Senior Specialist

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.

Our work aims to improve the health and livelihoods of rice farmers and consumers, promote environmental sustainability in the context of climate change, and empower women and youth in the rice sector. IRRI's research-for-development approach is rooted in collaboration with advanced research institutions, national agricultural research and extension systems (NARES), governments, the development sector, and the private sector to ensure scientific innovations are translated into real-world impact.

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

The IRRI South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) serves as a regional hub supporting collaborative research, capacity building, and service provision for stakeholders from India, South Asia, and sub- Saharan Africa. ISARC aims to enhance South-South cooperation, strengthen rice production and seed quality, increase farmers' incomes, deliver research services through its advanced laboratory facilities, and facilitate knowledge transfer through short courses and IRRI Education offerings.

The World Bank-supported UPAGREES project aims to enhance agricultural productivity, strengthen rural enterprises, and improve market access across 21 districts of Eastern Uttar Pradesh by fostering resilient agri-food value chains, empowering farmers and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and encouraging private sector engagement. Under this initiative, the IRRI South Asia Regional Center will collaborate with the Uttar Pradesh Diversified Agriculture Support Project (UPDASP) and the Project Coordination Unit (PCU) to support the implementation of interventions in rice-based systems. While IRRI will provide technical support, UPDASP— supported by a designated Support Organization (SO)—will coordinate the implementation of project activities, including demonstrations and training.

Under the close supervision of the Senior Associate Scientist II - Resident Coordinator, the incumbent will provide essential support for extension activities, including setting up and operating agricultural equipment and implements, training farmers on integrated agronomic technologies, distributing seeds, and assisting with various field operations. The role also entails collecting data from demonstrations and experiments, accurately encoding it for reporting, and working in close coordination with the Support Organization (SO) to ensure effective implementation of IRRI-supported UPAGREES activities in the assigned districts

This position will be based at Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India and may only be filled by permanent citizens of India.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Assess and recommend improved options of mechanization, postharvest, residue management and agro-machinery practices used for different operations in rice-based systems for EUP.
• Identify possible sources of postharvest and residue management machinery supply, fabrication of components and after-sale services and maintenance.
• Plan for service test and adapt machinery to suit local conditions of farmers and other actors.
• Independently lead on promotion of verified technologies for adoption by farmers, contract service providers, and other actors.
• Independently coordinate field activities and trainings on postharvest management, mechanization, residue management, and exposure visits for extension officers, service providers and farmers within and outside the state.
• Develop and maintain close linkages/partnerships with national stakeholders including project partners, farmer organizations, FPGs, NGOs, community organization, service providers, distributors/dealers, workshops, spare part retailers/centers, processors, rice residue processing companies, suppliers, etc.
• Report writing, preparation of technical literature, success stories, training materials and publishing articles in magazines and journals.
• Demonstrate improved postharvest and residue management options for safe operation, proper maintenance and inculcate the best practices of using machines.
• Planning and implementation of capacity building of NARES partners on improved postharvest and residue management options.
• Designing and developing training modules and product promotional materials.
• Plan and organize exposure visits and training for research/extension officials, farmers, FPGs, NGOs, contract service providers within and outside the state and regular meetings with partners and stakeholders to discuss progress, address challenges, and streamline the implementation of project activities.
• Organize/facilitate farmers' field days, farmers' fair and demonstrations of equipment and machinery.
• Provide support to local partners in developing plans for disseminating technologies and best management practices.
• Oversee, review and analyze collected and compiled data on field operations, training, source and suitability of equipment/machinery, etc. for submission to supervisor.
• Efficient documentation, dissemination of information (leaflets, posters, booklets, video clips) on mechanization and postharvest management widely through different channels, including in collaboration with media, NGOs, government partners and other stakeholders, and make presentations if required; and maintaining records of field activities, visits, trainings, and learning activities regularly.
• Perform any other relevant duties as assigned by supervisor from time to time.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in agricultural engineering or related fields with minimum 3 years of experience in working on machinery, postharvest and residue management practices; or
• PhD degree in agricultural engineering with specialization in Farm Machinery and Power with minimum 2 years' experience of working on machinery, postharvest and residue management practices.

Skills Required

Mandatory

• "Hands-on" experience working with fabrication, service, and repair of agri-machinery
• Basic ability to read and work with engineering drawings
• Strong written and oral, and interpersonal communication skills
• Team player, able to organize work independently
• Data analysis and report writing

Preferred

• Has experience in working with fabricators, service providers and farmer groups to test, demonstrate and train farmers and other value chain actors
• Has experience in rice and wheat production

Allowances

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

Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

This position will remain open until filled.

Job Reference: HQ01844