CIMMYT Seed Business Development and Policy Expert For Drought –Tolerant Maize for Africa

Seed Business Development and Policy Expert For Drought –Tolerant Maize for Africa

We are seeking a dynamic, results-oriented, Seed Business Development and Policy Expert, with a strong background in agricultural research and seed business development to join the Drought Tolerant Maize for Africa (DTMA) team.

The  selected  candidate  will  work  as  a  member  of  CIMMYT’s  Socio-Economics  Program  (SEP)  in  close  collaboration  with  CIMMYT’s

Global Maize Program (GMP), and with particular focus on seed business development and associated policy advocacy and capacity strengthening efforts in support of DTMA. The position contributes to and draws on the experiences of a large multi-disciplinary research team with focus on developing and deploying improved Drought Tolerant (DT) maize cultivars for Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, known by its Spanish acronym, CIMMYT®, is a not-for-profit research and training organization with partners in over 100 countries. Please refer to our website for more information:  www.cimmyt.org

The selected Scientist will be based at one of the CIMMYT regional offices in eastern and southern Africa (preferably Nairobi, Kenya), but will involve frequent travel, including other CIMMYT and DTMA field sites in Africa.

Key responsibilities of this position will be:

•    Agribusiness support to seed companies producing and marketing DT maize.

•    Assess maize seed business opportunities in delivery countries with special emphasis on DT maize demand and supply, including seed market intelligence and demand assessment.

•    Identify DT maize seed business market development strategies and propose practical improvements, including branding and targeting options.

•    Diagnosis of national and regional seed policy constraints in seed production and marketing and advocacy of best practices for maize seed sector development.

•    Seek, build and strengthen partnerships with public and private institutions for greatest impact of DTMA among farmers in SSA.

•    Identify needs and opportunities for capacity strengthening of the public/private seed institutional partners; plan and implement capacity building strategy for enhancing seed business and marketing skills.

•    Enhance access to business development services (e.g., financial services, certifying agencies, seed trade association) for small and medium enterprises and smallholder farmers for seed sector growth and wider adoption.

•    Assist DTMA and CIMMYT management in any other matters as and when required.

We are seeking candidates with the following qualifications:

•    PhD in agribusiness, agricultural development/policy, or a related field – preferably linked to the seed sector from a well-recognized university. Candidates with an MSc degree, but with extensive experience in the seed sector in SSA, will also be considered.

•    At least five years of experience in seed business development and/or policy diagnosis or advocacy.

•    Management experience in complex, multidisciplinary research or development projects.
•    Good partnership skills, including ability to deliver effectively and moderate meetings with partners.

•    Familiarity with the agricultural development and technology delivery issues in SSA.
•    Experience and knowledge of seed sector policy issues, constraints, ongoing initiatives and   institutional arrangements in SSA
•    Experience or at least familiarity with maize seed industry and business development challenges in SSA.

•    Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
•    A high degree of personal organization and ability to multi-task and to work under pressure.

•    Experience with public-private partnerships would be an added advantage.
•    Ability to work with different nationalities, as a member of a diverse work team.

We will offer an initial contract for 3 years, which is renewable subject to continued need and funding for the position and performance of the staff member. Our internationally competitive salary and benefits include housing allowance, car, comprehensive health and life insurance, assistance for children’s education, paid vacation, annual airfare, contribution to a retirement plan, and generous assistance with relocation shipment.

CIMMYT is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity. Women are encouraged to apply.

To apply for this position, please email cover letter and CV no later than Friday, 8 March, 2013 to Human Resources, CIMMYT (Email: irsrecruitment@cgiar.org / Please indicate Position Reference number: 12269 in the header of your email).

For further information on the selection process, please contact Guillermo Flores, Staffing Specialist, at  g.flores@cgiar.org.

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.