One Acre Fund - Rwanda Seed Science & Technology Lead
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Requirements
• Across all roles, these are the general qualifications we look for. For this role specifically, you will have: • PhD in Plant Breeding, Seed Science, Seed Systems, Seed Technology, or related field (or MSc. with significant relevant experience). • 5+ years (MSc) or 2+ years (PhD) of relevant experience in seed research, development, or systems. • Excellent in scientific and technical writing and reporting skills; publication experience is an advantage - with an ability to perform and interpret complex statistics being a big plus. • Advanced expertise in seed science, plant breeding, or seed systems, with strong knowledge of seed technologies and grain crops. • Familiarity with international regulatory frameworks (e.g. UPOV, ISTA, OECD) and seed certification systems. • Ability to operate in high-context environments, driving alignment, accountability, and results. • Experience delivering training, academic programs, or professional capacity-building initiatives. • English required; working proficiency in Kinyarwanda is an advantage. • Preferred Start Date • As soon as possible • Job Location
Responsibilities
• Lead Department Strategy, Team & Operational Excellence • Define and drive the Seed Center’s Scientific/Technology strategic roadmap, ensuring alignment with long-term industry impartiality and impact goals. • Lead and develop a high-performing, multidisciplinary team, fostering accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning. • Oversee departmental planning, budgeting, and OKRs, ensuring strong execution and operational efficiency. • Direct Seed Technology & Business Professional Training Program • Lead the end-to-end delivery of a flagship postgraduate training program, ensuring strong student outcomes, curriculum relevance, and industry reputation - including leading the applied research units of the course. • Drive accreditation, regional positioning, and growth of the program, including partnerships and funding opportunities. • Coordinate instructors and partners to deliver high-quality technical and leadership training - in partnership with the academic administration and trainee welfare coordinator. • Provide Strategic Leadership for Seed Laboratory & Certification Services • Oversee the long-term technical roadmap for seed laboratory services, including quality testing, certification, and accreditation (e.g. ISO, ISTA). • Ensure delivery of high-quality, impartial laboratory services that meet national and international standards. • Build and manage strategic partnerships with regulatory bodies and industry stakeholders. • Lead National Field Trials & Seed Systems Strengthening • Oversee national performance trials, ensuring high-quality data generation (e.g. DUS, VCU) and compliance with international standards. • Coordinate publication of national variety lists and support transparent, credible seed system governance. • Strengthen collaboration with government and private sector partners to advance Rwanda’s seed industry. • Drive Technical Insight, Reporting & Sector Influence • Ensure production of high-quality, user-focused technical reports and validated data for stakeholders. • Analyze seed sector trends and generate insights to inform strategy, policy, and industry development. • Act as a senior technical voice, contributing to national dialogue and shaping the future of the seed sector. • Career Growth and Development • We have a strong culture of constant learning and we invest in developing our people. You’ll have weekly check-ins with your manager, access to mentorship and training programs, and regular feedback on your performance. We hold career reviews every six months, and set aside time to discuss your aspirations and career goals. You’ll have the opportunity to shape a growing organization and build a rewarding long-term career.
Benefits
• Health insurance, housing, and comprehensive benefits • Eligibility • One Acre Fund can support a work permit for this role. However, nationals of (or those with an extensive professional background and work history in) our countries of operation are preferred. • Application Deadline • 21 July 2026. Please note that we hire on a rolling basis which means that applications are reviewed and processed on a continuous basis until a hire is made. • One Acre Fund never asks candidates to pay any money or pay for tests at any stage of the interview process. Official One Acre Fund emails will always arrive from an @oneacrefund.org address. Please report any suspicious communication here ([email protected]), but do not send applications or application materials to this email address. • but do not send applications or application materials to this email address. • Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI), and anti-racism are deeply connected to our organization’s mission and purpose. One Acre Fund aspires to build a culture where all staff feel consistently valued, represented, and connected – so that our team can thrive as professionals, and achieve exceptional impact for the farmers we serve. • We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. • We’re one of the largest agricultural organizations in Africa, operating in ten countries that together are home to two-thirds of Africa's farmers.Guided by our mission, we use the discipline of a business to deliver cost-effective services to millions of people. We believe that heart plus rigor can change the world. Read more. • Job Application Process • We use a unique, hands-on interview process to ensure a great match.We're constantly seeking exceptional leaders from a diversity of backgrounds and experiences. We strongly encourage applications from African professionals with deep local knowledge and investment in the communities we serve. Read more. • Careers FAQ • Here’s your quick guide to some of the common questions we hear about our application process. Read more.
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