Senior Specialist - Capacity Development

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.

Our work aims to improve the health and livelihoods of rice farmers and consumers, promote environmental sustainability in the context of climate change, and empower women and youth in the rice sector. IRRI’s research-for-development approach is rooted in collaboration with advanced research institutions, national agricultural research and extension systems (NARES), governments, the development sector, and the private sector to ensure scientific innovations are translated into real-world impact.

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 (ISARC) serves as a regional hub supporting collaborative research, capacity building, and service provision for stakeholders from India, South Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa. ISARC aims to enhance South-South cooperation, strengthen rice production and seed quality, increase farmers’ incomes, deliver research services through its advanced laboratory facilities, and facilitate knowledge transfer throug short courses and IRRI Education offerings.

The World Bank-supported UPAGREES project aims to enhance agricultural productivity, strengthen rural enterprises, and improve market access across 21 districts of Eastern Uttar Pradesh by fostering resilient agri-food value chains, empowering farmers and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and encouraging private sector engagement. Under this initiative, the IRRI South Asia Regional Center will collaborate with the Uttar Pradesh Diversified Agriculture Support Project (UPDASP) and the Project Coordination Unit (PCU) to support the implementation of interventions in rice-based systems. While IRRI will provide technical support, UPDASP — supported by a designated Support Organization (SO)—will coordinate the implementation of project activities, including demonstrations and training

Under the close supervision of the Resident Coordinator, the incumbent will provide critical support in the implementation of extension activities, including the setup and operation of agricultural equipment and implements, as well as training farmers to adopt integrated agronomic technology solutions. The incumbent will also assist in collecting data from demonstrations and experiments and ensure accurate data entry for reporting.

Additionally, the Specialist will work in close coordination with the Support Organization (SO) to facilitate effective implementation of IRRI-supported UPAGREES activities in the assigned districts.

• Help develop and implement a communication strategy.
• Coordinate with implementing partners and key stakeholders of rice, viz., dealers, farmers, suppliers, machine owners, rice millers, NGOs, Farmer Producer Organizations, etc.
• Provide support in updating and maintaining IRRI tools and digital platforms
• Assist and conduct trainings and workshops with relation to IRRI tools and digital platforms.
• Assist in conducting feedback and farmer’s acceptance survey’s on factsheets, technical manuals and brochures.
• Research and write press releases, and content for the organization website, infographics, blogs, and newsletters.
• Adhere to the organization’s style guide, ensuring that high-quality and error-free ICT material are produced.
• Work with key internal role-players to brainstorm content ideas, in line with the organization’s strategy and in support of various brand initiatives.
• Support and evaluate results of ICT materials with the team.
• Coordinate with media and publishing/print houses and work in tandem with them in order to complete the final product (ICT materials).
• Coordination with project teams, AAU project field staff, KVKs, ATMA, public-private organizations, suppliers, service providers, millers, seed producers, FPCs, SHGs, farmers, etc.
• Sustain and develop linkages with project teams, implementing partners, KVKs, ATMA, district agricultural offices, public-private organizations and farmer groups to ensure smooth execution of field activities.
• Assist in developing and implementing communication strategy for the project.
• Maintain and update the quality information on the digital platform and IRRI tools, and help in the localization of RKB.
• Assist in compiling the monthly activity reports, progress, data and information received from district officials and submit compiled monthly progress reports as well as individual reports against task assigned and achieved on regular interval.
• Assist in developing training and awareness creation materials, presentation, reports, etc.
• Provide support and assist in conducting training and workshops in relation to the digital platforms and IRRI tools.

• Master's degree in Social Science, Community Development Organizational Strengthening, Urban Planning, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, Business Administration, Public Administration, International Development with experience of 3 years.
• Or PhD degree in above streams/domains with 2 to 3 years of experience.

Mandatory

• Experience on development of different communication material, video, etc.
• Basic ability to edit and design different communication materials
• Strong interpersonal and written and oral communication skills
• Team player, able to organize work independently

Preferred

• Has experience in working with any media
• Has basic knowledge on rice and wheat production

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 10,000
• 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.
This position will remain open until filled.