Looking for senior agriculture and research jobs in Rwanda?
One Acre Fund is hiring a Seed Science & Technology Lead to support Rwanda’s national seed system and farmer productivity.
Seed science research and agricultural innovation in Rwanda
This leadership role combines research, postgraduate training, and seed system development, helping more than 1 million farmers access high-quality seeds and improve food security in Rwanda.
Job Summary
- Organization: One Acre Fund
- Position: Seed Science & Technology Lead
- Location: Kigali, Rwanda
- Application Deadline: 21 July 2026
- Work Permit: Supported
- Experience Level: Senior / Expert
- Sector: Agriculture / Research / NGO
- Start Date: As soon as possible
Why This Job Matters
Rwanda is rapidly strengthening its national seed system to improve agricultural productivity and food security.
This role plays a critical part in:
- Improving access to high-quality seeds
- Strengthening research and seed certification systems
- Training the next generation of seed experts
- Supporting millions of smallholder farmers
If you are passionate about agricultural innovation and impact, this is a high-impact leadership opportunity.
Who Should Apply
This role is ideal for professionals in:
- Seed science and technology
- Plant breeding and crop research
- Agricultural research institutions
- Seed certification and regulatory systems
- Academic or postgraduate training programs
Candidates seeking senior leadership roles in African agriculture are strongly encouraged to apply.
About One Acre Fund
Founded in 2006, One Acre Fund equips 5.5 million smallholder farmers to make their farms more productive. Across nine countries that together are home to two-thirds of Africa’s farmers, we provide high-quality farm supplies, tree seedlings, accessible credit, modern agronomic training, and a wide range of other agricultural services. On average, this model enables any farmer to increase their income and assets on supported land by more than 35 percent, while permanently improving their resilience. This is all made possible by our team of 9,000+ full-time staff, drawn from diverse backgrounds and professions.
Our Rwanda program, founded in 2007, is our largest and operates under the local brand Tubura. We have more than 3,000 staff across all four provinces of Rwanda, as well as in Kigali. Together, we served more than 2.8 million farmers in 2024. We work closely with the government to support national efforts to improve food security. Additionally, we help channel funding and resources to promising agri-SMEs, supporting farmers by providing a market for high-impact crops such as coffee, avocado, and chili.
About the Role
Lead the RICA Seed Center’s science and training services. We seek an expert to manage technical research and professional courses, ensuring integrity and excellence to help 1M+ farmers access high-quality seed in Rwanda. This role includes 40% research, 40% postgraduate teaching, and 20% management.
Responsibilities
Lead Department Strategy, Team & Operational Excellence
- Define and drive the Seed Center’s scientific and technology roadmap
- Lead and develop a multidisciplinary team
- Oversee planning, budgeting, and operational performance
Direct Seed Technology & Training Program
- Lead delivery of a flagship postgraduate training program
- Drive accreditation, partnerships, and funding opportunities
- Coordinate instructors and partners
Seed Laboratory & Certification Leadership
- Oversee seed laboratory services and accreditation
- Ensure compliance with national and international standards
- Build partnerships with regulatory bodies
National Field Trials & Seed Systems
- Oversee national performance trials and data generation
- Support transparent seed system governance
- Strengthen collaboration with government and private sector
Technical Insight & Sector Influence
- Produce high-quality technical reports
- Analyze seed sector trends
- Contribute to national agricultural policy dialogue
Career Growth and Development
One Acre Fund invests heavily in staff development through:
- Weekly mentorship and feedback
- Training and leadership programs
- Career reviews every six months
- Long-term career growth opportunities
Qualifications
- PhD in Plant Breeding, Seed Science, Seed Systems, or related field (or MSc with strong experience)
- 5+ years (MSc) or 2+ years (PhD) relevant experience
- Strong scientific writing and data analysis skills
- Expertise in seed technologies and grain crops
- Knowledge of international frameworks (UPOV, ISTA, OECD)
- Experience delivering training or academic programs
- English required; Kinyarwanda is an advantage
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Housing support
- Comprehensive benefits package
Eligibility
Work permit support is available.
Candidates from countries of operation or with regional experience are preferred.
Application Deadline
21 July 2026 (Rolling applications)
Important Recruitment Notice
One Acre Fund never asks candidates to pay money at any stage of the recruitment process.
Official emails will always come from an @oneacrefund.org address.
Diversity & Equal Opportunity
One Acre Fund is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and provides equal employment opportunities regardless of background or identity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this job open to international applicants?
Yes. One Acre Fund can support work permits for this role.
Do I need experience in Rwanda?
Regional experience is preferred but not mandatory.
Is there an application fee?
No. One Acre Fund never charges candidates at any stage.
When is the deadline?
21 July 2026 (rolling applications).
How to Apply
Apply through the official One Acre Fund careers portal. https://www.oneacrefund.org/careers Read more and apply
We only publish verified opportunities and do not process applications.
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Editorial Note
Source & Verification
This job information is sourced from the official One Acre Fund careers website.
We are not the hiring organization.
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