About Seed Co International

Established in 1940 by a cooperative of Zimbabwean farmers, Seed Co International is a leading Pan-African seed company specializing in the research, production, and marketing of high-quality certified seeds. With operations in nearly 20 African countries, we serve small-scale and commercial farmers with tailored seed varieties, including maize, soybeans, wheat, sorghum, and vegetables – designed to thrive in Africa’s diverse agro-ecological zones.

Job Purpose
Seed Co West & Central Africa (SC WECA) is seeking a highly self-motivated Rice Breeder with demonstrated success to join the group’s Research and Development team in Africa. The opportunity is to set up and manage a Rice Breeding Program for developing rice products in West Africa.

Duties and responsibilities

• Lead the startup and operationalization of a comprehensive rice breeding program in West Africa.
• Collaborate with value chain experts to define optimal trait matrices for developing the rice germplasm pool and output varieties.
• Develop a strategy for rice germplasm diversity and enhancement to ensure sustainable genetic gains.
• Identify unique rice germplasm traits and design breeding and molecular marker platforms for their incorporation into breeding populations.
• Establish a breeding pipeline of unique and diverse rice populations, lines, and hybrids aimed at commercial product development.
• Build partnerships and network with National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS), Product Registration Officials, and CGIAR centers globally.

Qualifications and skills required

• M.Sc. or PhD in Plant Breeding and Genetics or a related field.
• Strong leadership, managerial, and organizational skills with the ability to balance multiple tasks and meet milestones.
• At least four years of experience in rice breeding/genetics within the rice seed industry, focusing on hybrid and pure line development.
• Solid understanding of plant breeding, quantitative genetics, field plot techniques, statistical analysis, and molecular marker applications.
• Proficiency in database applications, spreadsheet software, and modern experimental designs.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills in both English and French, along with a willingness to travel extensively.

Why join Seed Co?

• Lead breeding for a pioneering African seed company with an 80+ year legacy.
• Drive impactful agricultural transformation across the continent.
• Competitive remuneration, growth opportunities, and a collaborative work environment.

Interested candidates who meet the above- mentioned requirements should email their applications accompanied by a comprehensive CV and certified copies of certificates not later than 11th of August 2025 to recruitment@seedcogroup.com