Genetic resources access specialist

Make a real impact at the crossroads of biodiversity, legislation, and global collaboration. In this role, you ensure compliant and future-proof access to genetic resources—directly enabling innovation in plant breeding while navigating complex international regulations. At Enza Zaden, you step into a uniquely strategic position where science, law, and global partnerships come together to shape the future of sustainable agriculture, working closely with diverse stakeholders around the world.

Make a difference as Genetic Resources Access Specialist  

As Genetic Resources Access Specialist, you ensure that the use of genetic resources within Enza Zaden are fully compliant with international regulations, while maximizing access and freedom to operate for research and breeding.  

Your key responsibilities include:  

• Monitoring global Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) laws and regulations and lead translation of these developments into internal policies, procedures and best practices  

• Leading the implementation of compliant ways of working for the use of genetic resources, traditional knowledge and derivatives  

• Acting as the go-to expert for ABS-related questions within research and breeding teams  

• Proactively supporting the drafting and review of contracts on ABS in close collaboration with Legal Affairs 

• Advising on opportunities to access new genetic resources in line with legal frameworks  

• Delivering training programs and raising awareness on ABS topics across the organization  

• Representing Enza Zaden in external platforms and engaging with regulatory authorities  

You will be part of an international environment and work closely with teams such as Genetic Resources & Biodiversity, Breeding, Corporate Legal and Regulatory Affairs. Your role has a global scope, with occasional international travel.  

What you bring as a future colleague  

You are someone who enjoys working independently while staying closely connected to a wide network of stakeholders. You can navigate complex topics, think creatively and take initiative to drive improvements and ensure compliance in a dynamic international environment. 

• A university (Master’s) degree, preferably in law, life sciences or a related field;

• Experience with Access and Benefit Sharing regulations or similar regulatory frameworks (3–8 years);  

• Strong understanding of international legislation and the ability to translate this into practical processes;  

• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence at different levels;  

• Fluency in English (written and spoken);  

• A proactive, analytical and solution-oriented mindset. 

Enza Zaden as your employer  

Enza Zaden is an international family-owned company that has been developing innovative vegetable varieties since 1938. Together with more than 3,300 colleagues worldwide, we work on vegetable seeds with better flavor, higher yields and strong resistances. We do this from our mission: “Breeding to feed the world.” Every day, more than 480 million people eat vegetables grown from our seeds, and that is something we are very proud of.

We are passionate about our work and care about one another. Good ideas are given room to grow and together we keep moving forward. This is how we continue to grow and innovate, both as a company and as colleagues.

What you can expect from us 

We believe it is important that you can grow in your work and feel good about what you do. That is why we invest in your development, well-being, and job satisfaction. Through our Great to Grow development program, our focus on vitality, and activities that bring colleagues together, we create a work environment where you can keep learning and contribute with energy and enjoyment.

You can also count on:

• A role for 32-38 hours per week;

• A gross base salary between €4,356.06 and €6,222.94 per month. The range is based on a full-time schedule of 38 hours per week and aligned with your knowledge and experience;

• Flexible working arrangements;

• An attractive bonus plan of 10% of your annual salary;

• 25 vacation days, the option to purchase additional vacation days, and one paid wellbeing day per year, with extra days added as you get older;

• An attractive pension scheme, a travel allowance if you live more than 10 kilometers from your workplace, and a working-from-home allowance when you can partially work from home in consultation with your manager;

• A laptop and phone from Enza Zaden;

• Room to develop yourself through our Great to Grow development program, training courses and e-learning platform;

• Plenty of opportunities to meet colleagues outside your daily work, for example through outings and events organized by the staff association, as well as inspiration sessions and social drinks hosted by Young Enza. We also organize an annual summer barbecue, Christmas market, and New Year’s reception;

• Attention to your vitality and wellbeing, with free fresh fruit, the option for a healthy lunch at the office, a bike scheme, sports activities via enzActive, and mental support through OpenUp.

Let’s connect  

Looking for a career that grows with you? Apply using the application button. You will receive an automatic confirmation within a few minutes. We will let you know the next step within 10 business days.

Do you have questions about the role or the application process? Please feel free to contact:

Annemarie Weening, Senior Corporate Recruiter, at [email protected]

Enza Zaden is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on background, identity, or personal characteristics.

Want to learn more about Enza Zaden? Visit our website.

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