Job Opportunity for Specialist – Agricultural Research and Development at IRRI in Assam

About IRRI

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is the world’s premier research organization 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. 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 World Bank supported APART project aims to increase productivity and profitability of small and marginal farmers in rice-based cropping systems and facilitate agri-business investments, market access, and enable smallholder farmers and agro-entrepreneurs to produce crops resilient to recurrent floods or droughts in 24 districts
of Assam.

Under the general supervision of the Senior Associate Scientist – I (Mechanization and Post-harvest) and Resident Coordinator Assam / IRRI Scientists, provide technical assistance to identify and assess improved post- harvest, value chain, and mechanization options and improve incomes of farmers and other actors in cereal, oilseed, pulses and millet crops. The incumbent will assist in developing the work plan and get involved in the execution of planned activities in close coordination with Assam Agricultural University, Department of Agriculture and other stakeholders. S/he will be representing IRRI at various platforms within the project region for awareness creation and knowledge sharing on key sustainable intensification technologies/interventions related to the project. The assignment includes working in the field with farmer groups, agro-machinery fabricators, service providers, and processors; test/operate machines; train NGO’s and community- based organizations at the grass-root levels and awareness creation to support research and extension outreach.

This position is based at Assam and will only be filled by the permanent residents of India. 

Roles and Responsibilities

• Assess and recommend improved options of post-harvest, rice value chain and agro-machinery practices used for different operations in rice-based systems for Assam
• Identify possible sources of agro and post-harvest machinery supply, fabrication of components and after-sale services and maintenance.
• Plan for service, test and adapt machinery to suit local conditions of farmers and other actors
  independently lead on promotion of verified technologies for adoption by farmers, contract service providers, and other actors
• Independently coordinate field activities and trainings on post-harvest management and mechanization, and exposure visits for extension officers, service providers and farmers within and outside state.
• Develop close linkages with stakeholders including project partners, farmer organizations, NGOs, Community organization, service providers, distributers, suppliers, etc.
• Report writing, preparation of technical literature, success stories, training materials and publish articles in magazines and journals.
• Demonstrate improved post-harvest options for safe operation, proper maintenance and inculcate best practices of using machines
• Planning and implementation of capacity building of NARES partners on improved post-harvest options
• Designing and developing of training module and product promotional material
• Plan and organize exposure visits and training for research/extension officials, farmers, NGOs, contract service providers within and outside the state
• Organize/facilitate field days, farmers’ fair and demonstration of equipment and machinery
• Provide support to local partners in developing plans for disseminating technologies  and best management practices
• Oversee, review and analyse collected and compiled data on field operations, training, source and suitability of equipment/machinery, etc., for submission to supervisor
• Efficient documentation of field activities, visits, trainings, and learning activities regularly
• Perform any other relevant duties as assigned by the supervisor from time to time

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering or related field with minimum 3 years of experience in working on machinery and postharvest practices, including rice value chain Or
• Master’s degree in agriculture engineering with 1 year of experience in working on machinery and postharvest practices, including rice value chain

Skills Required

Mandatory :

• “Hands-on” experience working with fabrication, service, and repair ofagri-machinery
• Basic ability to read and work with engineering drawings
• Strong interpersonal and written and oral communication skills 
• Team player, able to organize work independently
• Data analysis and report writing

Preferred:

• Has experience in working with fabricators, service providers and farmer groups to test, demonstrate and train farmers and other value chain actors

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