About IRRI and Job Purpose
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 Baรฑos, 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
To strategically lead and optimize IRRI's corporate services, ensuring cost-effective, risk-compliant, and operationally efficient delivery. As a key member of the IRRI Management Team, the CFAO will drive organizational excellence by fostering a culture of continuous improvement, strategic alignment, and proactive service delivery across all corporate functions. This role will ensure seamless integration of services, enhance stakeholder trust, and contribute directly to IRRI's mission through effective management of Finance, Risk & Legal, Operations, Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE), and Information and Knowledge Services (IKS).
A key aspect of this role involves collaboration with the CGIAR Tripartite, including the adoption of processes and protocols while maintaining a strategic coordination relationship with the Tripartite Director. Further definition of this relationship will be determined by the DG.
The CFAO will play a pivotal role in shaping IRRI's future, ensuring the achievement of its ambitious goals, and maximizing its impact on global food security and poverty reduction.
This position will be based at the IRRI Headquarters, Los Baรฑos, Philippines and is open for international applications.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Planning, Operations & Execution:
Lead and oversee complex, cross-functional initiatives that advance IRRI's strategy, strengthen organizational performance, and support impact on global food systems and poverty reduction aligned. Optimize operating models, workflows, and resource allocation to ensure efficient, integrated delivery of research and corporate services. Drive the development and implementation of policies, protocols, and systems that enhance operational efficiency, accountability, and consistency across the organization. Establish and monitor key performance metrics and governance mechanisms to track strategic execution and delivery outcomes.Corporate Governance and Financial Stewardship:
Provide strategic financial leadership, including long-term financial plans, advising senior management and the Board of Trustees, and strengthening organizational risk management and mitigation measures. Lead the modernization and realignment of the finance function to enhance transparency, financial discipline, compliance with global standards, and integration with IRRIโs strategic objectives. Oversee finance, legal, audit, and compliance functions, ensuring alignment with donor requirements, regulatory obligations, and IRRIโs internal governance policies. Direct ownership of ERP transformation roadmap execution, including Phase 0 foundation work (cost allocation documentation, master data cleanup, process documentation) and full implementation through go-live. Ensure robust cost allocation, full-cost recovery, and compliance with donor and audit requirements, including personal accountability for meeting cost allocation standards. Development and implementation of key financial policies and systems, including capital structure, investment policies, working capital, and financing cost policies, write-off policies, and automated cost allocation processes to enable real-time project costing visibility.Infrastructure, Technology, and Risk Management:
Provide strategic oversight of Information and Knowledge Services (IKS), enterprise systems and digital infrastructure to effectively support IRRIโs operations and research agenda. Lead the selection and technical evaluation, implementation, and governance of ERP platform (Unit4 vs alternatives), including conducting comprehensive costโbenefit analysis, contract negotiations, and delivery through to go-live. Establish and enforce robust data, systems, and master data governance across finance, projects, vendors and organizational structure to ensure integrity, compliance and decision-ready information. Establishment of financial master data governance across employees, vendors, chart of accounts, projects, and organizational dimensions Oversee enterprise risk management frameworks and internal controls, ensuring institutional compliance with global standards, including the UN Global Compact. Direct facilities, logistics, procurement, field services and HSSE to ensure safe, reliable, efficient and compliant infrastructure and operational support across HQ and field locations.Leadership and Organizational Culture:
Qualifications and Experience
Mandatory:
Preferred:
Experience with financial turnarounds where overhead cost structures were restructured to achieve sustainability Track record in managing relationships with audit firms and resolving any deficiencies. Demonstrated expertise with the COSO framework (Committee of Sponsoring Organizations) for internal control and enterprise risk management implementation Professional qualifications in Law, Internal Audit, or Logistics are highly desirable
EXPERIENCE
Key Competencies
Strategic Leadership
Building Relationships & Partnerships: Establishes strong partnerships and fosters collaboration among diverse stakeholders. Navigating & Driving Change: Leads with focus and optimism through change and disruption, promoting innovation and continuous improvement. Vision & Strategic Thinking: Shapes and guides the organization's strategic direction, considering global trends and the bigger picture.Team Dynamics
Emotional Intelligence: Leads with empathy and self-awareness, fostering positive relationships and a healthy organizational culture. Empowering and Coaching: Promotes inclusivity, delegates effectively, and drives employee engagement and performance. Wellbeing & Care: Creates a supportive environment that prioritizes physical and psychological well-being.Technical & Functional Expertise
Financial Systems & ERP Technology: Deep understanding of modern ERP functionality (GL, AP, AR, FA, cost allocation engines, project accounting modules); ability to translate business requirements into technical specifications Accounting Standards & Compliance: Expert knowledge of IFRS, US GAAP, cost accounting standards, and nonprofit financial reporting frameworks; ability to interpret complex accounting guidance and implement solutions Grant Financial Management: Expertise in pre-award budgeting, cost allocation, indirect cost rate development, closeout procedures, and donor financial reporting across bilateral, multilateral, and foundation funding Financial Analysis & Modeling: Advanced skills in financial modeling, scenario analysis, variance analysis, and evidence-based decision support for leadership Change Management in Finance Transformations: Proven ability to lead finance teams through significant technical change, including hands-on mentoring of staff lacking deep technical accounting knowledgeBenefits
Competitive salary and benefits package Opportunity to make a significant contribution to global food security and poverty reduction Work in a dynamic, international environment Be at the forefront of cutting-edge agricultural research and innovation. Collaborate with leading experts and institutions in the field of agricultural development
The position is urgent and will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is found.
Having trouble submitting your application?
If you experience issues with the online submission, please send your CV and cover letter (combined into a single PDF file) to irri-workforceresourcing@cgiar.org.
Subject line should be the Application โ Chief Financial and Administrative Officer (HQ01883) - [Your Full Name].
Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we kindly ask for your patience.
Only qualified applicants with relevant skills and experience will be contacted.