Key skills

delivery research

seed systems innovations

development economics

evaluation

seed systems assessment

Additional/Preferred Skills

digital literacy

software skills

digital monitoring

proposal writing

documentation

Preferred Qualifications

MS in Agri/Dev studies

Masters

Manager – Seed Systems and Delivery Research

[Internal Job Posting]

ICRISAT seeks applications from dynamic and motivated professionals for the position of “Scientist – Product Management”. The position is required to To advance Seed Systems and Delivery Research by generating scientific evidence, innovative delivery models and digital solutions that strengthen the development, delivery, adoption, and scaling of improved crop varieties across Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. The position will lead delivery research on seed systems, seed demand and innovation processes to improve the effectiveness, efficiency, inclusiveness, and resilience of seed systems. The role will develop and apply advanced research, analytical and digital approaches to generate actionable evidence, strengthen programme design and strategic decision-making, accelerate varietal turnover and seed delivery, and enhance the impact of ICRISAT and CGIAR research through sustainable and market-responsive seed systems under the Global Research Program, Accelerated Crop Improvement. The position is based in Patancheru, Hyderabad, India. This position is an Internal Job posting.

ICRISAT is a non-profit, non-political organization that conducts agricultural research for development in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa with a wide array of partners throughout the world. Covering 6.5 million square kilometers of land in 55 countries, the semi- arid or dryland tropics has over 2 billion people and 644 million of these are the poorest of the poor. ICRISAT and its partners help empower these disadvantaged populations to overcome poverty, hunger and a degraded environment through better agricultural production systems.

ICRISAT is headquartered at Patancheru near Hyderabad, India, with two regional hubs and eight country offices in sub-Saharan Africa. ICRISAT envisions a prosperous, food-secure and resilient dryland tropics. Its mission is to reduce poverty, hunger, malnutrition and environmental degradation in the dryland tropics. ICRISAT conducts research on its mandate crops of chickpea, pigeonpea, groundnut, sorghum, pearl millet and finger millet in the arid and semi-arid tropics. The Institute focuses its work on the drylands and in protecting the environment. Tropical dryland areas are usually seen as resource-poor and perennially beset by shocks such as drought, thereby trapping dryland communities in poverty and hunger and making them dependent on external aid. Please visit - www.icrisat.org

Responsibilities:

  • Delivery Research and Seed Systems Innovation
  • Design and implement innovative delivery research that generates evidence on the effectiveness, efficiency and inclusiveness of seed systems, informing ICRISAT and CGIAR research priorities for scaling improved varieties.
  • Advance scientific understanding of varietal adoption, seed demand, farmer decision-making, delivery pathways and enabling institutional environments to support evidence-based seed system transformation.
  • Develop and evaluate scalable delivery models, partnership frameworks and market-orientated approaches that enhance the production, dissemination and uptake of quality seed through public and private sector engagement.
  • Integrate delivery research across breeding, seed production, extension, market systems and policy processes to accelerate varietal turnover and maximize the development impact of ICRISAT and CGIAR innovations.
  • Translate research findings into practical recommendations, decision-support frameworks, and policy guidance that strengthen national seed systems and improve access to quality seed for smallholder farmers.
  • Foster strategic collaboration with CGIAR centres, National Agricultural Research and Extension Systems (NARES), governments, development organizations, seed enterprises, and regional partners to co-develop, validate, and scale innovative seed system solutions.

Seed Systems Intelligence and Digital Innovation

  • Modernize seed systems research by developing digital research workflows and integrated information systems that improve the efficiency, quality, transparency, and reproducibility of research and development programmes.
  • Develop evidence and decision intelligence frameworks that support varietal deployment, seed demand forecasting, seed production planning, programme monitoring, and strategic investment across seed systems.
  • Establish interoperable research information systems that enable efficient management, integration, accessibility, and utilization of scientific information, research outputs, and seed systems data across CGIAR and partner institutions.
  • Identify, evaluate, and apply appropriate analytical methods, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, predictive analytics, and other emerging digital approaches, to strengthen evidence generation, research efficiency, and decision-making within seed systems.
  • Promote institutional innovation by developing scalable digital solutions, analytical frameworks, and knowledge assets that enhance collaboration, learning, and the long-term impact of CGIAR seed systems research.

Data processing & Integration

  • Develop and strengthen integrated digital systems and standardized workflows for the collection, management, quality assurance, integration, and stewardship of data generated from early generation trials (EGT), multi-environment trials (MET), on-farm adaptive research (OFAR), participatory varietal selection (PVS), technology validation trials, seed production, and other seed systems research activities.
  • Design and implement robust trial data management, analytical, and visualization frameworks that transform multi-location research data into actionable evidence, performance insights, and decision-support tools for varietal advancement, seed demand assessment, product deployment, and programme planning.
  • Establish institutional standards for trial data governance, interoperability, metadata management, traceability, and digital integration to improve data quality, accessibility, reproducibility, and utilization across ICRISAT, CGIAR, and partner institutions.
  • Strengthen institutional capacity in digital trial data systems, analytical methods, monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL), and evidence utilization through standardized protocols, digital tools, training, and cross-programme collaboration.

Institutional Responsibilities

  • Develop high-quality research proposals, concept notes, and partnerships that strengthen institutional research portfolios and support resource mobilization.
  • Publish high-quality scientific papers, technical reports, policy briefs, and knowledge products that contribute to global evidence on seed systems, delivery science, and agricultural development.
  • Represent ICRISAT in relevant scientific networks, technical working groups, conferences, and stakeholder platforms related to seed systems, delivery research, and research innovation.
  • Contribute to cross-CGIAR initiatives by developing innovative methodologies, analytical approaches, and scalable solutions that strengthen the effectiveness and impact of seed systems research across regions.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

  • Master’s degree in Agricultural Sciences, Development Studies, or another relevant field.
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in seed systems, delivery research, monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL), agricultural innovation, and research-for-development programmes.
  • Demonstrated understanding of seed systems, delivery research, agricultural innovation systems, research-for-development approaches, and evidence-based programme design.
  • Experience in designing and implementing multi-country research and development projects involving diverse stakeholders across the agricultural sector.
  • Strong quantitative and analytical skills, including research design, data analysis, evidence synthesis, technology adoption studies, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
  • Proven experience in generating evidence to support programme design, policy development, and strategic decision-making.
  • Experience working with CGIAR Centers, National Agricultural Research and Extension Systems (NARES), governments, development organizations, and seed sector partners.
  • Strong scientific writing, communication, stakeholder engagement, and partnership management skills.
  • Experience in developing research proposals, publishing scientific and technical outputs, and supporting resource mobilization efforts.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary, multicultural, and collaborative research environments.

Desired Skills:

  • Knowledge of digital data collection platforms, research data management, and digital tools for monitoring, evaluation, and decision support.
  • Familiarity with statistical software and analytical tools (e.g., R, Stata, Python, Power BI, or similar).
  • Understanding of seed demand assessment, varietal adoption studies, seed production systems, and scaling approaches.
  • Ability to translate research findings into practical recommendations, policy guidance, and decision-support products.
  • Strong organizational, coordination, and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities across countries and partners.
  • Demonstrated commitment to innovation, continuous learning, and collaborative problem-solving.

General:

This is a contractual role for a period of 36 months (03 years), renewable based on the performance of the incumbent and the institute’s continuing need for the position.

How to apply:

The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is identified. Shortlisting will start from 02 October 2026. All Applicants should apply with their latest Resume, and the names and contact information of three references that are knowledgeable about their professional qualifications and work experience. All applications will be acknowledged; however, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.


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