Research Technician III - Agriculture Extension (Location: Gonda)

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 through short courses and IRRI Education offerings.

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

Under the close supervision of the Cluster Coordinator, the incumbent will provide basic support in the implementation of extension activities such as field level coordination, setting up and operating agronomy equipment/implements and training of farmers to deliver integrated technology solutions, including distribution of seeds to farmers, field demonstrations, and providing support to conduct various field activities. S/he will help to collect data from demonstrations, experiments and support other field level activities. S/he will work in close coordination with the support organization (SO) for better implementation of the IRRI-supported UPAGREES activities in the assigned districts.

• Set up, operate, and routinely check seed, agronomy, and post-harvest equipment/implements to ensure their readiness and safe use during field activities.
• Provide hands-on support in the day-to-day implementation of field experiments, demonstrations, and management activities across multiple project objectives.
• Assist in organizing and conducting farmer trainings, field days, and learning events organized with partner agencies, ensuring that demonstrations are clear, accurate, and accessible to participants.
• Contribute to community mobilization activities by coordinating with farmers, field partners, and local groups to encourage participation in project trials and learning sessions.
• Help promote the adoption of improved technologies by engaging with youth and farmers, showcasing machine features, and providing simple guidance on safe and effective usage.
• Work closely with project staff to plan and organize field activities related to field surveys, agronomy and field demonstrations, seed production, machinery testing, entrepreneurship development, training and awareness events , ensuring timely and accurate execution.
• Support contract workers, casual laborers, and collaborating farmers during field operations by providing clear instructions, guidance, and hands-on assistance to maintain work quality and safety.
• Monitor stock levels of field supplies, consumables, and basic equipment; prepare lists of required items and coordinate with supervisors to initiate timely procurement.
• Communicate field progress, minor issues, and supply needs to supervisors and project teams to support smooth implementation and troubleshooting.
• Build a strong rapport with farmers, support organizations, and other implementing partners.
• Assist in delivering key technical messages, machine demonstrations, and basic agronomic guidance to farmers during trainings, field days, and on-farm visits.
• Participate in data collection for on-farm experiments, technology demonstrations, and field trials by performing measurements, recording observations, and following standard protocols.
• Encode, organize, and maintain basic field and plot-level data in the required formats to support monitoring, reporting, and preliminary analysis by the project team.
• Prepare field plots, materials, and equipment in advance to ensure activities are carried out according to schedule and research standards.

• Intermediate with relevant work experience of 2-3 years.
• or Graduate with relevant work experience of 1-2 years

Mandatory

• Has basic knowledge of MS Office programs such as Word and Excel
• Has experience in office related work
• Has experience in data collection

Preferred

• Has experience in Rice 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 2,000

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 that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

This position will remain open until filled.