The organization

The International Seed Federation (www.worldseed.org) is based in Nyon, Switzerland. Its mission is to facilitate the international movement of seed and promote plant breeding innovation; to mobilise and represent the private seed sector at a global level; to inform its members of developments that may have an impact on the business and to promote the interests and the image of the seed sector.

In order to fulfil its mission, ISF positions itself as the voice of the seed sector at the international level and engages with the stakeholders and international organizations in pursuit of its vision of “a world where quality seed is accessible to all”.

Vacancy

ISF seeks a highly-motivated and qualified Seed Health Manager whose task will be to manage ISF efforts to promote a harmonized, scientific and technically justified framework for phytosanitary regulations for moving seed efficiently across international borders. It requires work on a wide range of aspects related to phytosanitary matters and includes a management function.

This is a varied role within a small team that is based in the ISF Secretariat and entails international travel. (S)he will report to ISF’s Secretary General.

Key tasks

• Together with ISF’s members, spearheading efforts to promote the implementation of International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM) in general and ISPM on the international movement of seeds in particular.
• Being the key point person for the international seed industry with the International Plant Protection Convention.
• Coordinating interactions with National Plant Protection Organisations on behalf of the international seed industry.
• Coordinating the development of an industry-wide response to WTO notifications on proposed changes to national phytosanitary regulations.
• Managing, developing and promoting existing ISF activities such as the Systems Approach, the Regulated Pest List Initiative and the International Seed Health Initiative.
• Developing and implementing advocacy strategies in the phytosanitary arena that are directed at policy makers including politicians, government officials, public servants and also the seed industry.
• Strengthening the ISF knowledge base and supporting members through the publication of position papers, discussion guides, talking points, statistics, training modules, among others.

Skills / Background / Education

• A strategic thinker with a character and approach that is persuasive and credible; the ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing, and to manage and motivate project team members.
• Good understanding of and managing multicultural groups in ISF.
• Discerning and of good judgement, flexible and tactful when dealing with ISF members and officials
• Able to build trust and foster collaboration among members.
• Multi-task, manage occasionally heavy workloads with tight deadlines, pay attention to details.
• Fluent in written and spoken English; spoken Spanish, French or German an asset.
• At least 5-8 years’ experience in a related area of work; seed industry expertise and business knowledge  an asset.
• Minimum: University degree in Agriculture; knowledge of Plant Pathology an asset.

Application

The position will be open until 4 October 2019.

Send a covering letter and a resume to Michael Keller, Secretary General, International Seed Federation at careers@worldseed.org

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and the position shall remain open until a suitable candidate has been engaged.