The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is an independent, non-profit and world’s premier research organization dedicated to abolishing poverty and hunger among people and populations that depend on rice-based agri-food systems. Through our work and partnerships, we aim to improve the health and welfare of rice farmers and consumers; promote environmental sustainability in a world challenged by climate change; and support the empowerment of women and the youth in the rice industry. The institute, headquartered in Los Baños, Philippines, has offices in 17 rice-growing countries in Asia and Africa
Under the Kerala Climate Resilient Agri-Value Chain Modernization (KERA) Project, and with support from the World Bank, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) will collaborate with the Government of Kerala (GoK) to co-develop low-emission agronomic and water management practices for large-scale adoption across rice-based agricultural systems in all 14 districts of the state. These initiatives will be guided by cutting-edge technologies and grounded in robust scientific research to support the
establishment of cost-effective and scalable Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) systems that ensure environmental integrity.
Reporting to Senior Scientist I, the incumbent will be responsible for leading, implementing, and monitoring field activities in Kerala in alignment with the objectives of the KERA Project. The role will involve coordinating and managing the project on a daily basis, including the co-design and implementation of on-station and field experiments aimed at developing low-emission practices (LEPs).
The incumbent will also be responsible for executing project activities in a timely manner, in close coordination with key partners such as Kerala Agricultural University (KAU), the Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM), the Project Management Unit (PMU), the Department of Agriculture, and the Irrigation Department. In addition, the position entails technical supervision of all field-based activities and staff associated. The incumbent will also play a critical role in cultivating and maintaining strategic partnerships, identifying potential investment opportunities, and facilitating engagement with diverse stakeholders across disciplines. Furthermore, the role includes contributing to the development and implementation of a comprehensive communication strategy to effectively disseminate research findings, raise awareness, and promote the adoption of climate-resilient rice technologies throughout the region under the KERA initiative.
This position will be based at the IRRI India Office, Trissur, Kerala, India and may only be filled by permanent citizens of the India.
Responsibilities :
Strategically lead and plan for implementation and monitoring of the project activities to achieve the overall project goal
Develop and review annual work and budget plans based on program objectives to define the team activities, plan specific outputs and milestones in coordination with the program management unit
Act as the Operational Head for project staff from IRRI as the host organization to manage the operational activities
Develop and oversee implementation of strategies in accordance with agreed objectives, outputs, and timelines as reflected in approved impact pathway documents
Review and analyze progress of the defined objectives and propose recommendations to enhance performance of the institute
Manage and guide the implementation of research support activities to ensure timely data collection, management, analysis and dissemination of results and information
Finalize draft reports for submission to supervisor and stakeholders and technical literature to disseminate results
Contribute to development of Communication strategies
Sustain existing partnerships, create new associations and investment opportunities
Ensure oversight of risks and mitigation strategies to ensure delivery of the Project in line with agreed objectives
Develop and maintain partnerships with various stakeholders including Kerala Agriculture University, Department of Agriculture, CG Centers, WB, ICAR institutes and public- private organizations to implement project activities to meet the agreed project outputs and timelines
Maintain a high level of engagement with public, civil and private sectors for the development and delivery of technologies
Collaborate with partners from the country and IRRI team including objective leaders, and other scientists to achieve project milestones
Participate in institute wide activities and represent IRRI at various meetings or events
Oversight of the Project in liaison with IRRI India and HQ finance to ensure compliance Identify, develop and implement models and tools for promoting modern rice technologies/interventions in the state
Organize and coordinate workshops, conferences, training courses (national and international) and exposure visits for capacity building of partners
Prepare plans and finalize reports for submission to stakeholders and donors
Manage the implementation of communication strategies and promote the dissemination of project findings through workshops and popular communication channels
Identification and creation of new associations and investment opportunities
Ensure risk management & control
Qualifications :
PhD in Agricultural economics/Water resource management/related discipline with 10-15 years of experience. Experience in leading projects, report writing, organizing on-farm training, development of technical literature and partnership development
Skills Required
Mandatory:
Has experience in managing a team or unit
Has experience in developing strategies
Has strong collaboration skills and has experience in creating long term partnerships including investment opportunities
Has excellent leadership skills
Has excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills
Has management skills for implementing complex projects at national level
