Senior Scientist I - Gender and Social Research

The Senior Scientist will co-lead the implementation of research activities of the Work Package 6 on ‘Scaling equitable access to quality seed’ in the new OneCGIAR Delivering Genetioc Gains in Farmers Fields (SeEdQUAl) Initiative. The Senior Scientist will coordinate and lead the design and implementation of activities of work package 6 in Africa and Asia, which focuses on enhancing inclusive access to quality seed of preferred crops and varieties to women and other vulnerable groups to enhance their resilience, augment their productivity and income. The research focuses on developing, testing and evaluating gender responsive seed information delivery pathways; capacity building and business models for engaging women and youth in seed production and marketing; strategies for enhancing synergies between formal and farmer-managed systems and; metrics and mechanisms for tracking inclusive access to seed. The incumbent will lead and guide integration of gender and social dimensions taking an intersectional lens across the initiative, working closely with the other five work packages.

The Senior Scientist will closely with the Work Package Leader and lead co-ordination across Asia and Africa, monitoring and reporting of the Work Package. This position will establish, nurture and manage necessary partnerships within and beyond CGIAR  to deliver effectively on the work package and initiative commitments. This position will also oversee junior research staff working on SeEdQUAl and other projects and programs at IRRI. 

This position will be based in Kampala, Uganda and is open for international applications.

• Co-lead SeEdQUAL’s work package 6 on “Scaling equitable access to quality seed”
• Lead design and implementation of formative and action research on inclusive seed systems with a focus on gender, youth and social inclusion in agri-food systems in Africa and Asia
• Lead Evidence synthesis on key themes relevant to the Work Package focus and development of metrics for tracking inclusive access
• Lead the design, implementation, monitoring and reporting of WP6 R4D activities in Africa and Asia.
• Lead the collaborations and collaborative activities with other SeEdQUAL work packages, other One CGIAR initiatives, and their partners
• Lead delivery of all outputs and outcomes aligned with SeEdQUAL WP6
• Communicate and influence uptake of validated approaches and interventions by government and non-government research and development partners and policy makers.
• Lead development of new project proposals and mobilise funding
• Financial and human resources planning and management for projects
• Provide guidance and leadership to WP communications
• Establish collaboration with research and academic partners, as well as other work package leaders; this includes troubleshooting whenever issues arise
• Develop and sustain partnerships and coordinate with other CG centers for joint advocacy and knowledge generation and sharing on inclusive seed systems and associated impacts
• Align with IRRI and SeEdQUAL Initiative and WP Leaders and Research Support to assure synergies in the work
• Maintain and proactively develop network and partnerships with potential donors
• Manage performance and mentor research staff in the initiative and research unit
• Monitor the progress of the research projects, including the review of draft operational reports and research performed ensuring quality of outputs at all times
• Lead the preparation and dissemination of scientific articles, policy briefs, and working papers for the WP
• Write and consolidate scientific achievements into fit-for-purpose communications materials in collaboration with the Initiative and IRRI communications teams.
• Develop technical and financial reports on the Work Package
• Publish and actively contribute to articles in peer-reviewed journals/digests that highlight findings from the work package and initiative and IRRI activities showcasing the scientific leadership
• Represent the SeEdQUAL WP6 and IRRI to a wide audience by presenting at international conferences/meetings

• PhD in Rural Sociology, Gender Studies, Anthropology, Feminist Economics, Development Economics, Development Studies, Agricultural Economics, Institutional Economics, Geography or related field
• 8 years post PhD experience in Gender R4D in agriculture or food systems

Mandatory

• Deep and sound grounding in theoretical and analytical frameworks and concepts of gender and social equity
• Excellent track record of leadership in and contributions to the field of gender and social research
• Proven technical expertise in research design and data analysis
• Excellent Written and Oral communication skills in English
• Strong quantitative and/or qualitative analytical skills, with keen interest in and experience with mixed methods
• Evidence of scientific publications in international journals
• Evidence of high quality communication products for different audiences
• Experience of working with R&D partners nationally and globally
• Excellent R4D project management skills and experience, including planning, physical and financial implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and reporting
• Sound interpersonal skills
• Proven track-record in mentoring and coaching peers and young scientists
• Outstanding leadership and organizational skills
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural and multidisciplinary team
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks and produce completed products on time
• Demonstrated ability to organize and implement workshops and trainings
• Demonstrated experience in interacting with stakeholders (donors, governments, non-governmental organizations, and research organizations), preferably in an international environment
• Strong interpersonal skills and a team-oriented spirit
• Ability and willingness to travel nationally and internationally as necessary
  

Preferred

• Gender research including knowledge of gender transformative approaches and gender-responsive seed systems

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.