Genetic resources access specialist

Genetic Resources Access Specialist  

Are you passionate about biodiversity, legislation and international collaboration? Do you enjoy translating complex regulations into practical solutions for research and innovation? And do you want to play a key role in securing access to genetic resources worldwide?  

This is why you want to join us as Genetic Resources Access Specialist at Enza Zaden  

- You operate at the intersection of science, law and international policy—making your role both strategic and impactful  

- You directly enable research and breeding by securing compliant and future-proof access to genetic resources  

- You work in a global stakeholder network, from scientists to legal experts and international organizations  

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  

- 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  

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.  

Enza Zaden as your employer  

With more than 3,000 passionate team members across the world, we're on a daily mission to develop the finest vegetable varieties. Our goal? To deliver seeds with that special something: vegetables with better taste, better yields, and better resistance. On our mission to feed the world, we challenge ourselves to gain deeper insights and find the next breakthrough. We grow and innovate together, and everyone’s contribution is valued. Throughout our 86 years, our family values, passion, independence and our focus on innovation have truly set us apart. Over 480 million people eat our vegetables every day, something we are very proud of! Our passion isn't just a trademark; it's our driving force, propelling our rapid growth. If you're ready to explore your potential and thrive in a supportive environment, we welcome you to develop your talents with us. The combination of entrepreneurship, initiative and a healthy dose of determination has made Enza Zaden great and brought us where we are today. Enza Zaden is and always will be in motion: in the past, present and future.  

What we offer 

As a family-owned company, we support you to thrive in all areas of life, so that you can be successful inside and outside of work. We offer: 

• Flexible work arrangements; 

• Access to a variety of wellbeing programs and healthy food options; 

• 25 paid vacation days (employees have the option to buy extra vacation days equivalent to two times their weekly working hours); 

• 1 paid vitality day for all, plus extra days as your age increases; 

• Contribution for overnight stays if you live further away from Enza Zaden;  

• Laptop + smartphone. 

We aspire to be a good employer that cares for our employees, both during and after their careers at Enza Zaden. Our most important benefits include: 

• Active partnership in your professional development (personal growth); 

• Tailor-made leadership development programs and global e-learning platform; 

• Employer sponsored retirement benefits. 

Join us for a career that grows with you! Are you curious to know more about Enza Zaden click on this link to our website. 

Get in touch 

Apply now using the application button. You will receive an automatic confirmation of your application within minutes, and we will respond to your application within 10 working days.  

Do you have any questions about our application process? Please feel free to reach out to: 

Annemarie Weening, Senior Corporate Recruiter  

a.weening@enzazaden.nl