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 Maize Breeder with demonstrated success to join the group’s Research and Development team in Africa. The opportunity is to set up and manage a Lowland Yellow Maize Breeding Program to develop yellow maize hybrids in West Africa.

Duties and responsibilities

• Oversee the startup and operationalization of an elaborate yellow maize breeding program in West Africa.
• Collaborate with value chain experts to identify and define trait matrices optimal for enhancing the yellow maize germplasm pool.
• Create a strategy for yellow maize germplasm diversity and enhancement to ensure sustainable genetic gains.
• Identify lowland maize germplasm traits and design breeding platforms to incorporate these traits into breeding populations.
• Develop a pipeline for unique and diverse yellow maize lines and hybrids aimed at commercial product development.
• Network and establish strong relationships 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 and managerial abilities to balance multiple tasks and meet milestones effectively.
• At least four years of experience in maize breeding/genetics within the private seed industry, focusing on inbred lines and hybrids development.
• Solid understanding of plant breeding, quantitative genetics, field plot techniques, statistical analysis, and molecular marker application.
• Familiarity with database applications, spreadsheet software, and modern experimental designs.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills in both English and French, 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 11 th of August 2025 to recruitment@seedcogroup.com