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
Purpose
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 development of Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Strategy and implementation plan
Lead development of Communication strategy for the project
Lead development 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
Engagement
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
Delivery
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
Evaluate, validate and contribute to the interpretation of results 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
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
