National Consultant - Environmental Scientist

Job ID:

HQ01899

Location

Thailand

Closing Date

17-Jun-2026

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.

Job Purpose

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is seeking a National Consultant to support the pilot testing and evaluation of the Sustainable Rice Landscapes Performance Monitoring System (SRIMS) in selected sites in Chiang Rai, Thailand. The consultant will contribute to validating and refining the proposed monitoring framework to ensure its practicality, scientific rigor, and applicability under actual landscape conditions. This includes assessing indicators, parameters, and standardized methodologies covering both farm-level and broader social-ecological dimensions of rice farming landscapes. The engagement will generate evidence-based recommendations to strengthen the system for future scaling and integration into ongoing sustainable rice landscape initiatives, including the Inclusive Sustainable Rice Landscapes in Thailand (ISRL) project.

This position will be based at the IRRI Thailand Office.

Roles and Responsibilities

The consultant is expected to undertake the following tasks:

  • Inception, Review, and Pilot Scoping
    • Review the existing SRIMS concept, guidelines, and indicator framework.
    • Identify gaps, overlaps, and areas requiring refinement.
    • In consultation with the IRRI team and the international expert, agree on the set of indicators, parameters, and assessment components to be included in the pilot testing.
    • Define the scope of the pilot, including key activities and data requirements.
    • Develop criteria for pilot site selection and identify and propose suitable pilot locations for validation.
    • Prepare an inception report outlining the agreed-upon scope, methodology, work plan, and proposed pilot sites.
  • Design of Pilot Testing Protocol
    • Develop a detailed pilot testing protocol based on the agreed scope, indicators, and pilot sites.
    • Define sampling design and sample size, as appropriate.
    • Review, adapt, and operationalize the existing data collection methodologies and measurement procedures for field implementation.
    • Adapt and/or refine data collection tools and instruments (e.g., questionnaires, field measurement templates, checklists), as needed.
    • Establish quality assurance, quality control, and data validation procedures.
    • Work closely with the IRRI team to prepare a detailed implementation plan, including roles, responsibilities, and timeline.
  • Implementation of Pilot Testing.
    • Prepare and finalize all tools and materials required for field implementation.
    • Coordinate with the international expert to validate the application of the protocol and methodologies during initial field implementation.
    • Incorporate feedback from the initial implementation into final adjustments of tools and procedures.
    • Plan, coordinate, and oversee the full implementation of the pilot testing across selected sites.
    • Ensure that all data collection activities are carried out in accordance with the agreed protocol and timeline.
    • Ensure data is properly documented and prepared for reporting and future use.
    • Ensure adherence to established quality assurance and data validation procedures.
  • Data Analysis and Assessment
    • Compile and manage all data collected during the pilot.
    • Analyze field and sample data, including coordinating laboratory analysis where required.
    • Assess the feasibility, reliability, and practicality of the indicators and methodologies.
    • Identify implementation challenges, gaps, and resource implications
  • Reporting and Recommendations
    • Prepare a comprehensive report on the pilot testing process, methodology, and results.
    • Summarize key findings, lessons learned, and challenges encountered.
    • Provide evidence-based recommendations to refine and finalize the SRIMS framework.
    • Present findings and recommendations to the project team and relevant stakeholders.
  • Attend and actively participate in relevant project meetings, consultations, and workshops, when required
Qualifications
  • Higher degree in Agronomy, Agricultural Sciences, Agro-Environmental Sciences, Agro-Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Applied Sciences, or another relevant field.
  • Minimum 5 years of experience in agricultural and environmental research/projects, including field-based studies, monitoring and evaluation of agricultural, and biodiversity or environmental systems.
  • Demonstrated experience in or understanding of implementing the Thai Agricultural Standard on Good Agricultural Practices for Sustainable Rice Production (TAS 4408-2022) or GAP++ and SRP standards and their Performance Indicators (PIs).
  • Demonstrated strong understanding of and/or experience with rice landscape management is considered a strong asset.
  • Experience in biodiversity assessment, particularly invertebrate (insect) monitoring, is an advantage.
  • Experience in conducting similar work in Thailand particularly areas in the North and Northeast Thailand or knowledge of Thailand’s agricultural context and system is an advantage.
Skills Required

Mandatory

  • Familiarity with Toolkit for the indicators of resilience in social ecological production landscapes and seascapes (SEPLs) or LandScale assessment frameworks is an advantage.
  • Basic knowledge of spatial analysis tools, including the use of satellite imagery or GIS for landscape-level assessment, is desirable.
  • Demonstrated ability to prepare clear, concise, and professional reports in English within agreed timelines (submission of writing samples may be required)

Preferred

  • Ability to work independently and deliver high-quality outputs with minimal supervision.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team and engage with diverse stakeholders.
  • Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines while still maintaining attention to detail and accuracy, and problem-solve effectively.

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.

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