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.

This position is based at Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh and must only be filled by the permanent residents of India.

Job Purpose

he International Rice Research Institute with the support of the Government of India, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare has established IRRI-South Asia Regional Centre (I-SARC) in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.

It is a center of excellence in rice research and training and has been providing a real benefit to farmers not only in India but also across SAARC, ASEAN and Sub-Saharan Africa in mitigating the risk of climate change.

The government of India has accorded approval for ISARC phase 2 through an MOU with IRRI on 12 July 2022 to implement the next phase activities up to 2027 to help boost farmers’ incomes by enhancing and supporting rice productivity, reducing the cost of production, value addition, diversification, and enhancement of farmers’ skills.

This position will report to the Director- ISARC.

The incumbent will provide assistance and strategic support to the Director, ISARC in liaising and coordination of programs activities in the South Asia region.

S/he will lead on liaison and engage with government agencies, donors, One CG institutions and partners, NARES, public-private organizations and other stakeholders to establish and strengthen the partnerships for successful implementation of IRRI programs in the South Asia region. S/he will lead the entire operation and program management functions of ISARC in South Asia.

S/he will lead the management functions of various projects being operated thru ISARC such as APART, CSISA, DSRC, DSR Odisha, EiA,, TAFSSA, CORE, DBT, and other projects of WB, CSR, FAO, etc.

S/he will manage and monitor Seed Without Border activities, an important initiative of ISARC in South and South-East Asia. S/he will also contribute to and lead the management of projects in pipelines, new submissions to federal and state governments in India. Additionally, the role of this position will also focus on strategic management of programs in South Asia including different units of ISARC, project management and monitoring, control and compliances, team integration, change integration, budgetary issues, fund management and corrective & preventive actions as and when needed.

S/he will closely work with program leaders, IRRI teams, country offices to establish better coordination and communication among the programs and integration of activities to maximize the impact at ground level and also contribute in the budgeting, assess human resource needs for development of new investment proposals.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Lead management of ISARC phase 2 and various projects being operated through ISARC to achieve the timely implementation, monitoring and delivery
• Lead entire operation portfolio of ISARC – business development, administrative & financial management, communication, infrastructure & facility management, Human Resource Services, Logistic & Event management and work closely with Corporate Service Management units to ensure timely execution
• Manage programs in South Asia including APART, CSISA, DSRC, DSR-Odisha, EiA, ICAR W3, TAFSSA, CORE, ISARC, DBT, programs in pipelines & new submissions to governments in India etc.
• Contribute in developing strategic partnerships with NARES, private & development partners, donors & other key stakeholders.
• Lead fund management planning, budgeting, forecast, evaluation & control
• Engage with external stakeholders such as government agencies including MOAFW, MHA, MEA, ICAR, DBT, DST, CSIR, APEDA etc., NARES, public and private sector organizations & internal stakeholders
• Liaise with government agencies & institutions including MHA, MEA, DBT, DST, CSIR, APEDA etc.