SWISSAID is looking for a Senior Advisor Seed Systems, to start on September 1.

The job involves:

Take on strategic guidance and technical quality assurance, as well as advocacy work on international and Swiss politics. Lead knowledge management processes within the organisation related to seed diversity, focusing on farmer-managed seed systems.

Terms of Reference:

• Lead Thematic Strategy: Position SWISSAID as a leading voice and trusted partner of global south organisations on Farmer Managed Seed Systems (FMSS) and their role in agroecological food system transformation.
• International Advocacy: Represent SWISSAID in global forums (e.g., ITPGRFA) and negotiations, contributing evidence and policy positions mainly in the role as observer.
• Domestic Policy Influence: Drive advocacy on Swiss policies affecting Global South seed systems (UPOV and free trade agreements) via government dialogue, parliamentary lobbying, and referendum campaigns with allies.
• Technical & Strategic Oversight: Provide strategic guidance and technical input for FMSS projects and advocacy strategies across country offices and partners.
• Quality Assurance: Ensure quality control and review of project applications, strategies, and policy-level outputs related to seed systems.
• Knowledge Management: Collect, process, and systematize lessons learned from different countries and maintain expert exchanges with UN, research, donors, and CSOs.
• Communications & Media: Support media engagement (primarily German/French), collaborate with SWISSAID’s communications staff, and give interviews to amplify organisational positions.

Requirements:

• Proven Experience: 5+ years of relevant, hands-on experience in a similar role, with a verifiable track record of delivering measurable results (e.g., policy campaigns, networking building or project completion).
• Strategic & Analytical Thinking: Ability to synthesize complex data into actionable strategies, coupled with strong problem-solving skills to navigate ambiguity and make data-driven decisions.
• Leadership & Collaboration: Demonstrated success in advising cross-functional teams and leading policy projects, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels and foster a collaborative work environment.
• Technical Proficiency: Advanced expertise in farmer managed seed systems, MS-office, participatory process moderation, with the ability to adapt quickly to new technologies.
• Communication & Adaptability: Good written and verbal communication skills in minimum 2 languages (English, Spanish, French) German is a plus combined with a high degree of emotional intelligence and resilience to manage change and competing priorities in a fast-paced and challenging setting.

The work location will be Bern or Lausanne, with frequent travel abroad and maximum of 35% home office.