Associate Scientist Farm Operations & Mechanization

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Job Description

The ISARC’s experimental station is in charge of the delivery, management, and maintenance of all research fields and facilities and will ensure the timely delivery of agronomic resources required by research programs within ISARC. This position will provide overall leadership and management of all operational activities related to crop production, crop protection, land preparation and management, and seed production ensuring optimum service delivery at all times.
Roles and Responsibilities:

Supervise the day-to-day delivery of research farm services (e.g. manpower allocation, maintenance and scheduling of activities) related to crop production, management of farm machinery and equipment, seed production, irrigation and drainage, and harvest, agrochemical services and pest control ensuring timely, effective and cost-efficient implementation of farm operations
Ensure continuous improvement and optimum service delivery on field operations
Provide support and information to IRRI regional hubs including state projects, NARES and other partners in relation to farm management, operational standards, technology adoption, capacity building and agronomic processes
Ensure ISARC farm’s delivers effective and relevant services, operations, facilities in all farm related activities
Provide technical input and information for the development of research project proposals across all ISARC’s vertical
Evaluate different agro-machinery and practices and identify improved options for farmers and stakeholders
Identify possible sources of agro and post-harvest machinery supply, fabrication of components and after sales
Service test and adapt machinery to suit local conditions
Collect loss data on piloted technologies to current practices
Monitor and manage approved budgets and write reports and billing statements for partial/Full Cost Recovery
Establish, secure and maintain relationships with external stakeholders advancing ISARC’ mission of providing quality research services
Liaison with the IRRI HQ ZES team and IRS Platform to align the ISARC’s farm operations and activities.
Engage and maintain open communication with research groups and science leaders in ISARC and regional offices
Lead planning discussions for the coordination of research activities to ensure effective scheduling of agronomic operations enabling research activities to be implemented within the limited resources and manage agronomic risks
Maintain relationships with partner organizations, vendors and third-party service providers to ensure the continued delivery of products and services
Align and lead the negotiations with service providers and vendors ensuring quality delivery of service packages, products, and technologies
Provide technical expertise to IRRI Education and during farm tours involving high level visitors. Ensure effective provision of quality machinery required in IE course delivery
Contribute to the ISARC and associated projects activities on related aspects/ themes under the guidance of the supervisor and ISARC Director/ technical coordinator
Engage in the capacity building of NARES partners on different farm machinery
Contribute for training/ exposure visits being organized by ISARC at the Centre/ at any project sites
Lead and support fund generation activities by contributing to proposal writing and creating new opportunities
Any other tasks as assigned by ISARC Director / Supervisor/ Unit leader/ Coordinator
In collaboration with IRRI Legal, Finance and Supply Chain Services, continuously improve service packages of service providers including the development of new Service Agreements, Terms of Reference (TOR) and be involved in biddings and contract renewals
Oversee the work of farm manager, technicians and monitor the work of service providers to ensure that the activities are implemented according to the plan, standards and timelines.
Provide reports for senior management, and other stakeholders as required on the performance of farm operations and activities
Lead on improving farm machinery options and train farmers’ groups, contract service providers, NGO, etc. on safe operation, maintenance and best practices of using machines

Qualifications:

Master’s degree in Agriculture / Agriculture Engineering (M.Tech) preferably Farm Machinery and Power Engineering with a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience in Agricultural Research Farm Management and Project Management, or related fields.

Skills Required:
Mandatory:

Has experience managing farm/machinery (operation/R &M)/ team
Has excellent communication skills
Has good documentation and organizational skills
Has good leadership skills
Can negotiate with various stakeholders

Source: https://www.irri.org/talentlink/details.html?id=Q7LFK026203F3VBQB79QWQWAS&nPostingID=1854&nPostingTargetID=3350&mask=irriext&lg=EN

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