Technical Lead West & Central Africa

Company Description

Syngenta is one of the world’s leading agriculture companies. Our ambition is to help safely feed the world while taking care of the planet. We aim to improve the sustainability, quality and safety of agriculture with world class science and innovative crop solutions. Our technologies enable millions of farmers around the world to make better use of limited agricultural resources. Syngenta is part of Syngenta Group with 53,000 people in more than 100 countries and is working to transform how crops are grown. Through partnerships, collaboration and The Good Growth Plan we are committed to accelerating innovation for farmers and nature, striving for carbon neutral agriculture, helping people stay safe and healthy and partnering for impact. To learn more visit www.syngenta.com and www.goodgrowthplan.com. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Syngenta.

Job Description

The Technical Leader – West & Central Africa is responsible for driving technical excellence and supporting Syngenta’s business growth across the region. The role provides technical leadership for product development, launches, positioning, and stewardship, while acting as a key technical partner to Commercial, Marketing, Regulatory, and Field teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate regional technical field scientist & technical activities (field trials, product development, demonstrations, and technical support) across West & Central Africa.
• Support new product introductions (NPI), including trial design, execution, data analysis, and technical positioning.
• Act as the regional technical reference for crop protection solutions, providing expert support to Marketing, Sales, Regulatory, and CPD teams.
• Translate agronomic and biological data into clear technical recommendations for product positioning and portfolio strategy.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with external stakeholders (research institutes, key growers, distributors, universities, and authorities).
• Deliver technical training to internal teams, customers, and partners to strengthen product knowledge and field execution.
• Ensure all technical activities comply with Syngenta HSE standards, stewardship guidelines, and local regulatory requirements.
• Monitor pest, disease, and resistance trends in the region and contribute to integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.
• Provide technical input for strategic planning and long-term portfolio development in West & Central Africa.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Plant Protection, Entomology, or a related field.

Minimum 5–8 years of experience in crop protection, agronomy, technical development, or field trial management.

Strong technical knowledge of crop protection products, pests, diseases, and cropping systems relevant to West & Central Africa.

Proven ability to lead, influence, and collaborate across cross-functional and multicultural teams.

Experience in planning, executing, and interpreting field trials and translating results into commercial value.

Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Fluent in English; French is a strong advantage due to regional coverage.

Willingness to travel extensively within West & Central Africa.

Key Competencies

• Technical leadership and credibility
• Strong agronomic and biological expertise
• Analytical thinking and problem solving
• Stakeholder management and relationship building
• Project management and execution focus
• Strategic mindset with strong field orientation

Why Join Syngenta

At Syngenta, we are committed to improving global food security through sustainable agriculture. This role offers the opportunity to make a tangible impact on farming systems across West & Central Africa while working in a diverse, dynamic, and innovation-driven environment.

Additional Information