Provide  specialist  and technical support on matters related to Biotechnology, GMOs and Biosafety through the relevant legislative frameworks
2.  Scientific evaluation of applications for GMO activities through the GMO Act processes
3.  Participate in the environmental risk assessment process and provide advice through written comments on the GMO applications requiring DEAT's input in the GMO Executive Council
4.  Attend the GMO Executive Council meetings as technical resource for DEAT
5. • Develop an appropriate mechanism or system for ensuring that the relevant Biosafety legislation i.e. the GMO Act (Act No 15 of 1997), section 78 of Biodiversity Act, section 24 of the National Environmental Management Act, 107 of 1998, the draft Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations published in terms of Notice 764 Government Gazette 26503 of 25 June 2004 and Environment Conservation Act (Act No 73 of 1989) are complied with.
• Develop guidelines and a framework for environmental risk assessment sys

Biosafety

National implementation of Biosafety regulations

• Managing regional biotechnology public awareness and dialogue project in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Namibia and Mozambique. The Rockefeller Foundation funded this project. Activities undertaken included preparing monthly reports for the AfricaBio Board of Governors, annual progress reports for the project donor. Coordinating a regional team of thirty scientists and community leaders involved in biotechnological communication.
• Preparation and compilation of project proposals for local and international agencies such as USAID, Rockefeller Foundation, Croplife and US Grains. Outlining budget requirements and working with financial manager to ensure that targets are met. Developing detailed implementation plans and activities for projects. Monitoring and evaluation of project activities against set objectives.
• Arrange and manage international, regional and local workshops and conferences. This includes fundraising, selection and invitation of suitable participants, act as a resource person and compilation of workshop/conference material and final proceedings documents.
• Assisting with the public relations and communication activities of AfricaBio. This includes making presentations to different audiences that include women's groups, farmers and other interest groups. Preparation and distribution of press releases from time to time.
• Research and compilation of resource documents on biotechnology, food security and Biosafety policy.
• Compilation of regional database of biotechnology experts and decision makers.

Employed by Biotechnology Trust of Zimbabwe as a Biotechnology Programme Officer under the Directorate General of International Co-operation (DGIS) Biotechnology for Sustainable Development Programme under the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Duties included:

• Coordinating agricultural biotechnology research activities and acting as an interface between farmers and researchers. Responsibilities included preparation and initial appraisal of project proposals as well as evaluation of on-going projects. Emphasis was placed upon the inclusion of Participatory Approaches in projects

• Preparation of Financial and Progress Reports for the Donors. Narrative Progress reports were compiled quarterly for donors and interest groups
• Editing and production of a quarterly BIOTECHNOLOGY newsletter. This included the interpretation of scientific material into simple language for use by farmers and the public at large, as well as the dissemination of topical material between scientists
• Networking with research and development institutions in the country and other non-governmental organisations and maintenance of a biotechnology journal library for the Zimbabwe Biotechnology Advisory Committee Secretariat.
• Officer responsible for the administration and publicising of the Training Programme

Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Biological Sciences

University of Zimbabwe

Master of Science Degree

University of Natal

Mr. Muleso Kharika
Director: Resource Use
Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
Tel: +27 12 310 3578
Email: jkharika@deat.gov.za

Mrs. Muffy Koch
Senior Associate AGBIOS
106 St John St
Box 475
Merrickville, ON
K0G 1N0, CANADA
Tel: +1 613 269 7966
Fax: +1 613 269 4367
Email: mkoch@agbios.com

Prof. Jocelyn Webster
Executive Director
AfricaBio
Tel: +27 12 667 2689
Email: Jocelyn@africabio.com

I have extensive management and technical experience of biotechnology and biosafety has been acquired in various positions held in the public sector and non-governmental organisations (NGO's), both locally and regionally. Over the years, work exposure and involvement has included programme and project management; development, implementation, monitoring, enforcement and review of policies and legislation. Substantial experience has also been gained on the coordination and country implementation of some multilateral United Nations Conventions, and Protocols. Posses technical knowledge of and experience in the operational environment of large multi-dimensional organisations at management level coupled by a sound understanding of organizational development, business administration and leadership, institutional mechanisms and governance, among others.

I have coordinated corporate sponsorships, social responsibility and investment programmes including grant making and proposal writing functions with multilateral donor agencies and the private sector and non governmental organisations (NGO's). I am an individual who is well conversant with biotechnology and Biosafety issues, the ever pressing challenges and needs sub Saharan Africa and the SADC region in particular. Acquired practical involvement in sustainable livelihood and energy strategies and implemented Biosafety policies on behalf of the South African government. Further experience has been obtained in international and intergovernmental relations and negotiations at SADC, Africa and at the United Nations levels. I have developed an aptitude in science communication and ability to apply knowledge and problem solving skills within a team to stimulate and create new knowledge and technology innovation.

My experience working in the NGO sector for over eight years has given me excellent negotiation and lobbying skills. I have been involved in the shaping of regional Biosafety policies since 1996, when the first ever Biosafety course for regulators was conducted. I have also participated in a number of regional initiatives under the regional UNEP-GEF Programme . I have also coordinated a number of regional programmes which included a five country project on biotechnology communication funded by the Rockefeller Foundation. More recently I have been part of the South African Government negotiation teams for the Convention on Biological Diversity. This has required excellent oral and written communication skills.