Background information about the job or company (e.g., role context, company overview)

The Agricultural Research and Extension Trust (ARET) is Malawi’s premier institution in tobacco research, extension and training services. Established in 1995 and funded primarily by tobacco growers, ARET’s core activities include development and dissemination of tobacco technologies and training of tobacco stakeholders in order to sustain and improve agricultural productivity while conserving natural resources.

Responsibilities or duties

• To develop, coordinate and supervise all phases of seed production for the Trust, ensuring that quality is maintained throughout the process.
• Coordinate, plan, strategize and produce certified seed, ensuring that production is properly handled from the field to packaging
• Perform and coordinate seed logistics activities to ensure accurate records and movement of seed
• Perform tests on seed to evaluate seed viability and germination rates; and carry out purity tests on all seed and germination material samples.
• Review Seed Lab Standard Operating Procedures.
• Coordinate field productions of seed as required
• Troubleshoot and monitor for irregularities in seed or seedling test results, media, temperatures, equipment and facilities.
• Manage and maintain seed storage facilities, ensuring the required storage standards and hygiene are observed.
• Compile information for distribution of all seed varieties.
• Negotiate and coordinate seed contracts with other relevant stakeholders.
• Maintain relationships with growers, stakeholders and the local farming community.
• Propose improvements in seed production from field operations to packaging
• Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual procurement plans and progress reports.
• Summarize seed production expenses for annual budgeting process and prepare and control the seed unit budget.

Qualifications or requirements (e.g., education, skills)

• Must have excellent communication skills and an ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Must be well organized
• Must be able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Must be a self-starter and able to work in a fast-paced work environment.
• Experience needed
• Bachelor of Science Degree in Seed Science, Biological Science or related field
• Certification in International Seed Testing Association (ISTA)
• Sound knowledge of Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (QED) Seed Certification Scheme.
• 5 years’ experience in seed production

Any other provided details (e.g., benefits, work environment, team info, or additional notes)

ARET is an equal opportunity employer committed to achieving workforce diversity and inclusion. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit and business needs.

• Coordinate, plan, strategize and produce certified seed, ensuring that production is properly handled from the field to packaging
• Perform and coordinate seed logistics activities to ensure accurate records and movement of seed
• Perform tests on seed to evaluate seed viability and germination rates; and carry out purity tests on all seed and germination material samples.
• Review Seed Lab Standard Operating Procedures.
• Coordinate field productions of seed as required
• Troubleshoot and monitor for irregularities in seed or seedling test results, media, temperatures, equipment and facilities.
• Manage and maintain seed storage facilities, ensuring the required storage standards and hygiene are observed.
• Compile information for distribution of all seed varieties.
• Negotiate and coordinate seed contracts with other relevant stakeholders.
• Maintain relationships with growers, stakeholders and the local farming community.
• Propose improvements in seed production from field operations to packaging
• Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual procurement plans and progress reports.
• Summarize seed production expenses for annual budgeting process and prepare and control the seed unit budget.

• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Well organized
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Self-starter
• Ability to work in a fast-paced work environment

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Seed Science, Biological Science or related field
• Certification in International Seed Testing Association (ISTA)
• Sound knowledge of Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (QED) Seed Certification Scheme.