THE ORGANISATION

The International Seed Federation (www.worldseed.org) is based in Nyon, Switzerland. As the voice of the global seed sector, 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. ISF engages with stakeholders and international organizations in pursuit of its vision of “a world where quality seed is accessible to all, supporting sustainable agriculture and food security”. 

VACANCY

ISF seeks a qualified Technical Lead – International Seed Health Initiative (ISHI) who will be responsible for the daily management of the activities of ISHI on the development of seed health test methods for seed crops. You will manage ISHI’s project progress in close collaboration with the Technical Coordinator of ISHI.

You will report directly to ISF’s Seed Health Manager with whom you closely align on the governance of ISHI’s project portfolio and will provide technical support for the outreach to external stakeholders (f.e. NPPOs).

This is a full-time position within a small team, the position entails occasional international travel and is home based. The position will be open until 11th September 2020.

Send a resume and a cover letter 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. Target starting date: 1 st January 2021.

KEY TASKS

• daily management of ISHI’s activities, including the management and steering of the Technical Group of the ISHI organization, meetings and events
• provide technical feedback on method development/validation and contribute to streamlining ISHI’s activities in conjunction with the Technical Coordinator ISHI and the Seed Health Manager
• to work alongside the Technical Coordinator on the development of project management tools
• provide technical and editorial feedback on written outputs arising from the ISHI projects
• to respond to the changing needs of the International Seed Federation, performing other tasks as reasonably required.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• communication skills and a ‘can do' attitude
• dynamic, inspiring and creative personality, eager to build connections and expand horizons
• maintain a strict sense of professional ethics, maintain confidentiality and privacy • ready to actively embrace a culture of continuous improvement.

SKILLS / BACKGROUND / EDUCATION

• a post-graduate qualification (MSc or PhD or equivalent) in Plant Science with multiple years of experience in seed pathology in a vegetable seed company
• a true team player with strong leadership skills
• communication skills, both written and verbal; fluency in written and spoken English
• project management skills and computer literacy
• a proven ability to plan, set priorities, meet deadlines and deliver quality material
• the ability to function independently and as part of a team, as required.

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