ThaiNGO

Policy and Advocacy Manager

Location: Bangkok, Thailand (travelling required)

Job Type: Full-Time

Reports to the Technical Lead

THE ORGANISATION

The Asia and Pacific Seed Association (APSA) is the regional seed association comprising more than 500 seed companies and associations from around 40 countries within the APAC region and beyond. Our mission is to support sustainable agriculture through the production and trade of quality seeds around the world. Our work focuses on advocacy, capacity building, and encouraging business collaboration and trade.

THE ROLE

APSA’s Policy and Advocacy Manager supports initiatives that will advance the association’s regulatory and policy advocacies. This role will help position APSA as a thought leader and the voice of the seed sector across the Asia-Pacific region. Together with the Technical Lead, the Policy and Advocacy Manager will facilitate opportunities for dialogue and engagement of our members with regulators, policymakers, industry, and other stakeholders to shape and harmonize policies related to phytosanitary measures, plant breeding innovation, intellectual property, the conservation, access and sharing of genetic resources, and others.

Key Responsibilities:

1.       Regulatory and policy advocacy

·         Facilitate regular interactions between the private seed sector and regulators by organizing and coordinating the annual flagship consultations, including the Phytosanitary Expert Consultation, Plant Breeding Innovation Regional Consultation, PVP and Biodiversity Regional Consultation.

·         Facilitate the development and organizing of APSA’s policy and advocacy-related meetings, dialogues, webinars, and other means of communication.

·         Collaborate with experts, APSA’s technical committees and institutional partners to strengthen APSA’s advocacy capacity and ensure alignment with international best practices.

·         Ensure that all advocacy programs are delivered efficiently, on time, and within budget.

·         Assist in database development related to the areas of responsibility.

2.       Standing Committees (SCs) and Special Interest Groups (SIGs)

·         Coordinate the activities of the Standing Committee (SC) on International Trade and Quarantine (ITQ), Plant Breeding Innovation (PBI), Intellectual Property Rights and Biodiversity (IPR + Bio), Working Group of Integrated Vegetable Companies (WIC) and support program initiatives aligned with the groups’ scope of work and APSA’s strategic objectives.

·         Ensure the efficient and smooth running of the abovementioned groups, including managing the agenda, work plan, resources, meeting minutes, working documents, position papers, and memberships.

·         Align with the Seed Knowledge and Capacity Building Manager on topics and activities of common interest in the other APSA Working Groups.

3.       Communications and reporting

·         Prepare reports on the discussions and meeting outcomes of the flagship consultations and other advocacy activities led by or participated in by APSA.

·         Work closely with APSA’s communications team to develop content for various APSA communication channels, ensuring clear information on complex regulatory and industry issues for diverse audiences.

QUALIFICATIONS

·         Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, plant sciences, public policy, international relations, or a related field. A Master’s degree is an advantage.

·         Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in policy, regulatory affairs, advocacy, or a related field, preferably within agriculture, seeds, or life sciences.

·         Understanding of regulatory frameworks related to plant health, plant breeding innovation, intellectual property, and/or biodiversity is highly desirable.

·         Experience working with seed companies, international or regional organizations, government agencies, universities, or industry associations is an advantage.

·         Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; ability to prepare reports on technical topics

·         Strong organizational and project management skills

·         Stakeholder engagement and facilitation skills, with confidence in interacting with experts.

·         Proactive, solutions-oriented, and able to work both independently and collaboratively.

The position will be open until 25 May 2026. Please send a CV and cover letter in English addressed to Francine Sayoc, Executive Director, Asia and Pacific Seed Alliance. Please email your application to Weeranuch Mhadlhoo, Admin and Partnerships Lead at weeranuch@apsaseed.org.

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. The position shall remain open until a suitable candidate has been engaged.