong organizational and coordination skills.
•     Capacity to work independently with minimal supervision.
•     Excellent analytical and report‑writing skills.
•     Ability to engage effectively with government agencies, farmers’ organizations, private sector actors, and development partners.
•     Familiarity with agricultural policies and programmes in Mauritius and the Southern African region.
•     Experience working with FAO or other UN agencies (advantage).