Researcher - Social and Behavioral Studies

**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**

**This position will be based at the IRRI South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) in Varanasi and may only be filled in by permanent citizens of India.**

**Roles and Responsibilities**
- Conduct qualitative study and use of qualitative method to explore the cultural dimension of rice value chain and market systems, understanding the process of technology and project interventions
- Assist and suggest on Synthesizing the key learning and documentation of socio cultural dimension to improve the holistic understanding of the project activities and research questions
- Provide technical input and support in the assessment, design, implementation, monitoring, analysis and reporting of the project
- Use anthropological research, including assessment of tools and techniques, qualitative and mixed methods approaches and tools for effective learning and integrate the qualitative dimension as a part of project interventions and other activities.
- Recommend immediate intervention to research design and implementation related to socioeconomic issues when necessary
- Consult and collaborate with key stakeholders of the Project components in the integration of the qualitative research methods and tools in the TAFSSA and MIPPI projects;
- Actively engaged in conducting qualitative data collection, synthesis and analysis with project team and partners
- Engaged in the building of capacity within IRRI and with external partners on mixed methods approaches and tools for effective learning, anthropological research, including assessment of tools and techniques for different projects to integrate the qualitative dimension.
- Actively engaged in developing partnerships within CG and with various stakeholders to implement research activities with partners in South Asia with the Market, Consumers, and Nutrition cluster research of IRRI; expand portfolio of the market and consumer research to anthropological dimensions.
- Implement, analyze, summarise, synthesize key learning and documentation of qualitative studies relevant to project objective and research questions
- Conduct literature survey for the qualitative research question, developing methods, tools and technique relevant to research topic
- Drafting the key results and documentation within the team and share learning experiences, knowledge, perceptions and behavior for technological interventions and process of adoption using mixed-method/qualitative approach.
- Contribute as a team member in the anthropological research, including assessment of tools and techniques for different projects formulation and implementation
- Engagement with various public and private sector partners for understanding of the socio-cultural dimension and farmers’ perspective on various social science research
- Contribute to the development of report and publication of research process and outcomes at academic and policy level forums

**Qualifications**
Bachelor's degree in Social Science; preferred disciplines include anthropology, sociology and rural sociology, development studies, or another discipline which provides suitable basic knowledge with a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience; Or

Master's degree in Social Science; preferred disciplines include anthropology, sociology and rural sociology, development studies, or another discipline which provides suitable basic knowledge with a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience

**Skills Required** Mandatory**
- Has extensive experience in qualitative research
- Deep understanding of mixed methods research
- Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Team player and able to work independently
- Has ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment
- Can effectively establish priorities and meet deadlines
- Excellent technical report and journal article writing skill
- Experience in market, nutrition or any related research

**Preferred**
- Computer literate and proficient in qualitative data analysis using software
- Has experience working in and international work environment

**Allowances**
- **House-Rent Allowance**: IRRI provides a house rent allowance of 40% of base pay per m