International Rice Research Institute
Website:
irri.org
Job details:
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
Represent IRRI’s interests and provide institutional oversight for IRRI’s activities in South Asia in alignment with the IRRI 2030 Strategy. Work closely with government entities, development agencies, donors, and other partners. Lead the development of an overall regional strategy as well as country strategies for IRRI’s research, outreach, training and capacity strengthening, strategic resource mobilization and pipeline development — identifying, cultivating, and securing funding opportunities that align with key contributions IRRI can make to transform the agricultural sector in target countries in the region. Lead the implementation of this strategy in close coordination with IRRI headquarters, Research Directors, and the Global Research Strategy, through building financial and human resources and empowered, high-performing teams, coherent work plans focusing on high-priority deliverables, visible impacts, and synergy among regional staff and projects, while ensuring full compliance with IRRI’s institutional policies, standards of excellence, and governance frameworks. Represent IRRI’s interests before governments in South Asia and liaise closely with relevant government offices and agencies. Act as the chief spokesperson for ISARC and interact with a wide range of national and international partners and donors to seek new opportunities for research and partnerships, including resource mobilization, private and public-private sector partnerships. Advise IRRI management and scientists on regional and national developments, emerging issues for research, new opportunities for funding, and applicable policy and regulatory frameworks governing IRRI’s operations in the region. Manage IRRI’s relations with CGIAR centers, other international organizations and development agencies operating in the region.
- Position IRRI as a key partner and thought leader in advancing South Asia’s agricultural and food systems agenda, strengthening its visibility, credibility, and impact at national and state levels
- Lead the strategic growth and positioning of IRRI in South Asia to contribute to national priorities on food security, climate resilience, environmental sustainability, and rural livelihoods
- Develop and implement a coherent regional strategy in full alignment with the IRRI 2030 Strategy and Global Research Priorities, integrating research, capacity development, partnerships, and strategic resource mobilization as a core institutional function
- Ensure institutional policy adherence, regulatory compliance, and standards of operational excellence across all ISARC activities, setting clear priorities, timelines, and resource requirements to deliver high-quality, impact-oriented research and development outcomes
- Provide strong leadership to IRRI South Asia and ISARC teams, fostering a high-performance culture through coaching, talent development, and an enabling work environment
This position will be based in Varanasi, India and is open for international applications.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Represent IRRI’s interests at the highest levels of government (Union and State), influencing policy directions and enabling environments for agricultural innovation
- In collaboration with IRRI’s Research Directors, Business Development, and global program leaders, drive the development of transformative partnerships that advance resource mobilization, private sector engagement, and the scaling and commercialization of innovations in line with the IRRI 2030 Strategy
- Serve as the primary representative and spokesperson for IRRI in South Asia, communicating program outcomes, impact, and strategic value to key stakeholders
- Build, strengthen, and sustain strategic relationships with government agencies, donors, research institutions, CGIAR centers, development partners, and private sector actors
- Engage proactively with a diverse range of bilateral, multilateral, philanthropic, and private sector donors to drive resource mobilization, diversify the funding portfolio, and secure long-term programmatic support aligned with the IRRI 2030 Strategy
- Foster strong collaboration across IRRI headquarters, regional offices, and global teams to ensure alignment and synergy of programs and initiatives
- Promote India’s role in IRRI’s global portfolio, including enabling South–South collaboration and knowledge exchange, particularly with Africa and Asia
- Work closely with corporate and operational functions to ensure coordinated and effective support for staff, programs, and institutional priorities in South Asia
- Lead and coordinate IRRI’s programs and projects in South Asia to ensure alignment with the IRRI 2030 Strategy, Research Directors’ priorities, and the Global Research Strategy and national priorities, ensuring coherence across research, partnerships, and delivery
- Develop and implement multi-year strategic and business plans, including annual work plans, performance monitoring, and reporting
- Coordinate efforts to identify, prioritize, and secure new resource mobilization and programmatic opportunities, building a robust project pipeline to expand IRRI’s funded portfolio and development impact in South Asia
- Oversee effective management of ISARC operations, including financial, administrative, and human resource systems, in coordination with headquarters
- Uphold institutional policy compliance and governance standards across all ISARC operations, ensuring adherence to IRRI’s legal, ethical, and operational frameworks and fostering a culture of accountability and excellence
- Ensure strong project and team management, including monitoring progress, optimizing resource utilization, and delivering results with quality and timeliness
- Provide strategic advice to IRRI leadership and scientists on national developments, emerging research priorities, policy trends, and partnership opportunities in South Asia
- Strengthen IRRI’s position as a partner of choice for major national and international initiatives by aligning programs with government priorities and donor agendas
- Promote a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing work environment, ensuring capacity development of national and international staff and strong integration with global IRRI teams
Qualifications
- PhD in a relevant discipline with at least 15 years of post-PhD experience
Skills Required
Mandatory
- Relevant experience in research leadership, institutional governance, and resource mobilization, with demonstrated ability to align regional programs with organizational strategy
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to work in multicultural and multidisciplinary team
- Experience in developing and managing large research for development projects
- Record of high-quality publications
- Prior experience of leadership, partnerships, mentoring and team building
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.
Click on Apply to know more.
