ISF seeks a highly-motivated and qualified Intellectual Property and Legal Affairs Manager who will be responsible for promoting intellectual property rights in relation to seed, advocating for fair and workable systems for access and benefit sharing of genetic resources, and engaging the seed sector against illegal seed practices. The ideal candidate will be responsible for representing the organization in various meetings and events at the international, regional and national levels.

This is a full-time position based, preferably, in the ISF Secretariat in Nyon, Switzerland.

Target Starting date: 1 March 2025

key Tasks

The Intellectual Property and Legal Affairs Manager Manager will be working within the dynamic ISF Secretariat, reporting directly to ISF’s Secretary General. Together with ISF members, he/she will spearhead efforts to build broader understanding within and outside the seed sector on the following topics:

· Promotion of intellectual property policies related to plant varieties and plant-related innovation, especially under the UPOV Convention, supporting innovative breeding to provide quality seed to farmers.

· Advocating for fair and workable systems for access and benefit sharing of genetic resources, as well as their conservation and sustainable use, especially under the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture and the Convention on Biological Diversity.

· Monitoring and analyzing laws, regulations, and policies related to intellectual property and access and benefit-sharing obligations for seed companies

· Participating in the engagement of the seed sector against illegal seed practices.

· Participating in the engagement of the seed sector in seed resilience initiatives.

· Fostering the long-term relationship of the seed sector with farmers

· Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders, including government agencies, industry associations, and other organizations, on the above-mentioned topics

SKILLS / Background / EDUCATION

· Master's degree in law, agriculture, plant science, or a related field

· Very good understanding of international legal frameworks and policies related to intellectual property and access and benefit sharing

· Ability to collect, review and analyse a significant amount of information and present it in a simple, comprehensive and straightforward manner

· Ability to work independently and in a team environment.

· Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.

· Ability to speak and deliver impactful presentations at international discussions and to speak in front of larger groups.

· Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.

· Strong attention to detail and accuracy.

· Discrete, of good judgement, flexible and tactful when dealing with ISF members and officials

· Ability to travel internationally regularly (this position requires at least 20% of international travel).

· Fluent in written and spoken English, knowledge of other major languages is an asset.

· At least 5-8 years’ experience at the international level, preferably in the seed sector.

The position will be open until 20 December 2024. Interested candidates should send a cover letter and a CV to Michael Keller, Secretary General, International Seed Federation, at Write an email