Job ID:  HQ01471

Ag R4D, Project coordination, Learning

About IRRI

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is the world’s premier research organization dedicated to reducing poverty and hunger through rice science; improving the health and welfare of rice farmers and consumers; and protecting the rice-growing environment for future generations. IRRI is an independent, nonprofit, research and educational institute, founded in 1960 by the Ford and Rockefeller foundations with support from the Philippine government. The institute, headquartered in Los Baños, Philippines, has offices in 17 rice-growing countries in Asia and Africa, and over 1,000 staff. Working with in-country partners, IRRI develops advanced rice varieties that yield more grain and better withstand pests and disease as well as flooding, drought, and other harmful effects of climate change.

Job Purpose

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is the world’s premier research organization dedicated to reducing poverty and hunger through rice science; improving the health and welfare of rice farmers and consumers; and protecting the rice-growing environment for future generations. IRRI implements the ‘Climate Smart Rice based Systems for Prosperity and Resilience in Odisha (ClimatePRO)’ project. This project working with several GO and NGO partners, private sector and communities, focuses on developing, testing and scaling combinations of technical, social and institutional innovations for supporting climate resilient and gender-responsive diversified rice-based systems that are remunerative for women and men farmers and contribute to enhancing their livelihoods resilience. The project has a significant focus on promoting women and youth entreprenurship and farmer collectives like FPOs and FPCs. IRRI also implements several OneCGIAR initiatives in Odisha including on gender responsive and inclusive seed systems, gender equality and digital innovation. This position will support the Project Leader and Research Unit Leader, and associated teams in implementation of R4D activities in these projects, managing partnerships and local research teams, monitoring and, reporting. The incumbent will develop work plans and oversee execution of planned activities. S/he will work in close coordination with outcome leaders and other IRRI scientists to deliver the project and maximize impact on the ground. Under the minimal direction of the PI and RU Leader, the incumbent will develop and maintain partnerships, identify new investment opportunities and network with diverse sets of stakleholders. The incumbent will lead development of the communication strategy, manage its implementation.

The position will be based at Bhubaneswar, Odisha and will only be filled by a permanent citizen of India.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Lead planning, implementation and monitoring of ClimatePRO project activities to achieve the project outputs, outcomes and contribute to the goal
• Develop and review annual work plans and budgets based on project objectives and define team activities, outputs and milestones
• Supervise local junior project staff
• Manage and guide implementation of research activities to ensure timely data collection, management, analysis and dissemination of results and information
• Lead implementation of Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Strategy
• Contribute to implementation of Communication strategy of the project
• Lead development and implementation of scaling and exit strategies for the project
• Ensure oversight of risks and mitigation strategies to ensure delivery of the project in line with the agreed objectives
• Develop and finalise donor reports
• Support co-ordination of R4D activities of relevant One CGIAR initiatives and partnerships
• Identify new funding and research opportunities
• Contribute to the development of research proposals
• Contribute to and lead scientific articles
• Lead development of communication products
• Develop and maintain partnerships with various key actors including GOs, NGOs, CSOs and private sector to implement project activities, scale and for strategic purposes
• Collaborate with IRRI research teams in the country and other offices to effectively implement activities and achieve objectives
• Constantly communicate with internal and external project partners and collaborators to gather feedback and to exchange conceptual ideas and other research-related requirements for the advancement of projects
• Provide assistance and guidelines to internal and external stakeholders considering the implementation of research activities, including logistics
• Coordinate with required IRRI services and supplies to ensure smooth implementation of activities
• Participate in IRRI-wide activities and represent IRRI at various meetings and events
• Oversight of the project in liaison with IRRI India and HQ Finance to ensure compliance
• Organize and coordinate workshops, conferences, trainings (national and international) and exposure visits for capacity building of partners and key stakeholders
• Prepare plans and reports for submission to donors
• Administer effective coordination and preparations of trainings by ensuring that the training materials, logistical arrangements and resource persons are appropriate to the defined objectives
• Promote dissemination of project findings through workshops and popular communication channels
• Contribute to the writing of manuscripts for reports/publications as well as presentations/posters for national and international conferences.
• Supervise and lead the maintenance of accurate data recording and update database for efficient storage and retrieval of information
• Ensure risk management and control

Qualifications

• M.Sc./Master’s degree in Agricultural development, Ag Innovation Systems, Development Studies or related field with minimum 10 years of relevant experience in Ag R4D design, implementation and, monitoring
• Or PhD in Agricultural development, Ag Innovation Systems, Development studies or related field with minimum of 5 year of relevant experience in Ag R4D design, implementation and, monitoring

Skills Required

Mandatory:

• Proven technical proficiency in agricultural R4D and innovation systems in developing countries
• Deep understanding of agricultural systems
• Excellent leadership skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Strong analytical skills
• Experience in quality assurance
• Experience in Research, team and partner Management
• Excellent presentation skills
• Experience in complex R4D project management, monitoring and reporting
• Strong report writing skills

Preferred:

• Experience working in interdisciplinary teams, transdisciplinary projects and multicultural environments
• Willingness to travel

In addition to the base salary mentioned above, IRRI also offers the following allowances:

• House-Rent Allowance: IRRI provides a house rent allowance of 40% of base pay per month.
• Transport Allowance: A monthly transport allowance of INR 5,000
• Dearness Allowance: One Hundred and Thirteen percent (113%) of employee’s base pay.
• Leave Travel Allowance (LTA): One-month base pay per annum, on availing minimum 2 days of vacation leave
• Education Allowance: INR 1000/- per child per month (limited 2 children)

IRRI offers a highly extensive employee benefits package inclusive of globally-covered medical insurance, retirement plan, life and accident insurance and other allowances. Join our team and be part of our story!

Application

Please click HERE to learn more and to apply online.

Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.