About IRRI

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is not your typical research organization. We’re a dynamic, global team of innovators working to improve the lives of rice farmers and consumers while ensuring a sustainable future for our planet. At IRRI, we’re passionate about rice, and we’re committed to making a difference in the world.

As Head of the Clearing House Facility on Scaling of Agricultural Innovations for Development, you will play a key role in collaborating with partners to design, implement, and scale transformative agricultural innovations.

This position, under the ADB-CGIAR Clearing House Facility project, will focus on improving livelihoods, enhancing food security, and fostering sustainable development.

You will collaborate extensively with international financial institutions and the CGIAR to identify and refine country- or context-appropriate climate-smart agriculture (CSA) innovations. Your expertise will be essential in co-designing intervention packages that promote the adoption and scaling of CSA innovations, leading towards improved livelihoods and climate resilience, and fostering rural development.

You will be responsible for translating scientific findings and innovations into compelling business propositions to attract investment and ensure the widespread adoption of these technologies.

The position will be based in Manila, Philippines and is open for international applications.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Analyze and Select: Assess and refine promising climate-smart agriculture (CSA) and other innovations and approaches, considering factors such as impact potential, scalability, and the role of the private sector and relevant policies
• Develop and Package: Collaborate with partners to develop and package CSA and other scaling interventions and programs, contributing to the creation of country-level investment strategies and national agricultural development initiatives
• Collaboration and Coordination
  • Partner with CGIAR experts to develop and enhance systems for documenting and sharing CSA and other innovations, practices and expertise
  • Work with international financial institutions (IFIs) and other stakeholders to design investment packages that promote the scaling of CSA innovations in target countries
  • Maintain ongoing communication with key stakeholders (IFIs, CGIAR, funders) to provide updates, address challenges, and ensure project success
  • Provide support and guidance to the project Steering committee on program management and strategic direction
• Lead and Deliver:
  • Lead the development and deployment of the clearing house innovation database platform of CGIAR CSA innovations and technologies, including finding ways to synergize or link with existing CGIAR platforms or databases of technologies and innovations
  • Spearhead the design and implementation of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) plans and activities to assess the impact of CSA innovations
  • Oversee the development of project progress and terminal reports
  • Provide training/capacity building support to the relevant stakeholders in the use of innovation experts databases

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS:

• Timely submission of regular progress reports
• Timely submission of Final/terminal report
• Conducted the appropriate number of workshops and documented key lessons and best practices on agricultural innovations scaling from models such as TAAT, AICCRA, etc.
• Established database or interoperable database of CGIAR innovations & experts on CSA
• Facilitate and lead a series of workshops focused on sharing best practices and lessons learned in scaling agricultural innovations, drawing from successful models such as TAAT and AICCRA. Develop comprehensive documentation and dissemination strategies to maximize the impact of these workshops
• Lead the development and implementation of a robust and user-friendly database (or ensure interoperability with existing platforms) to effectively catalog and showcase CGIAR’s CSA innovations and expertise. Ensure the database is regularly updated and promoted among key stakeholders

KEY COMPETENCIES:

• Strategic Leadership
  • Building Relationships & Partnerships: Establishes strong partnerships and fosters collaboration among diverse stakeholders
  • Navigating & Driving Change: Leads with focus and optimism through change and disruption, promoting innovation and continuous improvement
  • Vision & Strategic Thinking: Shapes and guides the organization’s strategic direction, considering global trends and the bigger picture
• Team Dynamics
  • Emotional Intelligence: Leads with empathy and self-awareness, fostering positive relationships and a healthy organizational culture
  • Empowering and Coaching: Promotes inclusivity, delegates effectively, and drives employee engagement and performance
  • Wellbeing & Care: Creates a supportive environment that prioritizes physical and psychological well-being

KEY SKILLS:

• Deep familiarity with the processes of international financial institutions in developing lending programs to support national development
• Extensive knowledge of scaling frameworks (e.g., Scaling Readiness Approach, Systemic Change Approaches, socio-technical innovation bundles)
• Strong understanding of the CGIAR network and its climate-smart agriculture innovations
• Proficiency in ICT solutions relevant to agriculture, including database systems (Preferred)

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph.D. in Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, Development Studies, Innovation Systems, ICT4Development, or a related field, with at least 5 to 7 years of relevant experience working in an international financing institution (IFI) or the private sector, or an international development organization
• Alternatively, a Master’s in the aforementioned or related fields with at least 10 years of similar experience within the context of an IFI, international development etc.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in agricultural innovation, scaling, or rural development, with demonstrated leadership roles
• In-depth knowledge of agricultural systems, value chains, and rural livelihoods, especially in developing countries
• Proven track record in designing and implementing large-scale agricultural development programs
• Strong analytical skills, including the ability to assess and adapt innovations for diverse contexts
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement skills

BENEFITS:

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Opportunity to make a significant contribution to global food security and poverty reduction
• Work in a dynamic, international environment
• Be at the forefront of cutting-edge agricultural research and innovation
• Collaborate with leading experts and institutions in the field of agricultural development

This position will remain open until filled.