Senior Scientist I - Gender and Social Research

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is the world’s premier research organization 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.

The Senior Scientist will lead the implementation of research activities of the new OneCGIAR Harnessing Gender and Social Equality for Resilience in Agri-food Systems (HER+) Initiative in Asia. The first business cycle of HER+ extends from April 2022 to March 2025. The Senior Scientist will coordinate and lead the design and implementation of activities of work package 2 in Asia, which focuses on socio-technical innovation bundling (STIBs) for women’s resilience and empowerment in the context of climate change. The research focuses on developing, testing and evaluating context-specific STIBs in selected learning labs; Designing and testing pathways and processes for enhanced uptake of STIBs by women and; developing a toolbox with guidance for designing, implementing and evaluating STIBs.  

The senior scientist will closely with the Work Package Leader and Co-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 HER+ and other projects and programs at IRRI. 

This position will be based at the IRRI Nepal Office in Kathmandu and is open for international applications.

• Lead design and implementation of research on design and deployment of STIBs with a focus on gender, youth and social inclusion in agri-food systems in Asia
• Lead Evidence synthesis and Gap Mapping on key themes relevant to the Work Package focus and development of toolbox
• Lead delivery of all outputs and outcomes aligned with HER+ WP2
• 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
• 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 gender and innovation package adoption and impacts
• Align with IRRI and HER+ 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
• Write and consolidate scientific achievements into fit-for-purpose communications materials in collaboration with the Platform and IRRI communications teams
• Develop technical and financial reports on the projects and Evidence Module
• Publish and actively contribute to articles in peer-reviewed journals/digests that highlight findings from module and IRRI activities showcasing the scientific leadership
• Represent the Evidence Module, GENDER Platform 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
• 4-5 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
• 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
• Experience with R4D project management, including planning, physical and financial implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and reporting
• Sound interpersonal skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural and multidisciplinary team

Preferred

• Experience working on Gender R4D and evidence generation in Africa and Asia

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.