National Agricultural Research and Seed Systems Coordinator — Food Systems Resilience Program for Eastern and Southern Africa (Phase 3) FSRP

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF SOMALIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND IRRIGATION REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (REOI) Country: Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) Name of the Project: Somalia Food Systems Resilience Project (S-FSRP) Assignment Title: National Agricultural Research and Seed Systems Coordinator Project ID : P177816 Deadline Date: 29th June 2026 Ref No. SO-MOAI-552668-CS-INDV 2. BACKGROUND The Somalia Food Systems Resilience Project (S-FSRP) is part of a regional Multiphase Programmatic Approach (MPA) financed by the World Bank and aimed at addressing food insecurity, climate vulnerability, and fragility in Somalia. The Project Development Objective (PDO) is to increase preparedness against food insecurity and improve resilience of food systems in targeted areas through investments that strengthen agricultural productivity, climate resilience, market systems, and institutional capacity. The Project is implemented by the Federal Government of Somalia through the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation (MoAI) in collaboration with Federal Member States (FMS), development partners, research institutions, and other relevant stakeholders. The Project supports interventions under key components including resilient agricultural production, sustainable natural resource management, market systems development, institutional strengthening, and project coordination. As Somalia continues to face recurrent droughts, floods, crop pests, and declining agricultural productivity, there is increasing demand for strengthened national agricultural research systems and improved access to quality seeds and climate-resilient technologies. Strengthening national research coordination, adaptive trials, seed systems regulation, and farmer access to improved varieties is critical to enhancing food systems resilience and agricultural transformation in Somalia. To strengthen agricultural research coordination, seed systems development, climate-smart technology generation, and partnerships with national and regional agricultural research institutions, the National Project Coordination Unit (NPCU) intends to recruit a qualified National Agricultural Research and Seed Systems Coordinator (NARSSC) under the Individual Consultant Selection (INDV) method. 2. Scope of Work and Responsibilities Coordinate development and implementation of national agricultural research agendas and seed systems strategies. Support strengthening of climate-smart seed systems, certification services, and seed grower networks. Coordinate adaptive research, field trials, and validation of Technologies, Innovations, and Management Practices (TIMPs). Facilitate collaboration between research institutions, universities, private sector, and development partners. Support establishment of agricultural research databases and dissemination of research outputs. Coordinate preparation of research grants, technical guidelines, and seed policy reviews. Support preparation and implementation of Annual Work Plans and Budgets (AWPBs). Coordinate closely with Federal and State Project Coordination Units and technical stakeholders. Support preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual project progress reports. Ensure compliance with World Bank procedures, Project Implementation Manual (PIM), and environmental and social standards. Provide technical backstopping and mentoring to national and state-level project teams. Undertake any other duties assigned by the National Project Coordinator. 3. The proposed duration for the assignment is twelve (12) calendar months from the start date. 4. Selection Criteria The selection shall be based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and skills, followed by an interview. The qualifications, experience, and competencies include: Master’s Degree in Agricultural Sciences, Seed Technology, Plant Breeding, Agronomy, Agricultural Research, Crop Science, Environmental Sciences, or related field from a recognized university. A PhD qualification in a relevant field will be an added advantage. Minimum 10 years of relevant professional experience in agricultural research administration and management. Demonstrated experience in seed systems strengthening, adaptive research, and climate-smart agriculture. Experience working with donor-funded projects, preferably World Bank-financed programs. Experience coordinating multi-stakeholder research partnerships and institutions. Strong understanding of Somali agricultural systems, research gaps, and policy frameworks. Strong leadership, coordination, and interpersonal skills. Excellent communication, analytical, and report writing skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and relevant technical software. Fluency in written and spoken English and Somali. Ability to work under pressure and undertake frequent field travel within Somalia. Strong understanding of the Somali institutional and development context Good analytical and technical report-writing skills Excellent communication skills: speaking, writing, and listening. Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and the Internet. Experience with managing a database system and software is desired. 5. The Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation Federal of Somalia now invites eligible consulting(“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the above-mentioned Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services and furnish the Curriculum Vitae (CV). 6. Attention of interested Consultants is drawn to section III, para 3.14,3.16 & 3.17 of the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers: Procurement in Investment Projects Financing Goods, Works, Non -Consulting and Consulting Services, July 2016, revised November 2017, August 2018, November 2020 and September 2023 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest. 7. A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Individual Consultant method set out in the World Bank Procurement Regulations. 8. Interested Consultants may obtain further information (in person or by e-mail) at the address below during office hours from 8.00 a.m.– 4.00 p.m. Saturday to Thursday except for public holidays. 9. Deadline for submission: Expressions of interest should be delivered in a written to the address below (in person or by e-mail) marked with the subject title of the position on or before 11:00am Mogadishu, Somalia, Date 29th June 2026 FSRP Project Office Procurement Mogadishu Somalia Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation Floor/ Room number:1 Email: procurement@fsrp.gov.so. copy Mubashir.fsrpsom@gmail.com City: Mogadishu Somalia Country: Somalia