Symphorien is a Program Officer/Research Fellow at ICED and the West Africa Regional Hub Coordinator for the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Legume Systems.
In his role as the West Africa Regional Hub Coordinator, Symphorien is responsible for managing the program on the ground, networking, monitoring & evaluating the projects, and disseminating information for the Hub and its partners. His responsibilities include ensuring localization of goals and engaging local leadership in planning (technical and strategic), administrative, and M&E activities.
Symphorien holds a Ph.D. in Plant Breeding and Biotechnology from Makerere University in Uganda, and he received his B.Sc. degree and Engineer Agronomist Diploma in Agronomic Sciences and an M.Sc. in Natural Resources Management from the University of Abomey-Calavi in Benin. His previous work experience as a plant breeder involved working on legume crops as coordinator of the legumes breeding program in Benin for 10 years. He has been an active member of the West African Cowpea Consortium, interested in developing and promoting improved crop varieties for stakeholders in the legume value chains. He also generated gap evidence to design innovative research that fulfilled the needs of the final beneficiaries.
His work in the non-profit sector is motivated by the opportunity to work creatively, gain and refine skills, including leadership. He also recognizes his role as an opportunity to expand both personal and professional networks, one of his passions.
Symphorien is passionate about developing and maintaining new relationships and building stronger, more meaningful bonds with new people in his life. In his leisure time, Symphorien finds inspiration in enjoying music and football.
Location: Ghana
