Quality Assurance Officer

The posting

Location: Nakaseke,Mkoa wa Kati,Uganda

About BRAC Enterprise Uganda Limited (BSBE)

BRAC Social Enterprises (BSBE) Uganda Limited was established in 2010 as a not for-profit venture to produce and distribute quality seeds, planting and stock material to vulnerable communities. In 2014, it transitioned to a fully-fledged commercial enterprise and expanded its services to field crop seeds research and certified seed processing, packaging, sales, marketing and distribution. In support of its social objective to improve employment opportunities, promote good agronomic behaviors and increase income among vulnerable communities, BSBE works with smallholder farmers as contract growers (about 45% are women and youth) to produce and multiply quality seeds. Seeds purchased from contract growers are then processed and packaged at BSBE’s seed processing plant, before distribution through a hybrid network of agro-dealers and other partners. BSBE operates under BRAC International Enterprises B.V., a fully owned subsidiary of Stitching BRAC International. BIEBV is a socially responsible for profit organization dedicated to scaling impactful and sustainable social enterprises that contribute to BRAC International’s social mission while generating profits that further support scale and impact. While BSBE is a separately registered for-profit company in Uganda, it originally grew out of BRAC International’s NGO in Uganda and BSBE continues to work closely with the NGO.

Position (1): Quality Assurance Officer

Job Location: Brac Seed Processing Plant, Nakaseke, Uganda

Job Summary:

To act as the independent custodian of seed quality across the entire value chain. The Quality Assurance Officer is responsible for enforcing strict quality standards during field production, managing the internal seed testing laboratory, and overseeing regulatory compliance. The role maintains independent technical authority over batch quality release decisions in accordance with certified seed standards. Crucially, this role extends beyond the factory to include market shelf-life monitoring and investigating customer performance complaints to protect the BRAC Seed brand reputation.

Education Qualifications

Degree or Diploma in Agriculture, Biology, Seed Science, or Plant Pathology or any related fields.

Responsibilities.

Specifically, the Quality Assurance Officer shall be responsible for but not limited to the following:

A. Field Quality Assurance (Pre-Harvest)

· Standard Setting: Develop and update the "Field Inspection Protocols" (rogueing, isolation distances) for the Seed Production Officers to follow.

· Field Audits: Conduct independent, spot-check inspections during critical growth stages (flowering, pre-harvest) to verify that field teams are adhering to genetic purity standards.

· Pre-Harvest Clearance: Issue the technical "Green Light" for harvesting. If a field doesn't meet moisture or purity standards, you have the authority to delay harvest to prevent wastage.

B. Laboratory Operations & Intake Control

· Intake Gatekeeper: Oversee the reception of raw seed at the factory. Perform immediate moisture and visual checks. Authority to reject any delivery that does not meet the "Acceptance Criteria".

· Internal Lab Management: Manage the internal testing lab operations. Conduct purity, germination, and moisture content tests on all processed batches before packaging.

· Calibration: Ensure all lab equipment (moisture meters, scales) is calibrated and maintained according to ISTA (International Seed Testing Association) standards.

C. Regulatory Compliance & Certification

· Blue Label Execution: Execute the technical steps for MAAIF certification. Prepare official samples, schedule government inspectors, and ensure all documentation is ready for "Blue Label" issuance.

· Plant Hygiene & Safety: Enforce EHS (Environment, Health, Safety) standards within the processing plant, ensuring treated seeds are handled safely and chemical residues are managed correctly

D. Market Quality Monitoring

· Shelf-Life Surveillance: Conduct periodic "Mystery Sampling" from the Container Village and Agro-dealer shelves. Test these samples to check if seed viability is dropping due to poor storage conditions in the market

· Complaint Investigation: Lead the technical investigation of customer complaints (e.g., poor germination reports). Analyze the "Reference Sample" kept at the lab vs. the field complaint to determine the root cause.

E. Systems & Data Management

· Odoo Quality Control: Manage the "Quality Status" of batches in the Odoo ERP. You are the only person authorized to move stock from "Quarantine" to "Available for Sale."

· Traceability Audit: Periodically audit the traceability logs to ensure that the Production team is correctly linking every final bag back to its grower source.

Safeguarding responsibilities:

· Ensure the safety of team members from any harm, abuse, neglect, harassment and exploitation to achieve the enterprise’s goals on safeguarding implementation.

· Establish a safeguarding culture across all levels of the enterprise by implementing BRAC International’s Safeguarding Policy, in collaboration with BRAC International’s Gender and Safeguarding team

· Practice, promote and endorse the issues of safeguarding policy among team members and ensure the implementation of safeguarding standards in every course of action.

· Act as a key source of support, guidance and expertise on safeguarding for establishing a safe working environment.

· Responsible for ensuring team members are appropriately trained, supported and have access to resources regarding issues that are identified and actioned in accordance with the safeguarding policy and procedure.

· Follow the safeguarding reporting procedure in case any reportable incident takes place, encourage others to do so.

Required Skills / Capacity

· Deep knowledge of seed physiology, disease identification, and laboratory testing protocols (Germination, Purity, Moisture).

· Comprehensive understanding of the National Seed Act and Seed Regulations of Uganda

· Absolute precision in recording lab results and maintaining the "Reference Sample Library."

· Ability to use digital tools (Odoo/Excel) to track quality trends over time (e.g., "Farmer X always has high moisture levels").

· Skill in simplifying complex quality concepts to train casual laborers on how to sort and grade effectively

Experience required

· Minimum 3-5 years of experience in Seed Testing, Quality Control, or Plant Breeding.

· Certified Seed Analyst or formal training in ISTA rules and procedures is a significant advantage.

· Experience dealing with government regulatory bodies (MAAIF/NSCS) for seed certification

· Experience in a production/factory environment, managing workflows and safety protocols.

How to apply:

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a dynamic and innovative social enterprise committed to delivering sustainable business solutions and impact. BRAC Enterprise Uganda Limited offers a competitive compensation and benefits package.

Please upload your resume and detailed cover letter through the application link. Only complete applications will be accepted, and short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Application deadline: 15 April 2026

BRAC is an equal opportunities employer

BRAC is committed to safeguarding children, young people, and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share the same commitment. We believe every stakeholder and every member of the communities we work with has the right to be protected from all forms of harm, abuse, neglect, harassment, and exploitation - regardless of age, race, religion, and gender, status as an individual with a disability or ethnic origin. Therefore, our recruitment process includes extensive reference and background checks, self-disclosure of prior issues regarding sexual or other misconduct and criminal records and our values are a part of our Performance Management System.

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