The Global Crop Diversity Trust is an international organization with headquarters in Bonn, Germany whose mission is to ensure the conservation and availability of crop diversity for food security worldwide. For further information about the Global Crop Diversity Trust, consult the web page at http://croptrust.org
The Global Crop Diversity Trust is seeking an outstanding candidate for the position of:
Science Project Specialist
Under the overall supervision of the BOLD Project Coordinator and under the direct supervision of the Science Project Coordinator (WP7), the Science Project Specialist will be responsible for implementing the Organization’s Biodiversity for Opportunities, Livelihoods and Development (BOLD) Project – Work Package 7 (WP7). WP7 is also known as Building Opportunities for Lesser-known Diversity in Edible Resources (BOLDER), falling under the umbrella of the BOLD Project.
WP7 aims to increase nutrition security in Africa through the enhanced conservation, production and consumption of nutritious but currently underused, climate resilient and environment-friendly crop species (NUS). More information about the current BOLD Project can be found at https://bold.croptrust.org/.
The responsibilities of the position include the following:
- Engagement with partners to establish cooperation agreements and negotiate project contracts for BOLD - WP7.
- Liaise with partners, troubleshoot problems, and provide scientific advice and technical backstopping, including site visits. Duty travel to sites in Africa, as well as other locations, is required.
- Design and maintain report templates for internal and external use and support report submission of partners using the Partner Reporting Tool, in coordination and compliance with Crop Trust’s IT policies.
- Ensure consistency and accuracy in data presentation.
- Organize and maintain digital and physical records.
- Develop efficient filing and retrieval systems for project and financial documentation.
- Conduct routine monitoring and evaluation of grantee performance/reporting to ensure that targets are achieved.
- Coordinate capacity-building activities of WP7 partners.
- Coordinate the procurement of agreed equipment and consumables.
- Coordinate project-related travel in close collaboration with the Crop Trust’s travel office.
- Manage terms and conditions of service or consultancy contracts and ensure that the proposed activities are completed as per the agreement.
- Work with Crop Trust’s Quality Management System Coordinator to develop and curate a robust knowledge base for the sustainable conservation, production, and use of NUS in Africa, considering local production systems, gender equity, and farmer's rights. This includes conducting research on and documenting best practices and approaches, as well as working closely with farmers and other stakeholders to ensure that their knowledge and insights are integrated into the knowledge base.
- Contribute to reports, peer-reviewed publications, documents, and presentations as necessary.
- Assist with partner financial management (e.g. review of partner expenditure and supporting documents) and ensure they are compliant with Crop Trust and donor’s financial rules and regulations.
- Identify discrepancies in partners reports, flag risks, and ensure compliance with organizational policies.
- Represent the Crop Trust and the BOLD Project as necessary.
- Stay abreast of scientific developments and institutional players in the area of responsibility.
- Stay abreast of relevant policy frameworks (Plant Treaty, CBD, etc.).
- Contribute to the smooth and coordinated functioning of the Science and Programs Team, liaising with other teams as necessary to accelerate decision-making and approvals.
Required Qualifications, Skills, and Experience
Education & Experience
- BSc in the biological/agricultural sciences, business administration or related field.
- At least 6 years of relevant work experience in project coordination and M&E, preferably within an international or multicultural environment.
- Technical knowledge or background in biological conservation and experience working with NGOs, conservation organizations, or international partners would be desirable.
Technical Skills
- Experience in financial review, reporting, auditing, and familiarity with donor compliance requirements.
- Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and document management systems.
- Excellent English written and spoken required; knowledge of other languages will be an advantage.
Personal Attributes
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines with a high degree of initiative and analytical judgment.
- A collaborative mindset with the interpersonal skills to interact effectively with diverse global collaborators.
- Integrity, accountability, meticulous attention to detail, and a proactive approach to problem-solving in dynamic environments.
- Capacity to approach mistakes as opportunities for learning and improvement.
Terms and Conditions: The Crop Trust offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive salary, non-contributory retirement savings plan, medical insurance and leave provisions. This is a General Service position classified as Level 3, with Level 3 being the highest Level in the General Service Grade Levels. The salary range for this level starts at Euro 40,000. Staff of the Global Crop Diversity Trust (including German nationals) are exempt from host country income tax. All benefits are denominated and paid in Euros. Relocation costs are not covered. The initial contract duration will be 3 years and will be subject to a probationary period of 12 months.
Applications: Interested candidates should submit the following (incomplete applications will not be considered):
- A one-page motivation letter including summary of your qualifications and experience, indicating how you meet the expected set of skills and competencies for the position and your drivers for applying.
- Your Curriculum Vitae in English (please include your current residence address, telephone, and email address, date of birth and nationality).
- Names and full contact details of at least three referees.
Deadline for applications is 10 May 2026
By submitting your application, you agree to the Crop Trust processing your personal data as described here.
The Trust is an equal opportunity employer and strives for staff diversity in gender and nationality.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.