Senior Scientist I - Cropping Systems Agronomy / Climate Change at International Rice Research Institute

Roles and Responsibilities

• Develop novel, sustainable and climate-smart (mitigation or adaptation) management practices and farming systems in rice-based, rainfed and irrigated ecologies in Africa that boost and sustain production and income. This may involve the shift from transplanting to direct seeding, novel mechanization options, introduction of new stress-tolerant varieties and associated management practices, novel diversified farming systems, etc.
• Develop of dissemination, scaling and partnership approaches (including digital tools), and/or business models for above-mentioed systems that will lead to impact ‘at scale’, such as improved resilience to climatic change and climatic shocks, improved food security, and reduced poverty
• Develop and lead (scientific and managerial) of a strong multidisciplinary R4D team on climate- smart agriculture at IRRI in Africa that will execute a well defined ‘climate-smart agriculture’ R&D program
• Resource mobilization to support the above-mentioned R4D program.
• Contribute to developing strategic partnerships, knowledge sharing, and capacity development of various stakeholders
• Nurture and initiate collaboration with NARES partners, private sector and development partners, advanced research institutions (ARI) and policymakers in East and South Africa and conduct joint research
• Collaborate with governments, donors, rice R&D partners, and private enterprises to align with client and donor expectations; across CGIAR initiatives and other IRRI projects
• Communicate key messages and project progress with donors, policymakers, and other primary stakeholders
• Coordinate closely with project partners and build a relationship with other stakeholders to ensure research outputs are transferred effectively
• Develop new projects together with IRRI colleagues, ARIs, and NARES in Africa
• Supervise, and mentor junior staff
• Demonstrate scientific leadership through publications and representing IRRI in scientific and strategy forums
• World-class R4D agenda on development and delivery of climate-smart cropping and farming systems in rice-based ecologies in Africa;
• Novel climate-smart cropping and farming systems
• Effective scaling approaches, business models, and partnerships with public and private sector parties, including leading R&D entities (ARIs) in the region
• Articles in peer-reviewed journals, proceedings, technical manuals, and training materials that highlight findings from research activities, showcasing the incumbent’s scientific leadership
• An effective resource mobilization strategy and a well-funded portfolio of R4D projects
• A well-functioning and effective R4D team based on principles of mutual trust and respect for gender and inclusion

Qualifications

• PhD in agronomy, cropping systems analysis, soil science, climate change, or related fields with at least 4+ years post-PhD

Skills Required

Mandatory

• Strong background in field oriented research and extension activities
• Have a mix of practical field skills, quantitative abilities; appreciation of interdisciplinary work, and a core commitment to achieving science-led agricultural development
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills
• Strong proficiency in written and spoken English

Preferred

• Experience with rice; work experience in a developing country environment