Manager - Liaison & Coordination

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About the Organization

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 Description

India is an important country of focus in the South Asia region with an ongoing need to manage linkages and establish partnerships with government agencies, NARES partners and other collaborators to develop and implement research and development opportunities within the country.

This job assignment will provide strategic guidance for planning, organizing and facilitating bilateral work plan meetings and other IRRI programs and activities in the country. Under the minimal direction of the IRRI India representatives (Asia Director, ISARC Director and CSSM), establish and manage linkages and partnerships with government agencies, NARES partners and other collaborators to develop and implement research and development opportunities within the country. Develop and monitor the bilateral country strategy and work plan. Monitor on-going collaborative projects and facilitate the acceleration of research impacts.

IRRI with the support of the Government of India, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare has established IRRI-South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The ISARC is a regional facility that supports research collaboration, training, and service provision to institutions, scientists, farmers, and other stakeholders from India and other South Asian and African nations.

The state-of-the-art rice research center catalyzes South-South collaboration, strengthens research and capacity development of rice-growing countries in the South Asia and Africa regions, and contributes towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals 2030.

Job Responsibilities

• Support the IRRI India Representative and the Director of ISARC in planning, organizing and facilitating country work plan meetings, ISARC Coordination Committee meeting, high profile events and other IRRI programs and activities
• Develop the bilateral country work plan for the Country Office in close coordination with IRRI Representative, IRRI Scientists, Project Managers, project partners, government institutions and donors
• Monitor the implementation of the bilateral country plan
• Consult and communicate closely with national agricultural research and extension services (NARES) for administration and execution of collaborative projects
• Liaise with MEA & FRRO on issues pertaining to IRRI’s host country agreement and international status and provide support on registration, visa extension, vehicle approval & registration, etc. for IRRI and for all international staff deployed in India
• Act  as ICAR/DARE point person for IRRI in India and with DoA&FW for ISARC activities etc.
• Liaise with various Ministries as may be required for pursuing matters related to legal & regulatory compliance
• Provide strategic direction in relations to sustaining existing relationships and building new partnerships
• Assist IRRI Representative and update IRRI Headquarters on the country’s issues, priorities, and emerging opportunities for possible partnerships and research themes
• Identify IRRI linkages in research and development opportunities and partners within the country
• Monitor on-going IRRI collaborative country projects to strengthen program and budget management
• Oversee correct fund releases to collaborating institutions in country
• Facilitate the acceleration of impacts of research results (activities and linkages)
• Interact with NARES partners by participating in meetings, conferences, discussions, and monitor the status of the ongoing activities
• Facilitate the implementation of IRRI collaborative activities in the country as per agreed work plan with partner
• Organize, plan, and facilitate bilateral country work plan meetings and other IRRI programs and  activities in country, such as conference, meeting, workshop
• Promote public awareness on the importance of rice research and on-going IRRI-country collaborative activities
• Arrange germplasm, soil and other material import and export for collaborative projects through relevant authorities in India
• Identify common interests of national, IRRI, and donor and explore funding opportunities including the development of a database of donors
• Obtain permits/clearances for IRRI scientists and scientists from host country for visiting and attending meetings/workshops at IRRI Country Office, Headquarters, or other countries
• Prepare brochures, briefs and other media material for the use of senior management and collaborative partners
• Finalize/write reports intended for submission to supervisor, partners, donors and other stakeholders
• Provide administrative and/or technical advice to ensure appropriate communication to stakeholders

 Education Qualification/Required Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business or Public Administration, Management, Agricultural Science or related field with a minimum of 9 years of relevant work experience in Project Management, Program Coordination, Office Management, Finance, Communications or related fields;

                           OR

• Master’s degree in Business or Public Administration, Management, Agricultural Science or related field with a minimum of 7 years relevant work experience in Project Management, Program Coordination, Office Management, Finance, Communications or related fields

Skills Required

Mandatory:

• Has substantive experience in a (Project) Management environment
• Has proven experiencing forging partnerships
• Has substantive experience developing and monitoring strategies and work plans
• Excellent negotiation and diplomatic skills
• Is able to provide solutions to the needs of clients
• Has proficient oral and written communication and interpersonal skills
• Has excellent organizational skills
• Has attention for detail
• Has experience working in the area of agricultural science

Preferred

• Has worked in a international environment and with government agencies

For more information please check the Link

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