The Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST) is a government agency established in 1990 by an Act of Parliament (Cap 211 as amended) with a mandate to develop and implement strategies for integration of Science and Technology into the national development process.

UNCST invites applications from suitably qualified Ugandans for the position below, based at its offices on Plot 6 Kimera Road, Ntinda, Kampala.

Position

Science Officer – Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS)

Department

Science, Technology & Innovation R&D Support (STIRDS)

Contract Duration

Two (2) Years

Job Purpose

To support the implementation and coordination of Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) activities at the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST) in accordance with national laws, regulations and international obligations.

The role promotes compliance with the Access and Benefit Sharing framework within Uganda’s Science, Technology and Innovation ecosystem while ensuring fair and equitable utilisation of genetic resources, biological resources and associated traditional knowledge.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Receive, screen and process applications for access to genetic resources, biological resources and associated traditional knowledge in accordance with the National ABS framework and applicable regulations.
• Facilitate issuance of Access Permits and support negotiation of Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs) and Mutually Agreed Terms (MAT) between resource providers and users.
• Support establishment and verification of Prior Informed Consent (PIC) from relevant stakeholders, communities and lead agencies before access is granted.
• Coordinate with lead agencies, local governments, communities and other stakeholders to ensure fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from utilisation of genetic and biological resources.
• Support implementation of Uganda’s obligations under:
  • Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
  • Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing.
  • Other relevant international instruments.
• Maintain and update a national register/database of ABS permits, agreements, resource providers, users and monitored transactions.
• Monitor compliance with terms and conditions of access permits, Material Transfer Agreements and benefit-sharing agreements.
• Follow up on cases of non-compliance, misuse of resources or biopiracy.
• Track utilisation of accessed genetic resources and traditional knowledge through checkpoints and the ABS Clearing-House to ensure benefits accrue to Uganda and provider communities.
• Support development, review and harmonisation of national ABS policies, laws, regulations, guidelines and administrative procedures.
• Sensitise and build capacity of researchers, institutions, communities and stakeholders on ABS requirements, rights and obligations.
• Contribute to protection and documentation of traditional knowledge associated with genetic resources held by local and indigenous communities.
• Liaise with National Focal Points, Competent National Authorities and the ABS Clearing-House at national and international levels.
• Support preparation of ABS-related reports and fulfil reporting obligations.
• Prepare technical reports, case files, statistics and briefs on ABS activities to inform Management and Council decision-making.
• Represent UNCST, as delegated, in national and international ABS-related meetings, negotiations and technical working groups.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the supervisor.

Job Requirements

Academic Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must possess:

• An Honours Bachelor’s Degree in any of the following fields:
  • Biological Sciences.
  • Biotechnology.
  • Botany.
  • Zoology.
  • Environmental Sciences.
  • Natural Resources Management.
  • Forestry.
  • Agricultural Sciences.
  • Any related science field from a recognised university/institution.

Added Advantage

• Postgraduate qualification (Postgraduate Diploma or Master’s Degree) in:
  • Biodiversity Conservation.
  • Environmental Law.
  • Natural Resources Management.
  • Intellectual Property.
  • Biotechnology.
  • Science and Technology Policy.
• Training or certification in:
  • Access and Benefit Sharing.
  • Nagoya Protocol.
  • Environmental law and compliance.
  • Negotiation.
  • Contract management.

Work Experience

Applicants must demonstrate:

• Minimum of three (3) years’ relevant working experience in:
  • Biodiversity management.
  • Environmental regulation.
  • Natural resources governance.
  • Research administration.
  • Any related field.
• Experience gained from a reputable public sector, research, academic or conservation organisation.
• Demonstrated experience in:
  • Permitting.
  • Compliance monitoring.
  • Agreement negotiation.
  • Community engagement on natural resource matters.
• Familiarity with Uganda’s ABS and biodiversity regulatory framework, including:
  • National Environment Act.
  • Access to Genetic Resources and Benefit Sharing Regulations.
  • Uganda’s obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and Nagoya Protocol.

Technical Competencies

Applicants should possess:

• Sound knowledge of ABS principles and instruments, including:
  • Prior Informed Consent (PIC).
  • Mutually Agreed Terms (MAT).
  • Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs).
  • Certificates of Compliance.
• Working knowledge of intellectual property rights and their relationship with genetic resources and traditional knowledge.
• Ability to appraise access applications, draft and review agreements and assess benefit-sharing arrangements for fairness and legal soundness.
• Capacity to conduct compliance monitoring, investigate suspected misappropriation (biopiracy) and prepare case documentation.
• Proficiency in records and database management, including web-based permitting systems and the ABS Clearing-House.
• Strong report writing, technical drafting and analytical skills for preparation of briefs, statistics and reports for Management and Council.
• Competence in standard ICT applications, including:
  • Word processing.
  • Spreadsheets.
  • Presentations.
  • Databases.