International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT)
Job Title: Seed Systems Specialist
Company Overview The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT®) is a non-profit agricultural research organization dedicated to development with partners in over 100 countries. For more information, please visit our website.
Position Overview CIMMYT is seeking an exceptional, self-motivated, and results-driven professional for the role of Seed Systems Specialist. This position will be a crucial part of the Demand-Driven Seed Systems research team within the Sustainable Agrifood Systems Program (SAS). The location of the position will be in either Kenya, Ethiopia, or Sudan, based on the team’s needs and the selected candidate’s interests and experiences.
Key Responsibilities
1. Research-for-Development (R4D) Agenda Leadership
- Lead an ambitious and innovative R4D agenda focused on cereal seed sector challenges in Eastern Africa, including:
- Enhancing the relevance and scale of informal cereal seed systems
- Implementing demand-led strategies for formal cereal seed systems development
- Identifying end-user preferences for foods derived from maize, wheat, millet, groundnut, and sorghum systems
- Investigating the influence of gender relations on access to and preferences for cereal varieties
- Strengthening private sector capacity to deliver and market quality seed products
- Enhancing the effectiveness of seed aid programs by governments and NGOs
2. Social Science Research Leadership
- Provide strategic leadership for implementing and growing a high-impact social science research agenda on cereal seed systems.
3. Capacity Development
- Support the capacity development of CIMMYT’s partners in the region, including seed companies, extension programs, and national agricultural research centers, related to cereal seed systems development.
4. Stakeholder Engagement
- Engage local stakeholders (NARS, seed companies, CGIAR breeding teams, NGOs) through workshops, briefs, and one-on-one engagements to address cereal system bottlenecks in East Africa and beyond.
5. Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing
- Collaborate with staff from CIMMYT, NARS, NGOs, and seed companies in the region to understand plant breeding, seed production, and distribution, contributing to a stronger client orientation in the seed systems agenda.
6. Resource Mobilization
- Support regional efforts to mobilize resources for expanding the R4D agenda on seed systems and related areas.
Requirements
- PhD in agricultural economics, development economics, natural resource management, gender studies, or a related field.
- At least twelve years of relevant experience in a developing country context, with favorable consideration for private sector experience.
- Strong quantitative research skills and experience.
- Proven track record of publications in high-level peer-reviewed journals.
- Demonstrated ability to excel in complex multidisciplinary research or development projects.
- Excellent partnership building skills, including interacting with funding agencies and local partners.
- Highly organized with the ability to work under pressure.
- Team player with the ability to work with diverse nationalities and disciplines.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
Competencies The selected candidate should exhibit the following competencies:
- Team Leadership
- Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
- Critical Thinking
- Teamwork
- Problem Solving
- Communication
Benefits The position is for an initial fixed term of three (3) years, with the possibility of further employment based on performance and funding availability. CIMMYT offers an internationally competitive salary and benefits package, including a housing allowance, car, comprehensive health and life insurance, education assistance for children, paid vacation, annual home travel airfare, contribution to a retirement plan, and generous assistance with relocation shipment.
EXPERT Tips To Be A Successful Applicant
- Highlight your relevant experience in agricultural research and development, especially in seed systems.
- Emphasize any published work in high-level peer-reviewed journals.
- Showcase your quantitative research skills and your ability to excel in complex projects.
- Demonstrate your ability to build partnerships and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
- Clearly articulate your competencies, including team leadership, negotiation, critical thinking, teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills.
- Provide evidence of your experience working in developing country contexts, and if applicable, any private sector experience.
- Tailor your application to address the specific challenges and focus areas mentioned in the job description for Eastern Africa.
- Submit a well-structured and error-free application that showcases your excellent written communication skills in English.
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