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 International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is an independent, non-profit and worldโs premier research organization dedicated to abolishing poverty and hunger among people and populations that depend on rice-based agri-food systems. Through our work and partnerships, we aim to improve the health and welfare of rice farmers and consumers; promote environmental sustainability in a world challenged by climate change; and support the empowerment of women and the youth in the rice industry. The institute, headquartered in Los Baรฑos, Philippines, has offices in 17 rice-growing countries in Asia and Africa
Under the minimal supervision of the Scientist-II, Cropping Systems Agronomy, the incumbent will be responsible for coordinating participatory research and scaling activities related to sustainable intensification technologies, with a focus on Alternate Wetting and Drying water management and soil amendments to reduce GHG emissions in rice production.
The role involves close collaboration with NARES partners to conceptualize, plan, and execute agronomic research across NARES sites in Kerala. This includes the development and refinement of research protocols and tools, field-level data collection, analysis and interpretation, manuscript preparation, and providing strategic guidance to research partners.
The incumbent will also contribute to proposal development and the implementation of research activities focused on agronomy, as well as soil and water management. In addition, the position will play a key role in supporting capacity development through technical backstopping and knowledge dissemination. This includes preparing technical literature and training materials, organizing training-of-trainers (ToTs), hands-on training sessions, workshops, and stakeholder meetings to promote sustainable intensification practices. The role is central to enhancing the adoption of improved agricultural technologies and fostering collaboration among key stakeholders in the Kerala region.
This position will be based at the IRRI India Office, Trissur, Kerala, India and may only be filled by permanent citizens of the India.
Roles and Responsibilities
Support in developing, managing, and overseeing implementation of strategies in accordance with agreed objectives, outputs, and timelines as reflected in approved impact pathway documents Support in planning and managing the implementation of research/research support service activities in collaboration with NARES partners Support in developing and managing the agronomic research and development activities of in KERA project Manage the implementation of research support activities to ensure timely data collection, management, analysis and dissemination of results and information. Support in finalizing the draft reports for submission to supervisor and stakeholders and technical literature to disseminate results Contribute in publishing and actively contribute to articles in peer-reviewed journals/digests that highlight findings from research and experiment activities showcasing the Instituteโs scientific leadership Review, monitor and manage expenditures/disbursements of the activities assigned to and manage and monitor expenditures of partners and liaise with IRRI financial office to ensure adequate financial reporting Develop and maintain partnerships with various stakeholders including NARES partners, to implement activities of KERA project. Contribute in developing and maintaining partnerships with project partners for successful implementation of research and scaling activities of agronomy Provide strategic direction to NARES partners and to coordinate the activities for increasing the capacity of these partners in line with ISARC objectives Participate in Institute wide activities and represent IRRI at various meetings or events Promote the dissemination of findings through workshops and popular communication channels Consolidate/synthesize and finalize reports for submission to donors / partners and other stakeholders Prepare new proposals on agronomy, soil and water management for various funders Contribute to the preparation and presentation of research findings related to the project in various formats and forums Prepare technical literatures and publish in scientific journals and/or web-based publications, the research findings and results Contribute/Lead in journal articles on sustainable intensifications in rice, various crop establishment methods and water management and soil amendments and best bet agronomy in rice-based systems Manage and develop team members to ensure professional growth. Support for active showcasing of work by Institute's scientific leadership through different platforms of communicationQualifications
Masters in Agronomy or Soil Science with minimum 5 years of overall relevant experience in agriculture research, precision agronomy, rice science or related field
Skills Required
Mandatory:
Has technical proficiency in conducting research experiments/surveys/scaling of rice technology Has extensive Research management experience Has strong collaboration skills and has experience in creating long-term partnerships Has excellent leadership skills Has excellent analytical skills Has excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills Has strong international publications in high impact journals Has experience in working with a larger team Experience of research and extension both at national and international level Strong experience in testing and validating technologiesPreferred:
Has worked in an international organization Exposure of working in India; experience of working with NARES partners in India
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.