Associate Scientist – Gender Research & Evidence Evidence Generation, Project Management, Stakeholder Engagement

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.

The IRRI South Asia Regional Centre is a regional facility that supports research collaboration, training, and service provision to institutions, scientists, and other stakeholders from India and other South Asian and African nations. Centre aims to (1) enhance South-South collaboration and strengthen the capacity of rice-growing countries in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa in crop production, seed quality, and to enhance farmers’ income (2) deliver research for development services for the private and public sectors through its state-of-the-art laboratory facilities for grain quality, crop production and nutritional quality and (3) enable knowledge transfer through short courses on rice-based agri-food systems and other IRRI Education products within the region. Besides, ISARC in-house all the IRRI Programs operating in South Asia and providing them research and capacity building support.

This position is based in Bhubaneswar, Odisha and may only be filled by the permanent residents of India.

Job Purpose

This position will support the Evidence Module leader Module and Platform teams in supporting implementation of module activities and managing associated partnerships:

Reporting to the Module Leader for Evidence and working closely with the Platform and other two module teams,

• The Associate Scientist will lead gender research on key themes to contribute to evidence generation, synthesis and communication
• Provide technical support to teams including CG and non-CG partners engaged in evidence generation in key thematic areas
• Support coordination of module grants on specific themes
• Lead organization of stakeholder and partner workshops as required
• Plan and manage research activities for evidence generation activities in the module
• Lead coordination and support contributions of partners engaged in evidence generation and synthesis
• Coordinate selected module grants for evidence generation
• Lead communications and resource center initiative of the Platform
• Lead communication and Resource Center initiatives of the Evidence Module working closely with the Platform Communications team
• Plan and manage research activities for evidence generation activities in the module
• Lead coordination and support contributions of partners engaged in evidence generation and synthesis
• Coordinate selected module grants for evidence generation. Lead communications and resource center initiative of the Platform

Roles and Responsibilities

• Build and maintain collaboration with research and academic partners, including research teams
• Support with developing partnerships and coordinate with other CG centers for joint advocacy and knowledge generation and sharing on gender, evidence and impact issues
• Lead organization of stakeholder and partner workshops Engage closely with the Platform team, particularly the communications experts
• Plan and participate in regular module and project planning and management meetings
• Coordinate and liaise with CGIAR and non-CGIAR partners for effective implementation, monitoring and reporting of evidence generation and synthesis activities
• Contribute and guide project teams in managing field operations, ensuring quality of data/evidence being generated
• Organize workshop, meetings, conferences and, training in collaboration with the Platform Communications team and other modules
• Actively contribute to articles in peer-reviewed journals that highlight findings from module activities showcasing the scientific leadership
• Develop communication materials for the Platform resource center and beyond Ensure delivery of the outputs of Module research grants

Qualifications

M.Sc./Master’s degree in Rural Sociology, Gender Studies, Development Studies, Geography or related field with minimum 4 years of relevant experience in Gender R4D in agriculture or food systems

Or PhD in Rural Sociology, Gender Studies, Development Studies, Geography or related field with minimum with 1 year of relevant experience in gender R4D in agriculture or food systems

Skills Required

Mandatory

Sound understanding of Gender in Ag issues and Ag R4D
Excellent Written and Oral communication skills in English
Evidence of high-quality communication products for different audiences
Experience of working with R&D partners nationally and globally
Experience with R4D project management, including planning, physical and financial implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and reporting
Sound interpersonal skills
Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural and multidisciplinary team

Preferred

Understanding of and experience with developing, implementing and reporting and Knowledge Management strategies and plans
Experience with gender integration in R4D projects
Experience with design of projects and programs
Experience with budgeting and financial management and monitoring of projects

Allowances:

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.