International - Project Leader

Senior Project Leader, Cereal Systems Initiative for South Asia (CSISA)

Science Recruitment Ireland has been appointed by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) to assist with a major recruitment drive.  IRRI is currently undergoing a huge growth phase with urgent requirement for postdoctoral fellows, and other more experienced international candidates with expertise in some of the following areas - plant genetics/breeding, plant physiology, plant biochemistry, and developmental biology.  These roles will be based in Philippines or India and will be at least 3-5 years in duration, with a good likelihood that the contracts will be extended further.

Based in the Philippines, the International Rice Research Institute is the oldest and largest international agricultural research institute in Asia. It is an autonomous, nonprofit rice research and education organization with staff based in 14 countries in Asia and Africa. Its mission is to reduce poverty and hunger, improve the health of rice farmers and consumers, and ensure that rice production is environmentally sustainable. We work closely with most rice-producing and -consuming countries and their national agricultural research and extension systems as well as farming communities and a range of international, regional, and local organizations. In partnerships with these national systems, IRRI conducts research and provides training and education for those helping rice farmers by disseminating information and proven, sustainable technologies. IRRI was established in 1960 by the Ford and Rockefeller Foundations in cooperation with the Philippine government. Its headquarters—which feature modern laboratories, training and accommodation facilities, and a 252-hectare experimental farm—lie next to the main campus of the University of the Philippines Los Baños, about 60 kilometers south of the Philippine capital, Manila.

Job Purpose To coordinate the Cereal Systems Initiative for South Asia (CSISA), which brings together a range of public- and private-sector organizations to develop and deliver integrated technology solutions for enabling the sustainable intensification of major intensive cereal production systems in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Major objectives of CSISA include widespread delivery and adaptation of production and postharvest technologies to increase cereal production, raise incomes, and help prepare farmers for climate change; sustainable crop- and resource-management practices; development and dissemination of high-yielding, stress-tolerant, and disease- and insect-resistant rice, wheat, and maize varieties; improved policies for agricultural growth; and the creation of a new generation of cereal research and extension specialists.

Responsibilities: This role involves leading a strategic research and development initiative which will take a decade or more to complete, requiring the expertise of many scientists and establishing strong public-private sector partnerships for developing, adapting, and delivering new technologies to millions of farmers in South Asia. Four international agricultural research centers will partner with national agricultural research, education and extension systems, non-government organizations and private-sector companies to implement CSISA.

Specifically, the Project Coordinator will be required to:
Act as the focal person for strategic planning, coordinating, and monitoring the activities of CSISA in seven thematic areas across four countries.
Build and facilitate a strong network of public and private sector partner organizations across South Asia to develop, evaluate, and deliver to millions of farmers improved rice, wheat and maize varieties and resource-conserving soil, crop and post-harvest management technologies.
Develop strong linkages between CSISA and other national and international initiatives for improving the productivity of agricultural systems, reducing poverty, enhancing rural development, and improving ecosystem resilience and nutrition in South Asia.
Contribute to developing and evaluating innovative business models for public-private sector partnerships in technology dissemination and professional capacity building.
Develop and implement an efficient communication strategy for CSISA, including multi-media approaches for disseminating critical information and raising awareness.
Organize in-country training, project planning and review meetings.
Interact with the CSISA Advisory Panel and other regional leaders in the public and private sectors.
Monitor project progress against quantitative milestones, prepare periodic progress reports for donors and project partners and represent CSISA in major meetings.
Seek opportunities for new partnerships and complementary funding.
Manage expenditures against targets and budgets.

Knowledge Required for Senior Project Leader, Cereal Systems Initiative for South Asia (CSISA) Role

Education / Experience

Minimum Education: MSc or MBA degree in agricultural or biological sciences, agribusiness, agricultural economics or a related field
Experience required: At least 10 years of experience in agricultural business, rural development, extension or research, including a proven track record in managing interdisciplinary teams or projects, and building and maintaining complex partnerships.
Languages: English: Written and Spoken
Knowledge of local language an asset
Ideal Experience:
Preferred competencies include: experience working with cereal systems in South Asia
good understanding of agronomy and breeding
good understanding of innovative approaches for delivery of agricultural technologies, inputs and services to farmers
good understanding of agricultural markets and policies
excellent interpersonal and communication skills
demonstrated ability to build and lead multi-disciplinary teams agri-business administration and coordination experience
For further information, please contact:

Ursula Crossan +353 1 6479206 HYPERLINK "mailto:ursula@sri.ie" ursula@sri.ie Science Recruitment Ireland HYPERLINK "http://www.sri.ie" www.sri.ie