Job Description

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is the worlds 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, with the support of the Government of India, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has established IRRI- South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. It is a regional facility that supports research collaboration, training, and service provision to institutions, scientists, farmers, and other stakeholders from India and other South Asian and African nations. ISARC leads numerous projects in India in partnership with public and private sector parties. APART project being undertaken by ISARC in Assam is one such projects which aims to increasing the productivity and profitability of small and marginal farmers in rice-based cropping systems and facilitate agri-business investments, market access, and enable smallholder farmers and agro-entrepreneurs to produce crops resilient to recurrent floods or droughts in Assam. The incumbent will lead the project, develop workplans and oversee the execution of the planned activities in tandem with implementing partners. S/he will work in close coordination with objective leaders and other IRRI scientists and implementing partners to deliver the project and maximize impact at ground level. Under the minimal direction of the Director, ISARC, the job holder will be responsible for leading, monitoring and implementation of planned activities of projects assigned to her/him including APART. In addition, the incumbent will play a crucial role in expanding the IRRIs activities in the regions, particularly North Eastern part (NE) of India. IRRI as a global institution of excellence in rice science can play a pivotal role in sustainably improving the productivity and incomes of rice- growing households across the entire NER, including North-East Hill Regions (NEHR) and adjoining countries of South and South-East Asia. This position will be based in Assam, India and is open for international applications.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Strategically lead developmental projects such as APART project and plan for implementation and monitoring of project activities in Assam including 1) Development 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; 2) Act as the Operational Head for Assam-APART project staff from IRRI as the host organization to manage the operational; 3) Coordinate with ARIAS society, Word Bank team and other implementing partners for successful implementation of the project

• Development of novel, sustainable and climate-resilient management practices and farming systems for northeastern Regions that boost and sustain production and income. This may involve the shift from transplanting to direct seeding, novel mechanization options, introduction of new stress-tolerant varieties and associated management practices, novel diversified farming systems, rice- fallow intensification, rice-fish systems etc.
• Development of dissemination/scaling and partnership approaches, and/or business models for above-mentioned systems that will lead to impact at scale, such as improved income of farmers, resilience to climatic change and climatic shocks, improved food security, and reduced poverty
• 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
• Take the lead in expanding IRRIs footprint in northeastern region of India and explore new funding opportunities with donors
• Manage and guide the implementation of research support activities to ensure timely data collection, management, analysis and dissemination of result and information
• Finalize draft reports for submission to supervisor and stakeholders and technical literature to disseminate results and contribute to development of Communication strategy/ies
• 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 NARES, CG Centers, WB, ICAR institutes and public- private organizations to implement Assam project activities to meet the agreed project outputs and timelines and also to explore newer opportunities in north-eastern states
• Maintain high level of engagement with public, civil and private sectors for the development and delivery of technologies
• Participate in institute wide activities and represent IRRI at various meetings or events
• Oversight of the Projects 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 northeast and eastern regions of India and contribute to such activities in adjoining countries
• Organize and coordinate workshops, conferences, trainings (national and international) and exposure visits for capacity building of partners
• Manage the implementation of communication strategies and promote the dissemination of project findings through workshops and popular communication channels
• Publish and actively contribute to articles in peer-reviewed journals that highlight findings from research and experiment activities showcasing the institutes scientific leadership
• Supervise, and mentor scientific staff towards research excellence, professional conscientiousness and drive and career orientation and opportunities

Qualifications

• PhD in any branches of crop and natural resource management (Agronomy/ Soil Science, etc.)
• Minimum 10 years of experience in working on agriculture R & D projects
• Experience of handling of international projects would be preferable

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
• Has strong report writing skills

Preferred

• Has worked in an international organization and North Eastern part of India

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! Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
This position will remain open until filled.