The International Seed Testing Association (ISTA), whose headquarters are based in Zürich, Switzerland, has a vacancy for the position of Secretary General.

ISTA is a non-profit Association, under the Swiss Law. It produces internationally agreed rules for seed sampling and testing, accredits laboratories, promotes research, and disseminates knowledge in seed science and technology. Its membership currently consists of 201 member laboratories, 52 personal members and 42 associate members, from 79 countries around the world.

ISTA has a vacancy for the Head of the ISTA Secretariat which is made up of the
Accreditation and Technical Support, Publications, and Administration Units. The Head of the ISTA Secretariat is referred to as the Secretary General (SG) of ISTA. The Secretary General reports to and receives direction from the Executive Committee of ISTA.

The role involves:

• Management of Secretariat Team (around 10 full time employees).
• Management of ISTA’s finances.
• Coordination, support and facilitation of ISTA activities.
• Preparation of financial, strategic, business and progress reports for the Executive
• Committee; preparation for Executive Committee meetings, annual meetings and
• international representation.
• International representation of ISTA at meetings on request from the ECOM.
• Production of the in-house membership magazine Seed Testing International.

The successful candidate will have:

• Proven management experience.
• Proven financial management experience.
• Knowledge of quality assurance.
• Technical knowledge of accreditation and seed testing would be an advantage.
• Fluency in spoken and written English is essential. A second language is an advantage.
• PhD in Biology or Agronomy, or other appropriate professional experience.
• Availability to travel worldwide.
• Computer skills in MS office programmes (e.g. Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Access).
• Salary is negotiable.

The position is:

• Full time (42 hours per week), Swiss working regulations
• The place of work is the ISTA Secretariat currently located in Switzerland, Zürichstrasse 50, 8303 Bassersdorf. The position is to be fulfilled as soon as possible.
• Applications will only be accepted by e-mail and must arrive before midnight Swiss time on 11th January 2013.

Applications should include:

• Application for ISTA Secretary General in the subject line of the e-mail and be sent to the ISTA President at president@ista.ch
• In your application please provide current Curriculum Vitae, recent photograph and application letter indicating why you would be suitable for this position. Please provide a list of publications, short description of achievements in previous or current positions such as scientific, technical or management achievements. In your application please also indicate the salary you are currently earning and the salary range you would expect.

The interviews for this position are expected to take place on Friday 15th or Saturday 16th February 2013 in Bassersdorf, Switzerland at the Headquarters of ISTA.

Please indicate in your application if you are available to attend for interview in person or by conference call.