Associate Scientist

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. IRRI is leading the Module on ‘Evidence’ in the CGIAR GENDER Platform. We are aiming for a world where Gender Equality (GE) drives food systems transformation and vice-versa. Gender gaps and inequalities continue to persist as investment decisions, programs and policies are often not grounded in a strong evidence base. This position will support the IRRI Research Unit and Evidence Module leader, and associated teams in supporting implementation of gender and social R4D activities and managing partnerships.

This position is based at Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

**Roles and Responsibilities**: Purpose
- Lead mixed methods research design and implementation
- Conduct literature reviews and write reports
- Facilitate the planning, designing and implementation of qualitative and quantitative surveys and other activities related to Gender and social Research
- Perform data analysis using the most appropriate and advanced statistical tools to support mixed methods gender research studies at IRRI
- Contribute to the development of research proposals including review of related literature, selection of adequate research tools and sampling methods, verification of suggested methodologies and establishment of parameters.
- Contribute to and lead scientific articles Contribute to and lead development of communication products

Engagement
- Constantly communicate with internal and external project partners and collaborators to gather feedback and to exchange conceptual ideas and other research-related requirements for the advancement of projects
- Provide assistance and guidelines to internal and external stakeholders considering the implementation of surveys and other research activities, including logistics
- Constantly monitor, evaluate and provide recommendations to improve research activities/tasks performed by survey enumerators and partner staff in order to maintain smooth conduct of mixed-methods surveys as well as to foster a productive working environment
- Coordinate with required IRRI services and supplies to ensure smooth implementation of surveys

Delivery
- Evaluate, validate and contribute to the interpretation of results contribute to the writing of manuscripts for reports/publications as well as presentations/posters for national and international conferences.
- Prepare and submit updated of research outputs to the Scientists in a timely manner
- Supervise and lead the maintenance of accurate data recording and update database for efficient storage and retrieval of information
- Administer effective coordination and preparations of trainings by ensuring that the training materials, logístical arrangements and resource persons are appropriate to the defined objectives
- Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)

**Qualifications**: M.Sc./Master’s degree in Rural Sociology, Gender Studies, Agricultural Economics, Development Studies, Geography or related field with minimum 4 years of relevant experience in research design, implementation, data analysis and interpretation in gender R4D in agriculture or food systems.

Or PhD in Rural Sociology, Gender Studies, Agricultural Economics, Development Studies, Geography or related field with minimum with 1 year of relevant experience in research design, implementation, data analysis and interpretation in gender R4D in agriculture or food systems.

**Skills Required**: Mandatory:
Proven technical proficiency in designing and conducting qualitative and quantitative surveys

Understanding of gender in agriculture concepts, research methods and tools Understanding of mixed-methods research and participatory research approaches Strong oral and written communication skills

Strong analytical skills

Experience in quality assurance Experience in Research Management

Good presentation skills

Preferred:
Experience in supervising or overseeing work of staff

Willing to travel and work independently with NARES partners

In addition to the base salary mentioned above, IRRI also offers the following allowances:
House-Rent Allowance: IRRI provides a house rent allowance of 40% of base pay per month.

Transport Allowance: A monthly transport allowance of INR 5,000

Dearness Allowance: One Hundred and Thirteen percent (113%) of employee’s base pay.

Leave Travel Allowance (LTA): One-month base pay per annum, on availing minimum 2 days of vacation leave

Education Allowance: INR 1000/- per child per month (limited 2 children)

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