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.

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

IRRI, with the support of the Government of India, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, has established IRRI-South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The ISARC is a regional facility of IRRI established in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, to support research, collaboration, training, and service provision to institutions, scientists, and other stakeholders in India and other South Asian and African countries. ISARC stands for excellence in rice research through its three major component units, the Centre of Excellence in Rice Values Addition (CERVA), a Broader Program for Research and Partnership (BPRP) and IRRI Research and Education Program (IREP). ISARC is undertaking several R4D programs/projects for development cutting edge technologies and rice value added products to enhance the income and welfare of rice farmers through value chain development.

As part of one CGIAR initiative, IRRI is partnering with other CGIAR institutes such as CIMMYT in implementing a large project on “Excellence in Agronomy (EiA)”. One of the EiA use cases will deliver a data-driven advisory services for smallholders in the rice-based cropping systems of South Asia by validating a pinpoint digital agricultural advisory service that will support the agro advisory ecosystem in the Eastern Gangetic Plain (EGP) region. It is anticipated that the landscape-specific advisory system will help farmers get the planting dates for key crops right and help them increase system productivity. This position will focus on socio-economic research and development of agro-advisory use cases, direct seeded rice (DSR) and other ISARC based projects and activities. The specific duties of the position include designing and monitoring field studies, data collection and analysis, evaluation of project activities to support its implementation, support project progress and reporting writing, and logistical support.

Roles and Responsibilities

Ensure that socio-economic and cultural factors are considered in the assessment, development and implementation of technology interventions;
Increase the quality of the research design, tools and approaches related to the socio-economic issues;
Recommend strategies to improve the efficiency of value chains;
Contribute to review of literature and research activities on climate change adaptation and mitigation;
Provide technical input and support in the assessment, design, implementation, monitoring, analysis and reporting of the value chain research and development activities
Enhance participation by understanding the needs of end-users; and
Recommend immediate intervention to research design and implementation when necessary;
Consult and collaborate with key stakeholders of the project activities;
Advise internal stakeholders on the socio-economic and value chain related aspects;
Actively engage with team in planning and implementation of the project activities;
Monitor and review of field level engagements and their implementations and feedback generation; and
Support /Participate in institute wide activities.
Ensure that socio-economically inclusive approaches are considered in the execution of the project;
Ensure proper monitoring and implementation of the activities related to agro-advisory, direct seeded rice (DSR), and rice value chain;
Ensure high quality data and information collection; Understand the vulnerabilities and coping mechanisms of key stakeholders to the risks in agri-food systems; and
Contribute to the development of report and publication of research process and outcomes at academic and policy level forums;
Perform any other relevant duties as assigned by supervisor and Director from time to time.

Qualifications

Master’s degree in Agricultural Economics or related field with minimum 6 to 8 years of relevant experience;
PhD in Agricultural Economics or related field with minimum 2-3 years of relevant experience desirable;
Research experience in socioeconomic / agricultural economic evaluation
Experience in project planning and implementation

Skills Required

Mandatory:

Accountable for the delivery of project outcomes
Strong advocacy and networking skills
Understand change management/familiar with Theory of Change
Data analytics
Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred:

Familiar with the different cultural aspects of India
Experience of working in agri-value chain related projects

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 4,000
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.

To apply for this job please visit www.irri.org.