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

Under the minimal direction of Scientist II – Seed Systems and Product Management conceptualize and implement defined scientific studies, including managing the day-to-day research operations of a research group. Develop research and/ or data management methodologies, coordinate and monitor activities while collaborating with key research institutions and partners. Interpret research findings and present data in various formats. Provide technical support and deliver training sessions to staff and other stakeholders (internal/ external).Guide supervisees in their work. Serve on institutional and professional committees and task forces.

This position will be based at the IRRI Bangladesh Office in Dhaka and will only be filled by permanent citizens of Bangladesh.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization and design of studies in partnership with the Scientist in the field of Seed Systems & Product Management;
• Lead in preparing and presenting research findings in various formats and forums
• Manage the implementation of the research agenda of a research group / cross-cutting research area in the field of Seed Systems & Product management;
• Develop training curriculum and manuals
• Develop/Coordinate the development/ implementation of online resources (e.g. computer programs, database tools)
• Monitor financial resources as well as budget allocation approvals to ensure sustainable operations toward full cost recovery
• Recommend new processes and policy improvement(s) to ensure efficient performance including testing protocols and reviewing standard operating procedures (SOP)
• Conceptualize and develop research and data management methodologies based on organizational-specific objectives to meet research requirement
• Oversee the implementation of risk management procedures and controls
• Coordinate and supervise analysis of research data related to Seed Systems & Product Management
• Contribute to the ongoing research to promote disciplinary excellence
• Work together with project leaders and collaborating partners to define the scope of research activities and harmonize the undertakings in the team(s)
• Collaborate with internal/external key research partner(s) to create the best suitable management pathway(s)
• Contribute strategically to professional service activities at the Organizational Unit and Institute levels such as committees or task forces;
• Represent the Organizational Unit at high-level meetings
• Verify the quality of experimental data and interpret research findings based on the defined objective of the study
• Assure that the database/dataset is up to date
• Supervise the implementation of research activities and data management to guarantee quality data, data backup, and data integrity
• Provide a report of data in the context of published literature
• Review existing course of action, develop a work plan, set milestones, and
• Resolve appearing difficulties such as setbacks through technical errors, license, and other complex issues that affect the successful completion of research studies
• Assure the quality of project reports, posters, and papers (internal and external)
  publish in scientific journals and web-based publications
• Provide technical support and deliver training sessions to staff and other stakeholders
• Conduct training course(s) and workshop(s) including in-house training on demand for clients in and outside IRRI
• Supervise and performance appraisals of the work of Assistant Scientists, and Researchers
• Support the professional development of Assistant Scientists and Researchers
• Perform any other relevant duties as assigned by supervisors from time to time

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in agriculture science, breeding, agriculture extension, rural development or Agribusiness management and 6 years relevant work experience in agriculture technology/varietal testing, scaling, field research, and market development, or
• PhD Degree in Agriculture science, breeding, agriculture extension, rural development, or Agribusiness management with 3 years experience in agriculture technology/ varietal testing, scaling, field research and market development, or equivalent training/experience

Skills Required

• Has extensive proven technical proficiency in research
• Has experience in writing research papers/articles and reports
• Excellent analytical skills
• Has experience with implementing risk management tools
• Has experience with Quality assurance
• Has extensive research management experience
• Has experience leading/supervising a team
• Has strong decision-making skills
• Has experience writing project proposals
• Internal IRRI candidates will be given preferences.

Base Salary Ranges: (215, 299 – 375, 874) BDT/ per month

Other Benefits:

• Housing Allowance: 30% of base pay per month
• Festival Bonus: 2 months base pay/ year
• Contributory Provident Fund (CPF): 15% (IRRI’s contribution)
• Transport Allowance
• Returning mother allowance with a six-month maternity leave for female employees
• Medical insurance coverage with a maximum of $16,000/year and other admissible benefits.