Country Representative - Korea

Job ID:

HQ01912

Location

South Korea

Closing Date

07-Aug-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

As the Country Representative - Korea, you will represent IRRI’s interests in the Republic of Korea and lead the development, coordination, and implementation of a strategic engagement agenda that advances IRRI’s research, innovation, and partnership priorities in Korea and beyond. The position will focus on strengthening project coordination, mobilizing resources, managing strategic donor and institutional relationships, and promoting Korea as a key partner for scaling rice-based innovations for regional and global food security.

This position will be based at the IRRI Korea Office in Jeonju, South Korea. In accordance with the requirements for this position, applications are open only to Korean nationals.

Roles and Responsibilities
  • Represent IRRI and lead strategic engagement with Korean stakeholders.
  • Develop and implement IRRI-Korea partnership and engagement strategies.
  • Coordinate project development, implementation, and portfolio management.
  • Mobilize resources and strengthen donor relationships.
  • Promote Korea-supported innovations and partnerships globally.
  • Maintain relationships with ministries, RDA, KOICA, universities, research institutes, CGIAR partners, and private sector organizations.
  • Facilitate collaboration between Korean institutions and IRRI scientists.
  • Support high-level missions, negotiations, and partnership agreements.
  • Provide strategic advice to IRRI leadership on opportunities in Korea.
  • Represent IRRI at conferences, policy dialogues, and partnership events.
  • Develop and manage partnership and funding pipelines.
  • Coordinate proposal development and donor engagement activities.
  • Support governance mechanisms, progress reviews, and reporting.
  • Ensure effective management of IRRI Korea Office operations.
  • Deliver measurable partnership, funding, and project outcomes aligned with IRRI strategy.
  • Perform any other relevant duties as assigned by supervisor from time to time
Qualifications
  • Master's or PhD in Agricultural Science, Agricultural Economics, International Development, Public Policy, or related field
  • Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible experience in agricultural research-for-development, partnership management, development cooperation, or related fields
  • Proven experience in donor engagement, fundraising, and resource mobilization
  • Experience managing multi-stakeholder projects and partnerships
  • Strong understanding of Korean development cooperation and agricultural innovation systems
  • Knowledge of CGIAR and international agricultural research is highly desirable
Skills Required

Mandatory

  • Strategic partnership development
  • Resource mobilization and proposal development
  • Program and portfolio management
  • Stakeholder engagement and diplomacy
  • Excellent communication, negotiation, and representation skills
  • Strong leadership, planning, and organizational skills

Preferred

  • Knowledge of rice-based agri-food systems
  • Experience working with international organizations
  • Experience managing regional or global partnerships.

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!

At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.