About ILRI

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

The Research Associate – Agriculture is responsible to provide support to the Seed System and Product Management activities specifically in the up-scaling of improved rice cultivation technologies such as Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) technology and the deployment of quality seed of improved, climate-resilient, market-preferred and nutritious rice varieties to ensure high rate of genetic gain to farmers while ensuring equitable access for women and other disadvantaged groups.

The position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya and may only be filled by permanent citizens of the Kenya.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Assist in research activities related to Seed System and Product Management, including coordinating with national research partners (e.g. NARES, NGOs, women groups, and universities) in setting up trails, organizing field days, data collection, and conducting interviews based on the planned research activities and SOPs.
• Support the deployment and demonstration of various technologies both at the research station and in farmers’ fields with the aim of creating awareness and demand of those technologies among stakeholders.
• Execute routine protocols to ensure proper positioning of technologies that are ready for up-scaling and provide feedback on farmers and other stakeholder responses and learnings to the technical team.
• Support researchers and scientists in implementing surveys.
• Provide timely, consistent and accurate information to direct supervisor to ensure smooth flow of research activities, such as farmers’ preferences, unexpected factors that may result to unexpected outcomes of field demo and trials, conflict and other issues, to ensure that research objectives and SOPs are followed.
• Carry out regular monitoring and maintenance of research facilities and equipment.
• Lead data collection in the field across identified study areas including those being implemented in collaborations with partners.
  Assist in advising stakeholders on tested and validated beneficial technologies (e.g. new varieties, climate mitigation practices, practices that enhance water use efficiency etc.) to key stakeholders.
• Contribute to the deployment of digital tools such as seed cast to enhance efficient monitoring of the rate and extent of adoption of new technologies by farmers and other stakeholders.
• Contribute to writing reports on findings of Seed System and Product
• Management activities as well as other research results.
• Support in the planning and organizing of technical workshops or trainings as part of capacity building for stakeholder on Seed System and Product Management related activities
• Perform any other relevant duties as assigned by supervisor from time to time

Qualifications

• Diploma in Agriculture with 2 years of relevant work experience

Skills Required

• Basic knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel) or other software
• Experience in rice production
• Ability to ride a motorcycle on the field and have a valid license for this category or be willing to learn it
• Good oral and written communication skills,
• Good interpersonal skills

Terms of Appointment

This position is at job level HG 12 and it is only open to Kenyan nationals. The position is a 2-year contract, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funding. ILRI offers a competitive salary and benefits package which includes pension, medical and other insurances.

How to apply: Applicants should go to the ILRI job advertisement and click “Apply Now” on or before 5 July 2023.

We thank all applicants for their interest in working for ILRI. Due to the volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

ILRI does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, or training). ILRI also does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.

To find out more about ILRI visit our websites at http://www.ilri.org

ILRI is an equal-opportunity employer.