The Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI) is collaborating with the Ethiopian Agricultural Authority (EAA) as one of implementing partner of ISSSE project to enhance seed quality assurance, national seed policy, regulations, and legal frameworks. The mainstreaming of national and international procedures for seed testing is vital in the establishment of any seed testing laboratory to effectively regulate the national seed industry and international seed trade. As part of human capacity building and address one of critical gaps of EAA, ATI recruits one senior lab expert for EAA who will be seconded to the Ethiopian Agricultural Authority (EAA) based at Addis Ababa. The primary objective of the Lab. expert is to ensure functional and ISTA accredited EAA seed Laboratory supporting national seed industry, and international seed trade. Reporting Structure of  the STE II : Lab expert will report directly to EAA Director General/Deputy Director General, but matrix report to ISSSE project manager while maintaining close communication with the ISSSE project team.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct advanced seed testing procedures in compliance with ISTA standards.

• Conduct proficiency testing in alignment with International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) and the Association of Official Seed Analysts (AOSA) standards to support seed quality assurance.

• Participate in internal audits and assist with external audits to maintain accreditation status.

• Operate laboratory equipment for mixing, subsampling, and weighing seeds, ensuring proper maintenance of all lab tools.

• Identify and categorize various seed species, conducting physical purity tests, noxious weed content examinations, and germination assessments.

• Maintain accurate records of seed tests, interpret lab results, and report any discrepancies for regulatory action.

• Ensure that all laboratory processes adhere to ISTA accreditation requirements and international testing protocols.

• Train laboratory staff on testing protocols, equipment operation, and safety procedures.

• Oversee daily operations of EAA seed testing laboratory, ensuring compliance with ISTA standards and quality assurance protocols.

• Ensure ISTA Accredited EAA Lab. based on current state of ISTA accreditation policies and standards, and EAA Lab. alignment with existing national and international body such as International Seed Testing Association (ISTA), Ethiopian Accreditation Institute (EAI), and International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC).

• Ensure accredited seed lab is financially autonomous through dialogue with Ministry of Finance (MOF) & Reginal Bureau Of Finance (RBOF)

• Select regional seed labs based on the audit report result by EAA central Lab. and grant basic functionality trier level

• Establish a functional plan for the EAA Lab. and layout the existing and a newly procured laboratory equipment to international standard

• Maintain relationships and communications with international and national seed sector stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, research institutions, and seed industry partners.

Job Requirements

• A minimum of MSc degree in seed science & technology, Plant Science, Agronomy, Applied biology or a related field.

• A minimum of 8 years relevant experience in seed testing or laboratory management with a proven track record of compliance with ISTA standards in seed sampling, seed proficiency testing, and accreditation.

• Advanced knowledge of ISTA Lab. accreditation procedures, ISTA seed sampling and testing protocols

• Advanced knowledge in identifying and categorizing various seed species, conducting physical purity tests, noxious weed content examinations, and germination assessments

• Experience in setting up of seed testing laboratory equipment and sustainable management of laboratories.

• Participating in international seed quality testing training especially ISTA certificate is an added value.

• Strong set of personal values including integrity, honesty, and desire to be of service.

• Good knowledge of computer and presentation skills.

• Proficiency in English and Amharic, and knowledge of the regional language is an advantage

How to Apply

Application Instructions

We invite all candidates meeting the required qualifications to submit (i) a cover letter and (ii) a CV (maximum 5 pages) to THIS LINK

It is mandatory to mention the position title under the subject line of your cover letter.

Please DO NOT submit scans of certificates with your application.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.