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.
The IRRI South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) is an IRRI regional facility that supports research collaboration, training, and service provision to institutions, scientists, and other stakeholders from India and other South Asian and African nations. The centre aims to enhance South-South collaboration and strengthen the capacity of rice growing countries in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa in crop production and seed quality and enhance farmersโ income. It also seeks to deliver research for development services for the private and public sectors through its state-of-the-art laboratory facilities for grain quality, crop production, and nutritional quality. Lastly, it enables knowledge transfer through short courses on rice-based agri-food systems and other IRRI Education products within the region.
Job Purpose
The PM-RKVY initiative, โInnovation and Agri-entrepreneurship Programneโ under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmersโ Welfare (MoA&FW) aims to foster innovation, strengthen agripreneurship, and develop an ecosystem that supports agribusiness growth across India. The programme focuses on developing agri-business innovation, empowering farmers, and nurturing agripreneurs through structured incubation, mentoring, networking and capacity-building support. The programme provides funding assistance to innovative and high-potential agri-startups and agripreneurs, enabling them to scale their ventures, refine business models, and commercialize impactful solutions. Through this initiative, the programme contributes to strengthening rural livelihoods, enhancing market competitiveness, and accelerating Indiaโs transition toward an innovation-driven agribusiness ecosystem.
The Legal Executive assignment requires specialized expertise in Intellectual Property Rights, patent management, legal advisory, and regulatory compliance for agri-startups under PM-RKVY. Existing IRRI staff lack the combined experience in IP filings, licensing, and legal mentoring necessary for incubation operations. The selected candidate has proven experience in managing IP processes, drafting legal agreements, and delivering capacity-building for entrepreneurs. Engaging this expert ensures timely, high-quality legal and IP support critical for the programโs successful implementation.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Manage intellectual property processes including patent drafting, filing, searches, IP analysis, and IP documentation for incubatees.
- Provide legal advisory on agreements, contracts, licensing, technology transfer, and regulatory compliance for startups.
- Support mentoring, training, and awareness sessions on IPR, legal frameworks, and startup policies.
- Collaborate with internal teams to assist in startup screening, evaluation, policy drafting, and incubation support.
- Ensure compliance with government regulations, documentation, audits, and reporting under PM-RKVY.
- Undertake any additional tasks and responsibilities as assigned by the Institute Director, Project Investigator (PI), or CoProject Investigator (Co-PI).
Qualifications
- Masterโs degree in any branch of science with IP Agent /LLM (IP).
- Minimum two years of work experience in Patent Drafting, filing of patent, searching, analysis, landscaping/prosecution and license agreement drafting. Expertise in designing and delivering training sessions for diverse stakeholders mainly in IPR and other legal aspects.
Skills Required
- Strong knowledge of Intellectual Property Rights and IP management processes.
- Expertise in patent filing, drafting, prosecution, IP analysis, and technology licensing.
- Familiarity with legal agreements, regulatory compliance, and startup-related legal frameworks.
- Ability to provide legal and IP advisory, mentoring, and commercialization guidance to startups.
- Experience in developing and delivering training, workshops, and awareness sessions on legal and IP topics.
- Competence in due diligence, documentation audits, and compliance reporting.
- Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills.