Associate Scientist - Agronomy

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 in 21 districts of Eastern Uttar Pradesh by promoting resilient agri-food value chains, empowering farmers and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and encouraging private sector participation. As part of this initiative, the IRRI South Asia Regional Center (ISARC) will collaborate with the Uttar Pradesh Diversified Agriculture Support Project (UPDASP) and its Project Coordination Unit (PCU) to provide technical support for interventions in rice-based systems, while a designated Support Organization (SO) will coordinate on-ground implementation, including demonstrations and trainings.

Under the minimal direction of the Scientist-II Cropping Systems Agronomy and Resident Coordinator, the successful candidate will coordinate the activities on participatory science and technology evaluations and scaling of sustainable intensification technologies including direct seeded rice and zero-tillage wheat systems. Contribute to and lead the research activities of various projects at ISARC in collaboration with NARES partners by conceptualizing, planning, and conducting research studies at NARES sites including preparation, improvement and/or development of necessary protocols, research tools, data collection, analysis and interpretation/manuscript preparation, and provide strategic direction to the NARES partners. He/she will also lead the new proposal writings and implementation of activities in relation to agronomy, soil and water management across the South Asia. He/she will Extend knowledge and provide technical back-stopping in the “Training and other extension Activities” on sustainable intensification technologies including DSR and Zero tillage wheat systems in ISARC. Responsible for preparing technical literature and training modules, developing and organize ToTs and hands'-on -training, workshops, meetings and other platforms for knowledge sharing on key agricultural technologies/ interventions.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Independently develop, manage, and oversee implementation of strategies in accordance with agreed objectives, outputs, and timelines as reflected in approved impact pathway documents.
• Plan and manage the implementation of research/research-support service activities in collaboration with NARES partners.
• Develop and manage the agronomic research and development activities in Uttar Pradesh under the UPAGREES project.
• Manage and guide the implementation of research-support activities to ensure timely data collection, management, analysis and dissemination of results and information.
• Finalize draft reports for submission to supervisor and stakeholders, and technical literature to disseminate results.
• Contribute to publishing and actively contribute to articles in peer-reviewed journals/digests that highlight findings from research and experimental activities showcasing the Institute’s scientific leadership.
• Publish and actively contribute to articles in peer-reviewed journals/digests that highlight findings from research and experiment activities showcasing the Institute’s 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 to 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 communication.

Qualifications

• PhD in Agronomy or Soil Science
• Minimum of 5 years of overall relevant experience in agriculture research, precision agronomy, Direct Seeded Rice, Project or Program Coordination, rice science or related field

Skills Required

Mandatory

• Has extensive proven technical proficiency in conducting research experiments/surveys/scaling of DSR 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, written communication and interpersonal skills
• Has strong international publications in high impact journals
• Has experience of working with a larger team
• Experience of research and extension both at national and international level
• Strong experience in testing and validating technologies

Preferred

• Has worked in an international organization
• Has experience in writing and developing project proposals Exposure of working in India and experience of working with NARES partners in South Asia

Allowances

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

• House-Rent Allowance: IRRI provides a house rent allowance of 40% of base pay per month.
• Transport Allowance: A monthly transport allowance of INR 5,000
• Dearness Allowance: One Hundred and Thirteen percent (113%) of employee’s base pay.
• Leave Travel Allowance (LTA): One-month base pay per annum, on availing minimum 2 days of vacation leave
• Education Allowance: INR 1000/- per child per month (limited 2 children)

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.

Job Reference: HQ01852