Consultant – Plant Breeding and Genetics

This consultancy provides technical expertise to the Plant Breeding and Genetics subprogramme focusing on mutation breeding, biotechnologies, and plant health innovations for climate-resilient crop improvement. The consultant supports project design, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and strategic partnership development, including preparation for an International Symposium on Mutation Breeding in 2028.

Responsibilities

• Identify and develop strategic partnerships (public and private) and support preparation of concept notes and technical proposals focusing on plant breeding, plant health, and Atoms4Food
• Provide technical expertise on mutation breeding, plant health and biotechnologies with design, implementation, and evaluation of projects aimed at improving climate change adaptation following results-based management principles
• 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

Requirements

• 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: project management within international organizations and/or UN System
• Proven experience in climate-resilient agriculture, particularly in plant breeding and genetics, including 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 and ability to recommend and pursue collaboration opportunities
• Experience in organizing and supporting technical events such as webinars, workshops, and technical meetings, including 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

Skills

• Plant Breeding
• Crop Improvement
• Mutation Breeding
• Biotechnologies for Crop Improvement
• Climate-Resilient Agriculture
• Project Management
• Resource Mobilization
• Funding Request Preparation
• Technical Report Preparation
• Strategic Partnership Development
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Programme Design
• Workplan Development
• Results Frameworks
• Performance tracking
• Technical Event Organization
• Workshop Facilitation
• Webinar Coordination
• Monitoring and Evaluation

Languages

English