Quality Assurance Officer job at Brac

BRAC Social Enterprises (BSBE) Uganda Limited is hiring a Quality Assurance Officer 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, Plant Pathology, or related fields

Responsibilities

A. Field Quality Assurance (Pre-Harvest)

• Standard Setting: Develop and update Field Inspection Protocols (rogueing, isolation distances) for Seed Production Officers
• Field Audits: Conduct independent spot-check inspections during critical growth stages (flowering, pre-harvest) to ensure adherence to genetic purity standards
• Pre-Harvest Clearance: Issue the technical “Green Light” for harvesting; authority to delay harvest if standards are not met

B. Laboratory Operations & Intake Control

• Intake Gatekeeper: Oversee raw seed reception and perform immediate moisture and visual checks; authority to reject non-compliant deliveries
• Internal Lab Management: Manage lab operations and conduct purity, germination, and moisture tests on all processed batches
• Calibration: Ensure lab equipment is calibrated and maintained according to ISTA standards

C. Regulatory Compliance & Certification

• Blue Label Execution: Execute technical steps for MAAIF certification, including sample preparation, coordination with inspectors, and documentation
• Plant Hygiene & Safety: Enforce Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) standards within the processing plant

D. Market Quality Monitoring

• Shelf-Life Surveillance: Conduct periodic mystery sampling from Container Village and agro-dealer shelves to assess seed viability under market conditions
• Complaint Investigation: Lead technical investigations of customer complaints and analyze reference samples to determine root causes

E. Systems & Data Management

• Odoo Quality Control: Manage batch quality status in the Odoo ERP; sole authority to release stock from “Quarantine” to “Available for Sale”
• Traceability Audit: Audit traceability logs to ensure proper linkage between final products and grower sources

Safeguarding Responsibilities

• Ensure the safety of team members from harm, abuse, neglect, harassment, and exploitation
• Establish a safeguarding culture across all levels through implementation of BRAC International’s Safeguarding Policy
• Promote and enforce safeguarding standards in all operations
• Provide guidance and support on safeguarding issues
• Ensure team members are trained and have access to safeguarding resources
• Follow and encourage adherence to safeguarding reporting procedures

Required Skills / Capacity

• Deep knowledge of seed physiology, disease identification, and laboratory testing protocols (germination, purity, moisture)
• Strong understanding of the National Seed Act and Seed Regulations of Uganda
• High level of accuracy in lab data recording and reference sample management
• Ability to use digital tools (Odoo/Excel) for tracking and analyzing quality trends
• Ability to train and simplify complex concepts for field and casual workers

Experience Required

• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in Seed Testing, Quality Control, or Plant Breeding
• Certified Seed Analyst or training in ISTA procedures is an added advantage
• Experience working with regulatory bodies (MAAIF/NSCS)
• Experience in a production or factory environment, including workflow and safety management

• Develop and update Field Inspection Protocols (rogueing, isolation distances) for Seed Production Officers
• Conduct independent spot-check inspections during critical growth stages (flowering, pre-harvest) to ensure adherence to genetic purity standards
• Issue the technical “Green Light” for harvesting; authority to delay harvest if standards are not met
• Oversee raw seed reception and perform immediate moisture and visual checks; authority to reject non-compliant deliveries
• Manage lab operations and conduct purity, germination, and moisture tests on all processed batches
• Ensure lab equipment is calibrated and maintained according to ISTA standards
• Execute technical steps for MAAIF certification, including sample preparation, coordination with inspectors, and documentation
• Enforce Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) standards within the processing plant
• Conduct periodic mystery sampling from Container Village and agro-dealer shelves to assess seed viability under market conditions
• Lead technical investigations of customer complaints and analyze reference samples to determine root causes
• Manage batch quality status in the Odoo ERP; sole authority to release stock from “Quarantine” to “Available for Sale”
• Audit traceability logs to ensure proper linkage between final products and grower sources
• Ensure the safety of team members from harm, abuse, neglect, harassment, and exploitation
• Establish a safeguarding culture across all levels through implementation of BRAC International’s Safeguarding Policy
• Promote and enforce safeguarding standards in all operations
• Provide guidance and support on safeguarding issues
• Ensure team members are trained and have access to safeguarding resources
• Follow and encourage adherence to safeguarding reporting procedures

• Deep knowledge of seed physiology, disease identification, and laboratory testing protocols (germination, purity, moisture)
• Strong understanding of the National Seed Act and Seed Regulations of Uganda
• High level of accuracy in lab data recording and reference sample management
• Ability to use digital tools (Odoo/Excel) for tracking and analyzing quality trends
• Ability to train and simplify complex concepts for field and casual workers

• Degree or Diploma in Agriculture, Biology, Seed Science, Plant Pathology, or related fields
• Certified Seed Analyst or training in ISTA procedures is an added advantage