Manager-Seed Systems Development

Icrisat; Khordha; On-site; INR 1,200,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Job summary

ICRISAT seeks a Manager - Seed Systems Development for the Seed Systems and Delivery cluster, Global Research Program - Accelerated Crop Improvement. The incumbent will manage large projects in Odisha.

The position is based at Bhubaneshwar, Odisha, India. The role coordinates seed production, engages with partners, analyzes data for evidence-based decisions, and builds collaborations with NARES, seed companies, NGOs, and government agencies.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Agricultural Extension or Seed Technology with at least 5 years in crop improvement and seed systems.
• Experience in multi-location field research and OFAR/MET.
• Experience with donor-funded seed sector projects and stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate early generation seed production in collaboration with OSSC, validation trials, OFAR, and varietal promotion through partnerships for improved adoption of crop varieties of pigeon pea, groundnut, chickpea and other oilseeds.
• Engage with ICRISAT partners and stakeholders across Odisha for implementation of research-for-development initiatives related to seed systems.
• Collect, manage, analyse, and interpret field, OFAR, EGT, MET, seed systems, and adoption data to support evidence-based decision-making, product advancement, and testing processes.
• Build strong collaborations with NARES, seed companies, extension systems, NGOs, government agencies, development organisations, and private sector partners for strengthening seed delivery systems.
• Support seed production planning, seed multiplication, quality seed delivery, and scaling activities through collaboration with seed enterprises and value chain stakeholders.
• Develop and promote innovative approaches for multiplication, dissemination, and commercialisation of public-bred varieties through public-private partnerships.
• Facilitate capacity development and technical training programs for FPO/NGOs, extension personnel, farmers, and stakeholders on seed systems development and adoption of improved crop technologies.
• Prepare technical reports, scientific publications, project proposals, presentations, protocols, and progress updates related to seed systems, product testing, varietal advancement, OFAR, MET, and crop improvement activities.
• Support resource mobilization efforts and contribute to development of collaborative research proposals and strategic projects related to seed systems, product testing, and crop development activities.
• Maintain effective coordination and collaboration with Research and Development (R&D) statutory bodies, multidisciplinary teams, and multicultural partners across regional and international research and development programs.

Skills

Seed systems

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Field research

Education

Masters in Agricultural Extension/Seed Technology

Job description

About ICRISATICRISAT is a non-profit, non-political organisation that conducts agricultural research for development in Asia and Africa, working with partners around the world. Drylands cover about 45% of the world's land, are home to 2.3 billion people (one in three) and support 45–50% of the world's livestock. ICRISAT's vision is a prosperous, food-secure and resilient dryland tropics. ICRISAT is headquartered in Patancheru, Hyderabad, India, with two regional hubs and eight country offices in Africa.

For more information visit - www.icrisat.org

Role Purpose

ICRISAT seeks applications from dynamic and motivated professionals for the position of Manager - Seed Systems Development in the cluster Seed Systems and Delivery under the Global Research Program - Accelerated Crop Improvement. The incumbent will be responsible for managing large projects in Odisha. The position is based at Bhubaneshwar, Odisha, India.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate early generation seed production in collaboration with OSSC, validation trials, On-Farm Adaptive Research (OFAR), and varietal promotion through partnerships for the improved adoption of crop varieties of pigeon pea, groundnut, and chickpea and other oilseeds.
• Engage with ICRISAT partners and stakeholders across in Odisha for the implementation of research-for-development initiatives related to seed systems.
• Collect, manage, analyse, and interpret field, OFAR, EGT, MET, seed systems, and adoption data to support evidence-based decision-making, product advancement, and testing processes.
• Build strong collaborations with NARES, seed companies, extension systems, NGOs, government agencies, development organisations, and private sector partners for strengthening seed delivery systems and varietal dissemination activities.
• Support seed production planning, seed multiplication, quality seed delivery, and scaling activities through collaboration with seed enterprises and value chain stakeholders.
• Develop and promote innovative approaches for the multiplication, dissemination, and commercialisation of public-bred varieties of groundnut, pigeonpea and chickpea crops through public-private partnerships.
• Facilitate capacity development and technical training programs for FPO/NGOs, extension personnel, farmers, and stakeholders on seed systems development and adoption of improved crop technologies.
• Prepare technical reports, scientific publications, project proposals, presentations, protocols, and progress updates related to seed systems, product testing, varietal advancement, OFAR, MET, and crop improvement activities.
• Support resource mobilization efforts and contribute to the development of collaborative research proposals and strategic projects related to seed systems, product testing, and crop development activities.
• Maintain effective coordination and collaboration with Research and Development (R&D) statutory bodies, multidisciplinary teams, and multicultural partners across regional and international research and development programs.

Essential Qualifications and Skills

• Masters’ in Agricultural Extension/Seed Technology with at least 5 years of experience in crop improvement, seed systems, varietal evaluation, varietal advancement, OFAR, MET, product development, and multi-location field research across dryland crops.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement, partnership development, capacity building, and collaborative research activities.
• Proven knowledge and experience in seed systems and management of donor-funded projects related to the seed sector in developing countries.
• Research experience with international exposure will be an added consideration.
• Experience in field trials, seed production, data collection, varietal evaluation, and product development activities will be an added advantage.
• Ability to work effectively with research organizations, seed companies, farmers, and other stakeholders.

Terms of Appointment

This is a contract role for 36 months (03 years). It may be renewed based on performance and the Institute’s continuing need for the position.

ICRISAT is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to increasing diversity and maintaining a progressive and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of their ethnicity, race, gender, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, age, marital status or whether they have a disability.