World Vegetable Center (WorldVeg) is an international, non-profit research-for-development organization with a global mandate for vegetables. WorldVeg’s mission is to deliver science and innovation for enhanced vegetable production and consumption in a rapidly changing world. The collection, conservation, and use of vegetable genetic resources are fundamental to the work. WorldVeg holds the world’s largest public collection of vegetable genetic resources, which underpins vegetable breeding, research, and innovation worldwide.
WorldVeg is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Head of Genetic Resources to provide scientific and strategic leadership for the Center’s work on vegetable genetic resources in collaboration with WorldVeg scientists and partners worldwide, to ensure that genetic resources are safeguarded and used effectively to improve diets, livelihoods, and resilience.
Success in this role will be demonstrated by strengthened genebank performance against international standards, increased utilization of vegetable genetic resources by partners, and sustainable funding for WorldVeg’s genetic resource portfolio. The Head of Genetic Resources reports to the Director of the Biological Sciences Program.
Key Responsibilities
- Scientific, Strategic, and Technical Leadership: Lead the WorldVeg Action Area “Vegetable Biodiversity” and contribute to regional and global initiatives that safeguard, characterize, and promote the sustainable use of vegetable genetic resources.
- Genebank Management: Manage the WorldVeg genebank, with collections in Taiwan and Tanzania, in full compliance with international genebank standards, overseeing conservation, regeneration, documentation, data management, safety duplication, and distribution.
- Staff Management and Team Leadership: Lead, supervise, and train genebank researchers and technicians, fostering a productive, service-oriented, safe, and inclusive team environment.
4. Strategic Development of Germplasm Resources: Design and implement strategies for the collection, characterization, evaluation, and promotion of vegetable germplasm, including traditional and underutilized crops and crop wild relatives.
5. Research on Genetic and Functional Diversity: Initiate, coordinate, and contribute to research on the genetic, phenotypic, nutritional, and functional diversity of vegetable germplasm, ensuring strong collaborations with vegetable breeders and other researchers at WorldVeg.
6. Access, Availability, and Regulatory Compliance: Ensure timely and equitable access to germplasm for researchers, breeders, and other users, in accordance with the Center’s germplasm distribution policy, international treaties, and national regulations, including phytosanitary requirements.
7. Resource Mobilization: Lead the mobilization of sustainable funding for WorldVeg’s genetic resources portfolio by identifying funding opportunities, contributing to grant proposals, engaging donors and partners, and aligning genebank priorities with global biodiversity, climate resilience, and nutrition agendas.
8. Collaboration and Representation: Collaborate across disciplines and regions, represent WorldVeg in relevant international fora, and provide technical leadership to partnerships, publications, and initiatives related to vegetable biodiversity and genebank operations.
Note: WorldVeg reserves the right to revise job profiles at any time based on changes to the required job responsibilities.
The Person
• PhD in plant genetics, plant breeding, crop science, botany, agronomy, biodiversity conservation, conservation biology, or another relevant discipline.
• At least five years of demonstrated experience in genebank management and genetic resources conservation.
• Knowledge of international frameworks governing plant genetic resources.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary, international environment.
• Strong communication skills in English.
The Reward: This is an Internationally Recruited Staff (IRS) position with competitive pay and benefits. The initial appointment is for three years, renewable depending on the performance of the incumbent.
The candidate we hire will embody WorldVeg’s Core Values:
- Dedication to Innovation and Knowledge Sharing: Supports the conduct of world-class science, respects ethical standards, and is committed to sharing results in a transparent manner.
- Commitment to Impact: Aspires to achieve positive, tangible, and lasting impact contributing to Sustainable Development Goals.
- Commitment to Partnerships: Believes in the value of partnerships to advance research for development.
- Respect for People: Respect the diversity of gender, culture, ethnic origin, religion, age, beliefs, and views.
- Respect for the Environment- Strives to minimize its environmental impact and to introduce greener technology and practices.
How to Apply: Applicants should submit a letter of application explaining their suitability for and interest in the position along with an updated curriculum vitae, and names and addresses (including telephone & e-mail addresses) of three referees to human.resources@worldveg.org. Closing date for application: 15 March 2026. Please send your application package in one PDF file and mention the position title in the subject line.