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 – Agronomy is responsible to Facilitate the planning, designing, and implementation of the routine trials, data analysis, and other research activities of projects about Rice production improvement in Kenya focusing on the development and up-scaling of improved rice production and post-harvest technologies and on training farmers, technicians, and extension officers. Constantly communicate with internal and external project partners and collaborators to exchange conceptual ideas and to effectively gather feedback and research-related requirements for the advancement of technologies. Consolidate, evaluate, and analyze research data collected from trial groups.

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

Roles and Responsibilities

• Facilitate the planning, designing, and implementation of routine trials, data analysis, and other research activities of projects about Rice production improvement in Kenya focusing on the development of improved rice production and post-harvest technologies and on training farmers, technicians, and extension officers.
• Contribute to the development of the research projects including the selection of adequate research tools and equipment, verification of suggested methodologies, and establishment of parameters related to rice production intensification.
• Verification and upscaling of technologies that enhance improved rice yields in farmers’ fields.
• Oversee maintenance of the research areas, research fields, and technical equipment
• Constantly communicate with internal and external project partners and collaborators to exchange conceptual ideas and to effectively gather feedback and research-related requirements for the advancement of the projects
• Provide assistance and guidelines to internal and external stakeholders considering efficient implementation of the projects
• Constantly monitor, evaluate, and provide recommendations to improve research and training activities/tasks performed by Research Technicians and contract workers in order to maintain smooth conduct of field and greenhouse trials as well as to foster a productive working environment
• Coordinate with required IRRI services and supplies to ensure smooth implantation of experiments/surveys
• Consolidate, evaluate, and analyze research data gathered from the project trials
• 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 research outputs to the Scientist in a timely manner
• Supervise and lead the maintenance of accurate data recording and updating of the database for efficient storage and retrieval of information

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture with minimum 5 years of work experience from which at least 3 years in rice research/development
• Master of Science degree in Agriculture with minimum 1-year relevant work experience in rice research/development Basic knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel) or other software

Skills Required

• Proven technical proficiency in conducting research experiments and field trials
• Has strong experience in field management (layout, irrigation, fertilization, pest, and disease monitoring)
• Proven technical proficiency in conducting farmer-field schools
• Experience in statistical analysis and report preparation
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Strong analytical skills
• Strong technical experience in guiding farmers, technicians, and extension officers

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.