Manager-Seed Systems Development

About ICRISAT

ICRISAT 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 atleast 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.

How to apply

The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is identified. Shortlisting will start from 18 November 2026. All applicants should apply with their latest resume, and the names and contact information of three references that are knowledgeable about their professional qualifications and work experience. All applications will be acknowledged; however, only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Applicants must be nationals of the country of assignment or possess a valid work permit and legal authorization to work in the country to be eligible to apply for this 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.