Deadline:  13 January 2023 (the position will remain open until filled)

I. Background

The World Bank supported APART project 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 project has successfully entered into the second phase from September 16, 2022.

 The incumbent will overall lead the project, develop workplans and oversee the execution of the planned activities in tandem with implementing partners, Assam Agriculture University and the Department of Agriculture. S/he will work in close coordination with objective leaders and other IRRI scientists to deliver the project and maximize impact at ground level.

Under the minimal direction of the Director, ISARC, and the Cluster leader the job holder will be responsible for leading, monitoring and implementation of planned field activities of APART project in Assam. In addition, the incumbent will play a crucial role in expanding the IRRI’s activities in the entire North-East Regions (NER) of India where about 80% of people depend on rice-based farming systems for their livelihood.  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 making Assam as a base centre.

Strategically lead APART project and plan for implementation and monitoring of project activities in Assam including the responsibilities below.This position will be based in Assam, India and is open for international applications.

I. Roles and Responsibilities

• 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 Assam-APART project staff from IRRI as the host organization to manage the operational activities
• Coordinate with ARIAS society, Word Bank team and other implementing partners for successful implementation of the project

• Develop novel, sustainable and climate-resilient management practices and farming systems for northeastern Regions that boost and sustain production and income
• Develop 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 IRRI’s 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 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 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
• Collaborate within country partners and IRRI team including objective leaders, and other scientists to achieve project milestones
• 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 northeast regions of India
• Organize and coordinate workshops, conferences, trainings 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
• Actively seek external funds and secure partnerships for research and development in South Asia

• Publish and actively contribute to articles in peer-reviewed journals that highlight findings from research and experiment activities showcasing the institute’s scientific leadership
• Supervise, and mentor scientific staff towards research excellence, professional conscientiousness and drive and career orientation and opportunities.
• Represent IRRI to a wide audience by presenting at international conferences/meetings

II. Requirements

• PhD in Agronomy and a minimum 2-5 years of experience in working on crop management, precision agronomy, alternative crop establishment methods, and related mechanization
• Experience of handling of international projects and working in Assam/ North Eastern part of India would be preferable.
• 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

III. Benefits

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!

IV. How To Apply?

• To Apply, Please click HERE
• Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and the position will remain open until filled.
• IRRI is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

V. About IRRI

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is 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.