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 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
The Position will manage IRRIโs active portfolio through sound negotiation of grant contracts with donors and sub-agreements with partners, ensure grant quality assurance and compliance that includes the execution of grant contracts, high-level monitoring of grants, prompt submission of project reports and other requirements to donors, and grant contract closure. Maintain good relationships with active donors and partners by ensuring IRRIโs contractual obligations in projects and grants are complied with, and contribute to establishing associations with new or emerging donors. Lead the development and/or improvement of appropriate work processes for the Portfolio Management team to ensure the efficient delivery of high-quality services to stakeholders within and outside of IRRI. Develop new tools and improve existing systems or platforms in disseminating research project outputs to internal external stakeholders, partners and donors. Engage with key internal stakeholders including Portfolio Development, Business Development, Finance, Communication & Advocacy, IRRI Tech Transfer, and all Research Units to ensure that relevant services, processes, and products that involve or refer to project grants and donors (e.g., donor profiles, communication materials, contracts, annual reports, newsletters, etc.), are based on accurate and updated information. Manage the performance of the unit members and foster adequate coordination and sharing of information. The Manager will report to the Head of Portfolio Development and Management.
This position will be based at the IRRI Headquarters, Los Baรฑos, Philippines and may only be filled by permanent citizens of the Philippines.
Roles and Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Head of Portfolio Development and Management Office, supervise the IRRI portfolio management team handling grant contracts development, donor compliance and reporting, partner agreements negotiations and sub-awards development Support the contract negotiations of IRRIโs projects by ensuring that contract terms and conditions uphold the standards of IRRI and aligned with donor requirements, and facilitate the internal clearance of contracts through to signing/execution Supervise the drafting, review, and processing of IRRIโs general agreements with host country partners based on guidance from the relevant country and regional representative and other relevant IRRI officials, to ensure sound presence of IRRI in key global countries and hub in the short term and long term following IRRIโs standards Manage and supervise liaising with donors to ensure IRRIโs compliance to contractual requirements of projects and other agreements Manage and supervise the review, execution, monitoring, and closure of IRRIโs sub-agreements with project partners Manage and identify process improvements in the use and maintenance of IRRIโs project management system (currently, Unit 4 ERP) Review and identify risks associated with the active portfolio and recommend ways to help mitigate the risks in coordination with other key offices and stakeholders in IRRI Coordinate with other units within PDMO, particularly Business Development and Portfolio Development, as well as other stakeholders in IRRI, especially Finance, Legal, Tech Transfer, Communications & Advocacy, and Research, to ensure complementation of processes, services, and products (e.g., agreements, contracts, project reports) in support of the Instituteโs mission Work closely with key offices that include Units / teams within Finance, Legal and Human Resource in providing institutional high-level project management support in executing contracts, implementation and project closure Contribute to the initiatives of the PDMO in maximizing IRRIโs resource mobilization efforts by providing consistent, high-standard institutional support and standardized support in the processing of project agreements, general agreements, sub-award partner agreements, monitoring and ensuring contract compliance, and project closing initiatives Monitor/supervise the development of grant agreements, general agreements and partner agreements and provide recommendations to uphold IRRIโs standards in consonance with a partner or donorโs own standards Supervise the Portfolio management team to ensure that grant reports, due diligence and compliance documents follow IRRIโs and donorโs standards and are provided in a timely manner from inception until project closure Assess donorsโ and partnersโ grant and project management policies, standards, and practices to identify potential risks or challenges to IRRIโs ability to comply Coordinate with different units to identify and recommend steps to improve IRRIโs grant compliance and quality assuranceQualifications
Masters or Bachelorโs Degree in Agriculture, Agricultural Research, Economics, public management, finance, law, or international developmentSkills Required
Mandatory
Preferred
Has worked with an International Organization; Has liaised with donors and partners, basic understanding of how budget works for International Organizations Ability to synthesize and summarize large volume of information quickly and communicate the main points to stakeholdersIRRI 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.