Détails de l'offre

About World Vegetable Center (WorldVeg)

The World Vegetable Center (WorldVeg) is a non-profit, autonomous international agricultural research center headquartered in Taiwan, with five regional offices worldwide. WorldVeg delivers science and innovation for enhanced vegetable production and consumption in a rapidly changing world.

For more information, please visit www.worldveg.org and explore our new global strategy.

WorldVeg is seeking to recruit a Country Representative & Seed Systems Specialist based in Côte d'Ivoire.

The position will contribute to a new program aimed at creating an inclusive and competitive vegetable and potato seed sector that provides smallholder farmers with access to affordable, high-quality seeds of a wide range of adapted varieties.

The five-year program will:

• Strengthen the capacity of private seed enterprises;

• Increase farmers' demand for quality seed;

• Strengthen the supply of improved varieties and the conservation of local biodiversity;

• Create a more efficient regulatory environment for governance of the vegetable and potato seed sector, including coordination and evidence-based decision-making.

The Country Representative & Seed Systems Specialist will lead local implementation in close collaboration with international and local partners, each contributing unique expertise to the program.

The position reports directly to the Regional Director for West and Central Africa and the Program Manager, both based in Cotonou, Benin.

Key Responsibilities

Donor Compliance

• Ensure that all expenditures, procurement activities, and program operations strictly comply with donor guidelines and WorldVeg policies.

Host Country Relations

• Build and maintain strong relationships with the host government, national agricultural research organizations, government agencies, universities, local seed trade associations, seed companies, donor representatives, and other key stakeholders.

Partner Coordination

• Coordinate the work of international and national implementing partners and local stakeholders;

• Develop detailed annual country work plans;

• Manage subcontracts with local partners.

Country Office Coordination

• Supervise a team of 5–6 national staff;

• Ensure compliance with WorldVeg and host organization policies and operating procedures;

• Foster a professional, inclusive, and collaborative work environment;

• Protect and manage WorldVeg assets while ensuring their efficient utilization.

Program Implementation

• Lead the implementation of country program activities in close collaboration with international partners;

• Focus particularly on seed sector governance and regulatory activities while contributing to other program components.

Program Reporting

• Contribute to program progress reports under the guidance of the Program Manager.

Communications

• Promote the visibility of the program in Côte d'Ivoire by developing high-quality communication materials in collaboration with the Program Manager and the communications team.

Impact Tracking

• Oversee monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) activities to measure program performance and impact.

Risk Management

• Identify, manage, and mitigate program risks to ensure staff and visitor safety while protecting WorldVeg assets and intellectual property.

Other Duties

• Perform any additional duties assigned by the Center.

Qualifications and Experience

Applicants should possess:

• At least a Master's degree (MSc or MA) in Agronomy, Plant Science, Agricultural Economics, or another relevant discipline;

• A solid understanding of seed systems in Africa, including seed sector regulations and governance;

• Proven experience in project leadership and team management;

• Full professional proficiency in English and French, both written and spoken;

• A culturally agile mindset with the ability to build strong teams and willingness to undertake extensive travel within the country.

Employment Conditions

This is a Nationally Recruited Staff (NRS) position offering a competitive salary and benefits package.

The initial appointment is for three (3) years.

WorldVeg Core Values

The successful candidate will embody WorldVeg's five core values:

• Dedication to Innovation and Knowledge Sharing – Supports world-class scientific research, upholds ethical standards, and shares knowledge transparently.

• Commitment to Impact – Strives to achieve positive, measurable, and lasting impact while contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals.

• Commitment to Partnerships – Believes in the value of partnerships to advance research for development.

• Respect for People – Values diversity across gender, culture, ethnicity, religion, age, beliefs, and perspectives.

• Respect for the Environment – Seeks to minimize environmental impact and promote sustainable technologies and practices.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following documents to recruitment.wca-ch@worldveg.org no later than 10 August 2026:

• A tailored cover letter in English, outlining your suitability for the position and indicating your earliest date of availability;

• A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV), including a list of publications;

• Contact details for three professional referees.

Email Subject: Country Representative & Seed Systems Specialist – Côte d'Ivoire.