About IRRI

Job Purpose

Under the direction of the Healthier Rice Program Lead and in close coordination with the NARES partner, the Specialist shall support the development and execution of a strategic plan for the deployment of healthier rice varieties in the Philippines to ensure the availability of seeds and milled grains; increase knowledge and positive receptivity in the target communities; and advocate for the integration of these healthier rice varieties in agriculture and nutrition programs.

This position will be based at the IRRI Headquarters, Los Baños, Philippines and may only be filled by permanent citizens of the Philippines.

Roles and Responsibilities

Support the development and operationalization of a strategic plan for the local deployment of healthier rice varieties:

• Identify potential partners and stakeholders who can help operationalize the strategies based on local needs (stakeholder mapping)
• Facilitate consultation with program partners and relevant stakeholders in the development and execution of deployment plans
• Prepare program briefing materials and periodic reports/updates

Help develop appropriate communication and branding tools to strengthen the program’s identity and ensure accurate and
up-to-date information is accessible, including:

• Key messages and FAQs
• Multi-platform presence
• Audience feedback and refinements

Support the establishment of partnerships with stakeholders from the agriculture, health, nutrition, social welfare, trade,
and other relevant sectors to facilitate the integration of healthier rice varieties in development programs:

• Identify opportunities for communication and engagement through participation in conferences, fora, and other similar events
• Design seminars, workshops, and other related capacity-building activities to empower partners and stakeholders
• Ensure that program partners and stakeholders are kept up-to-date on the progress of regulatory and deployment activities

Assist in the conduct of policy advocacy activities at the national level and establish an enabling environment for the
adoption of healthier rice varieties in priority areas:

• Prepare policy briefs, drafts of council resolutions, and position statements
• Establish network with individuals, groups, or program initiatives and cultivate relationships to make them advocates and/or ambassadors for healthier rice varieties

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communication, public policy, agriculture, extension, or related fields with minimum 5 years of relevant work experience; or
• Master’s degree in public policy, agriculture, extension, or related fields with minimum 3 years of relevant work experience

Skills Required

Mandatory

• Experience working or liaising with partners and stakeholders, preferably with national government ministries and agencies, local government, non-government organizations
• Deep understanding of national government, government agencies, and
  regulatory systems and processes
• Successful track record of implementing advocacy campaigns and creating
  long-term change
• Good understanding of biotechnology, agriculture, and nutrition concepts and substantial experience packaging and disseminating communication materials through several channels
• Excellent English and Filipino written and oral communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Proactive and reliable, attention to detail
• Team player and highly collaborative

Preferred

• Advanced MS Office applications skills and substantial experience using design software
• Advanced social media experience (SEO content development), engagement, and
  monitoring skills
• Communication research skills such as conducting interviews, content analysis, etc. an advantage

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 that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
This position will remain open until filled.