Seed Systems Specialist (Internationally Recruited)

About the role

CIMMYT, an international CGIAR research centre, is looking for a Seed Systems Specialist to strengthen seed systems and improve access to quality seed of climate-resilient, farmer-preferred varieties across Africa. The role covers early-generation seed production, certified and quality-declared seed multiplication, seed quality assurance, institutional capacity and last-mile delivery, working with research institutions, seed regulators, private seed companies, government partners and humanitarian organisations. The position is based in Nairobi, Kenya, with about 20-30% travel across Africa depending on security conditions.

Key responsibilities

• Assess seed-system bottlenecks by crop, season and location, and prepare demand-based roadmaps for priority cereal and grain legume varieties linked to planting calendars and local production capacity.
• Plan and coordinate timely breeder, foundation, certified and quality-declared seed production, pre-orders and licensing with research institutes, breeders and seed companies.
• Build the capacity of research institutes, seed regulators, inspection services, extension agencies and local producers through training, mentoring and quality protocols.
• Advise on and support the development and maintenance of seed production and quality assurance infrastructure, including production sites, laboratories, processing equipment and storage.
• Support public, private and community producers to scale certified seed production through decentralized multiplication, contract growing and community seed enterprises.
• Strengthen agro-dealer and last-mile networks, farmer hubs and delivery mechanisms such as seed vouchers, fairs and direct distribution.
• Lead workplans, budgets, partner agreements and reporting, and track production, infrastructure, institutional capacity, farmer access, adoption, varietal age and employment.

Required profile

• PhD in Seed Science and Technology, Plant Breeding, Agronomy or a related field.
• At least four years of experience in seed systems in sub-Saharan Africa, including early-generation seed, certified seed scale-up and quality assurance.
• Experience with research institutes, seed regulators, private seed companies, farmer seed access schemes and donor-funded programmes.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Desirable: experience in fragile or conflict-affected settings, cereal and grain legume seed systems, seed enterprise development or employment programming, and familiarity with seed planning and assessment tools.

What we offer

• Fixed-term position of three years, with further employment subject to performance and available funds.
• Housing allowance, car, comprehensive health and life insurance, assistance for children's education and paid vacation.
• Annual home travel airfare, retirement plan contribution and relocation assistance.

Applications must include a CV with contact details and three work-related references, and a cover letter; only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.