CIMMYT seeks an
agribusiness-oriented Consultant, Product Manager to oversee the
alignment of all facets of product development, from product definition,
through product development, to links with distribution and marketing of
products for our focus crops.
The location of this position will be Nairobi, Kenya.
Specific Deliverables:
Develop comprehensive product strategies and
roadmaps, considering market trends, customer needs, and business goals after
analyzing data from trials/ demos/ OFTs and feedback.
Consult with market intelligence, seed systems, and
value chain actors to document the drivers of variety adoption and develop the
product cycle strategy from design to market.
Incorporate socially inclusive needs and circumstances, particularly of women and youth in rural households in target geographies and of human nutrition, in target setting and design and the go to- market strategy.
Manage advanced testing to ensure qualitative and
quantitative data from on-farm trials are available for product advancement
meetings.
Manage the product advancement process and pipeline
from late-stage testing to product advancement and recommendation for release
and commercialization.
Support management in ensuring that the breeding
programs deliver products that market needs, and to do this on time, and on
budget.
Work with partners to increase the impact of crop
improvement by.
Improving our understanding of factors affecting
variety replacement.
Developing effective practices in the germplasm
advancement processes.
Ensure accurate seed multiplication and dissemination
processes, including engagement with the seed industry.
Contribute to CGIAR product design and management
modules, annual and multi-year work plan development, execution, and reporting,
and manage associated budgets.
Capacity development to designated teams, e.g. PDT
and PATs, and partners for modern product delivery. As part of capacity
development, contribute to publications in referred journals, project reports,
posters, and papers for presentation at local and international conferences.
Requirements
Master’s degree or higher in crop sciences, plant
breeding, seed science and technology, agronomy or similar.
Four or more years of experience in seed product
management, marketing of seed hybrids/ varieties and/or business administration
is desirable.
Hands-on agrobusiness experience in the commercial
seed industry in Africa; awareness of industry trends and developments.
Familiarity with the seed sector / seed value chains
and experience with agricultural digitals tools is desirable.
Awareness of product development principles including
how to understand requirements for variety adoption and methods for marketing.
Commitment to social inclusiveness, including
awareness of the roles of women and youth in variety uptake.
Cross-cultural, cross-function team management and
leadership experience.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Results focused, persistence and pragmatic attitude
skills.
Teaching, training, and capacity development; ability
to work effectively within a product-oriented perspective while engaging with
organizations/stakeholders that might not share this perspective.
The selected requires the following competencies:
Team Leadership, Negotiation, Resolution, Client Orientation, Critical
Thinking, Problem Solving.
How To Apply
Candidates must apply online for IRS24127_
Consultant, Product Management.
Screening and follow up of applications will begin
on Friday, July 12th, 2024.
Applications must include a CV with contact details
(telephone and email address) of 3 work-related references along with the
confirmation that Recruitment can contact them) and a cover letter.
Incomplete applications will not be taken into
consideration.Interested and qualified? Go to International Maize and Wheat
Improvement Center (CIMMYT) on apply.workable.com to apply