Technical Advisor – Seed Systems (Consultancy)

About the role

The Technical Advisor – Seed Systems will provide technical leadership and coordinate implementation of the project to build a sustainable, private‑sector‑led seed sector in Rwanda’s Food Basket Sites, supporting youth agripreneurs and aligning with national priorities.

Key responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership in developing sustainable, market‑driven seed systems, working closely with MINAGRI and national stakeholders.
• Coordinate project planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting across target Food Basket Sites.
• Strengthen partnerships with government institutions, financial institutions, private seed companies, Farmer Service Centers and youth agripreneurs.
• Ensure production and delivery of high‑quality certified seed of priority crops (maize, rice, potato).
• Facilitate seed demand forecasting and seed balance sheets at district level.
• Provide technical business support to partner youth enterprises and monitor linkages with anchor seed companies.

Required profile

• Master’s degree in Agronomy, Seed Science, Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in seed systems, agribusiness or agricultural value‑chain development.
• Proven project coordination and implementation experience.
• Strong understanding of seed production, certification and extension systems.
• At least 3 years of experience in East Africa; residence in Rwanda is an advantage.
• Fluency in English; knowledge of Kinyarwanda is an advantage.

Required skills

• Technical expertise in seed production and certification protocols.
• Experience with stakeholder coordination across government, private sector and farmer organizations.
• Ability to develop and operationalize technical seed production and quality‑assurance protocols.
• Capacity to design and implement results‑based monitoring and evaluation systems and reporting dashboards.