Technology Innovations Lead-East Africa (Ruiru) at Syngenta

About the job

Description

Job Purpose

• To lead a group of technical specialists/scientists within a specialty/indication area consisting of one or two reporting levels and act as an interface to relevant functions and sections within the company
• To influence the strategy of the function, drive innovation and provide context and direction for the science/technical area
• To keep a high level of phytosanitary standard for each site in EA and coordinate the IPM strategy for the sites.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, mentor and develop teams of science professionals and/or experts to advance technical knowledge and/or solve complex problems addressing business needs. Lead and mentor complex development projects.
• Allocate resources within the group and work within defined budgets.
• Contribute to the development, implementation and communication of the strategy in their global function by applying cross-functional and business knowledge.
• Provide scientific expertise in cross-functional project teams within T&E and other parts of the business.
• Initiate new projects and design/implement more efficient processes.
• Provide constructive challenge to ensure scientific integrity and prioritization of work.
• Foster a culture of innovation; implement science & technology change within the organization.
• Ensure scientific integrity and prioritization through project reviews and challenge.
• Build and nurture an internal and external scientific network and manage external collaborations.
• Be an ambassador and strengthen the relations with government bodies like KEPHIS to make sure licenses for business operations continue without disruptions.
• Work on the long-term strategy on IPM and use of biologicals to overcome the challenge of losing AI's in production.
• Strictly guide and follow on the use of AI's on each site to be aligned with Syngenta, local and global regulations.
• Work on developing key pest controls strategies for the region and create the connection to work with the wider Syngenta CP to create synergy and leverage opportunities.
• Develop a good internal audit platform across the sites to make sure high levels of standards are maintained on Phyto, Crop Protection, and Scouting activities on each site.
• Ensure implementation of global policies and compliance with internal guidelines regarding Health, Safety and Environment.

Qualifications

• Masters degree in crop protection/ plant Pathology
• Degree in agriculture/or Botany or Horticulture

Critical Experience

• 5 or more years relevant experience
• Good knowledge on legislation concerning phytosanitation
• Proven hands on knowledge in common laboratory techniques for plant pathology and plant pests.
• Production and plant protection/Phytosanitary experience.

Working Relationships

Internal

• EAME Production Team
• Production Managers
• Site Managers

External

• Accredited labs
• Certification bodies
• KEPHI