Senior Advisor Seed Systems (70%)

Purpose of the assignment:

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 for a (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.