Coordinateur du réseau de test et chef de produit

French version on page 5

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

Testing Network Coordinator and Product Manager Réf. : GSS/DRI/2026 The Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) is seeking a highly qualified and motivated Testing Network Coordinator and Product Manager to support the implementation of its regional rice breeding and varietal dissemination activities. The position will be based at the AfricaRice Research Station in M'Bé, Côte d'Ivoire. The successful candidate will work under the direct supervision of the Rice Breeding Lead and in close collaboration with AfricaRice breeders, biometricians, the Seed Unit, National Agricultural Research and Extension Systems (NARES), and other regional partners to strengthen the evaluation, release and scaling of improved rice varieties across Africa. About AfricaRice The Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) is a leading pan-African rice research organization committed to improving livelihoods in Africa through science, innovation and strategic partnerships. AfricaRice is a CGIAR Research Center and an intergovernmental association of 28 African member countries, with headquarters in Côte d'Ivoire. AfricaRice develops and promotes innovative rice technologies and knowledge to enhance the productivity, competitiveness and sustainability of rice-based agri-food systems, contributing to food and nutrition security, poverty reduction and economic growth across the continent. Context The development and dissemination of improved rice varieties remain central to AfricaRice's mission of transforming rice-based agri-food systems across Africa. Through its breeding programmes and strategic partnerships with National Agricultural Research and Extension Systems (NARES), AfricaRice supports the development, evaluation, release and large-scale adoption of high-performing rice varieties adapted to

Autres informations

diverse production environments. To strengthen regional collaboration and accelerate varietal deployment, AfricaRice coordinates a continent- wide testing network that facilitates multi-environment evaluation, on-farm verification and evidence-based variety advancement across its member countries. This collaborative platform brings together breeders, national research institutions, extension services and other stakeholders to ensure that improved rice varieties respond effectively to farmers' needs and reach end users in a timely manner. Within this framework, AfricaRice is seeking a Testing Network Coordinator and Product Manager who will coordinate regional testing activities, strengthen collaboration with national partners and support the effective release, dissemination and scaling of improved rice varieties throughout Africa. Position Purpose The Testing Network Coordinator and Product Manager will play a key role in coordinating AfricaRice's regional testing network and supporting the advancement of improved rice varieties from evaluation to adoption. Working closely with breeding teams, the Seed Unit, NARES and other partners, the incumbent

Localisation

will ensure the effective planning, implementation and monitoring of multi-location and on-farm trials while facilitating the release, dissemination and scaling of superior rice varieties across Africa. The position will also contribute to strengthening regional collaboration among breeding partners, improving the quality and timeliness of trial implementation and data management, supporting product advancement decisions, and promoting the adoption of improved rice technologies that generate sustainable impact for farmers across Africa.

Responsabilités

The Testing Network Coordinator and Product Manager will be responsible for coordinating AfricaRice's regional testing network and supporting the advancement, release and dissemination of improved rice varieties across Africa. The incumbent will, among others, perform the following responsibilities: A. Regional Testing Network Coordination Coordinate the planning and implementation of regional multi-environment and on-farm trials in collaboration with AfricaRice breeders, National Agricultural Research and Extension Systems (NARES) and other partners. Facilitate the effective implementation of the Africa-wide breeding testing network by ensuring timely coordination of testing activities across participating countries. Coordinate the preparation and implementation of annual testing plans and ensure the timely execution of field activities. Monitor the progress of regional testing activities and ensure that trials are implemented according to agreed protocols and timelines. B. Product Advancement and Variety Release

• Support the advancement of improved rice products from testing to official varietal release and large- scale dissemination.

Formation / Diplômes

• Maintain and regularly update information on varietal release status across AfricaRice member countries.
• Coordinate activities related to the multiplication, movement and exchange of breeding materials, including seed multiplication, import and export permits, and germplasm shipments.
• Work closely with breeding teams and the Seed Unit to facilitate the deployment and scaling of newly released rice varieties across target countries.
• Promote the adoption of improved rice varieties through effective collaboration with national partners, public institutions and private-sector stakeholders. C. Partnership Development and Capacity Strengthening
• Coordinate collaboration with NARES, breeding focal points and regional partners involved in the AfricaRice Breeding Task Force.
• Prepare and coordinate Letters of Agreement (LoAs) with partner institutions and facilitate their implementation in accordance with AfricaRice procedures.
• Coordinate financial transfers related to collaborative field activities in close collaboration with the Finance Unit.
• Organize regional technical meetings, product advancement meetings, training workshops, Science Week events and other knowledge-sharing initiatives involving AfricaRice and partner institutions.
• Support the assessment and strengthening of national breeding programmes through close collaboration with AfricaRice scientists and CGIAR partners. D. Data Management, Monitoring and Knowledge Sharing
• Coordinate the collection, submission and validation of data generated through the regional testing network.
• Work closely with breeders, biometricians and partners to ensure timely data analysis and support evidence-based product advancement decisions.
• Monitor the implementation of collaborative field activities and ensure the timely submission of technical and financial reports by partner institutions.
• Coordinate baseline surveys and support the selection of farmers participating in on-farm verification trials.
• Contribute to knowledge management by documenting lessons learned, disseminating results and supporting continuous improvement of the regional testing network.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the supervisor that contribute to the successful implementation of AfricaRice's breeding and varietal dissemination activities.

Qualifications / sélection Criteria Education :

• Master's degree (MSc) in Agronomy, Plant Breeding, Crop Science or a closely related discipline.

Expérience

• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience i

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