Genetic Resources Access Specialist

Enza Zaden BV; Netherlands; Hybrid; EUR 49,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Salary €4,356.06–€6,222.94 /mo gross

Pension scheme

25 vacation days + travel allowance

Laptop & phone

Job summary

Enza Zaden BV seeks a Genetic Resources Access Specialist to ensure compliant use of genetic resources across global breeding programs. You will monitor ABS laws, translate them into internal policies, and support contract drafting with Legal Affairs.

The role involves international collaboration, occasional travel, and influencing across diverse teams to maintain regulatory compliance and enable research and innovation.

Qualifications

• Experience with Access and Benefit Sharing regulations or similar frameworks (3–8 years).
• Strong understanding of international legislation and translating it into practical processes.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, able to influence at various levels.
• Fluent in English (written and spoken).

Responsibilities

• Monitor global ABS laws and translate developments into internal policies and best practices.
• Lead compliant processes for use of genetic resources and derivatives.
• Serve as ABS expert within research and breeding teams.
• Draft and review ABS contracts with Legal Affairs.
• Advise on opportunities to access new genetic resources.
• Deliver ABS training and awareness programs across the organization.
• Represent Enza Zaden with regulatory authorities externally.

Skills

ABS regulations

International law

Stakeholder management

Regulatory translation

Education

Master's degree (law or life sciences)

Job description

Make a real impact at the crossroads of biodiversity, legislation, and global collaboration. In this role, you ensure compliant and future-proof access to genetic resources—directly enabling innovation in plant breeding while navigating complex international regulations. At Enza Zaden, you step into a uniquely strategic position where science, law, and global partnerships come together to shape the future of sustainable agriculture, working closely with diverse stakeholders around the world. Make a difference as Genetic Resources Access Specialist As Genetic Resources Access Specialist, you ensure that the use of genetic resources within Enza Zaden are fully compliant with international regulations, while maximizing access and freedom to operate for research and breeding.

You will be part of an international environment and work closely with teams such as Genetic Resources & Biodiversity, Breeding, Corporate Legal and Regulatory Affairs. Your role has a global scope, with occasional international travel.

Your key responsibilities include:

• Monitoring global Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) laws and regulations and lead translation of these developments into internal policies, procedures and best practices
• Leading the implementation of compliant ways of working for the use of genetic resources, traditional knowledge and derivatives
• Acting as the go-to expert for ABS-related questions within research and breeding teams
• Proactively supporting the drafting and review of contracts on ABS in close collaboration with Legal Affairs
• Advising on opportunities to access new genetic resources in line with legal frameworks
• Delivering training programs and raising awareness on ABS topics across the organization
• Representing Enza Zaden in external platforms and engaging with regulatory authorities

What you bring as a future colleague

You are someone who enjoys working independently while staying closely connected to a wide network of stakeholders. You can navigate complex topics, think creatively and take initiative to drive improvements and ensure compliance in a dynamic international environment.

• A university (Master’s) degree, preferably in law, life sciences or a related field;
• Experience with Access and Benefit Sharing regulations or similar regulatory frameworks (3–8 years);
• Strong understanding of international legislation and the ability to translate this into practical processes;
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence at different levels;
• Fluency in English (written and spoken);
• A proactive, analytical and solution-oriented mindset.

Enza Zaden as your employer

Enza Zaden is an international family-owned company that has been developing innovative vegetable varieties since 1938. Together with more than 3,300 colleagues worldwide, we work on vegetable seeds with better flavor, higher yields and strong resistances. We do this from our mission: “Breeding to feed the world.” Every day, more than 480 million people eat vegetables grown from our seeds, and that is something we are very proud of. We are passionate about our work and care about one another. Good ideas are given room to grow and together we keep moving forward. This is how we continue to grow and innovate, both as a company and as colleagues.

What you can expect from us

We believe it is important that you can grow in your work and feel good about what you do. That is why we invest in your development, well-being, and job satisfaction. Through our Great to Grow development program, our focus on vitality, and activities that bring colleagues together, we create a work environment where you can keep learning and contribute with energy and enjoyment.

You can also count on:

• A role for 32-38 hours per week;
• A gross base salary between €4,356.06 and €6,222.94 per month. The range is based on a full-time schedule of 38 hours per week and aligned with your knowledge and experience;
• Flexible working arrangements;
• 8.33% vacation allowance and an attractive bonus plan of 10% of your annual salary;
• 25 vacation days, the option to purchase additional vacation days, and one paid wellbeing day per year, with extra days added as you get older;
• An attractive pension scheme, a travel allowance if you live more than 10 kilometers from your workplace, and a working-from-home allowance when you can partially work from home in consultation with your manager;
• A laptop and phone from Enza Zaden;
• Room to develop yourself through our Great to Grow development program, training courses and e-learning platform;
• Plenty of opportunities to meet colleagues outside your daily work, for example through outings and events organized by the staff association, as well as inspiration sessions and social drinks hosted by Young Enza.
• We also organize an annual summer barbecue, Christmas market, and New Year’s reception;
• Attention to your vitality and wellbeing, with free fresh fruit, the option for a healthy lunch at the office, a bike scheme, sports activities via enzActive, and mental support through OpenUp.

Enza Zaden is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on background, identity, or personal characteristics.

Want to learn more about Enza Zaden? Visit our website.

#LI-Hybrid Great Place To Grow - Breeding to feed the world, creating value for sustainable life and living

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Our employees are the driving power of our company.

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We value this knowledge and experience and therefore invest in our people by providing plenty of opportunity for personal development and advancement.

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