Core Competencies

• Demonstrated strong analytical and communication skills and capacity to present convincingly, discuss and negotiate with high-level country officials.
• Blend analytical, observational, organizational and networking skills.
• Good understanding of policy and regulatory issues around seed sector-related public and private partnership development in African countries.
• Demonstrated knowledge of seed systems.
• Familiarity with the policies and procedures of multilateral and bilateral institutions.
• Demonstrated commitment to making organizational and corporate decisions.
• Proven ability to operate effectively in a multicultural team environment.
• Background in the public sector and/or government engagement on the African continent.
• Good leadership and personnel management experience to manage a large team of experts based in multiple locations.
• Experience with large-scale adoption of agricultural technologies by farmers on the African continent.
• Work experience in International or National Agricultural centres on the African continent.
• Awareness and social capital and networks with key leaders and experts working in the extension and technology transfer agencies within Africa.
• Deep team-building and people relationship-building skills for a complex project
• Fluency in both written and spoken English and French is an important requirement for this position.

Educational Qualifications and Experience

• A post-graduate degree in Agronomy, Seed Systems or related agriculture field from a recognized University.
• A least 10 years of work experience in the seed sector serving smallholder farmers in Africa.
• Proven work experience in seed systems.
• Experience with development policy, legal and institutional frameworks as well as the technical aspects of projects.
• Working experience with AfDB-supported projects at the national level and on the African Continent is an added advantage.