Senior Associate Scientist II - Resident Coordinator Linkages, Strategies, Monitoring

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.

Our work aims to improve the health and livelihoods of rice farmers and consumers, promote environmental sustainability in the context of climate change, and empower women and youth in the rice sector. IRRI’s research-for-development approach is rooted in collaboration with advanced research institutions, national agricultural research and extension systems (NARES), governments, the development sector, and the private sector to ensure scientific innovations are translated into real-world impact.

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 IRRI South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) serves as a regional hub supporting collaborative research, capacity building, and service provision for stakeholders from India, South Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa. ISARC aims to enhance South-South cooperation, strengthen rice production and seed quality, increase farmers’ incomes, deliver research services through its advanced laboratory facilities, and facilitate knowledge transfer through short courses and IRRI Education offerings.

The World Bank-supported UPAGREES project aims to enhance agricultural productivity, strengthen rural enterprises, and improve market access across 21 districts of Eastern Uttar Pradesh by fostering resilient agri-food value chains, empowering farmers and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and encouraging private sector engagement. Under this initiative, the IRRI South Asia Regional Center will collaborate with the Uttar Pradesh Diversified Agriculture Support Project (UPDASP) and the Project Coordination Unit (PCU) to support the implementation of interventions in rice-based systems. While IRRI will provide technical support, UPDASP—supported by a designated Support Organization (SO)—will coordinate the implementation of project activities, including demonstrations and training. Under the close supervision of the Project Leader, the incumbent will be responsible for leading and monitoring planned field activities, establishing and maintaining partnerships with stakeholders, developing partnership agreements, and mobilizing new funding to support project milestones. Additionally, the incumbent will manage the implementation of communication strategies by developing outreach materials, coordinating with media and partners, and ensuring consistent messaging to promote and achieve project objectives.

This position will be based at Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India and may only be filled by permanent citizens of India.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Develop annual work/budget plans based on program objectives to define the team activities, plan specific outputs and milestones.
• Monitor the implementation of project objectives and targets to achieve the overall project goal.
• Serve as administrative head for the entire staff from host organization to manage the operational activities, hub budget and expenditure in direct coordination with Project leader.
• Manage and guide the implementation of research support activities to facilitate timely data collection, efficient data management, rigorous analysis, and effective dissemination of results and information.
• Prepare and finalize draft reports for submission to supervisor and stakeholders, prepare technical literature and disseminate.
• Maintain high level of engagement with public, civil and private sectors for the development and delivery of technologies for improved cereal production.
• Coordinate and liaise with government agencies and different research organizations such as state department of agriculture, state agricultural universities and ICAR institutes and other public-private and civil bodies for the implementation of IRRI activities.
• Collaborate with in-country partners and the team of scientists from agronomy, soil science, social science, communication, monitoring and evaluation and gender to achieve project milestones.
• Establish, secure and maintain relationships with external stakeholders (e.g. local, national & international governments and non-government organizations, private companies, farm implement manufacturers) advancing IRRI’ mission of providing quality services
• Contribute the efforts on six monthly/annual/ other reports in preparation of UPAGREES or associated project themes/ sub-themes.
• Establish collaboration and partnerships with state department, agricultural university/centres, farmer producer companies and service providers.
• Recommend interventions to resolve appearing difficulties such as mid-term corrections, technical errors and other complex issues that affect the successful completion of the objective
• Develop strategies to organize follow-up with partners and stakeholders to streamline the implementation of activities
• Monitor and evaluate field level performance related to different agricultural technologies and extension programs
• Prepare and assure quality of project reports and papers for presentation at policy and academic forums and publication in the impact peer review journals
• Identify, develop and implement models for learning and dissemination of knowledge and information on successful technologies from India
• Develop and facilitate workshops, training and other platforms for knowledge sharing
• Prepare hub plans and finalize reports for submission to stakeholders and donors
• Establish close links and maintain good rapport with project partners, including farmer organizations, extension offices, NGOs, community organization and private sector technology providers
• Perform any other relevant duties as assigned by supervisor from time to time

  Qualifications

  • PhD in Agronomy/ Soil Science/Equivalent and a minimum of 5 to 9 years of experience in working on crop management, precision agronomy, alternative crop establishment methods and related mechanization.
  • Has experience in report writing, organizing on-farm training and development of technical literature.

    Skills Required

    Mandatory

  • Has experience in managing a team or unit
• Has experience in developing strategies

Preferred

Allowances

In addition to the base salary mentioned above, IRRI also offers the following allowances:

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.