Assistant Manager - material transfer agreements controllerInternational Rice Research Institute

About IRRI
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 Seed Health Unit (SHU), as the Single Gateway (sole entry and exit point) for all seeds, grains, non-seed biological materials and soil samples to and from the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), strives to facilitate biological materials exchange within IRRI and with IRRI partners globally under the most efficient processes while ensuring compliance with national and international regulations and conformance to applicable international standards.
The Database Management subunit ensures compliance to appropriate Intellectual Property (IP) requirements, quarantine clearance and germplasm exchange procedures and reporting. It coordinates with concerned IRRI units on protocols to be followed, prepares and validates accuracy and completeness of necessary documentation to secure IPRs including material transfer agreement and shipment delivery and ensures that all SHU related data are properly recorded and stored for access, retrieval and reporting.
Under the general/close supervision of the Seed Health Unit Research Manager, this role shall lead the database management team and be responsible for ensuring compliance with genetic resources and intellectual property rights policies, phytosanitary and quarantine compliance regulations and procedures and safe germplasm exchange, while securing data accuracy and complete records archival.
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
Lead the Database Management (DBM) team
Contribute in leading continuous improvement and maintenance of the quality management system for the DBM subunit
Facilitate compliance with the international laws and CGIAR genetic resources policies for ABS and management of Intellectual Property assets (IPA)
Supervise incoming and outgoing movement of biological materials for quarantine clearance, accuracy and completeness of documentation and safe germplasm exchange for compliance to national and international laws and regulations
Discuss with concerned customers and stakeholders in regards to access and sharing of IPA
Align with internal and external stakeholders on effective and efficient data management and database developments
Closely work with IRRI ITT, PMO and the legal department and with the CGIAR policies committees in regards to compliant exchange of IPAs
Contribute to training, participate in workshops, and other activities, for/with internal and external stakeholders
Incoming materials are inventoried and documented accurately based on their associated MTAs
SMTAs and associated information for all incoming PGRFA and PGRFA-UD are properly recorded and made available in the established databases
Collaborate with presentation slides, posters and other media for communication and awareness, in particular towards ABS of PGRFA and IPA
Develop and maintain appropriate documented information within the quality management system
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Genetics, Biology or related field
Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in transboundary movement of biological materials, Regulatory Affairs, Conservation of Biological Diversity, Material Transfer Agreements and/or Intellectual Property Rights
Skills Required
Mandatory
Has knowledge of Intellectual Property Rights, ITPGRFA, CBD, Cartagena protocol and/or Nagoya protocol
Has strong oral and written communication skills
Has strong analytical skills
Has strong interpersonal skills
MS Office and Google applications for documents, spreadsheets and presentations
Preferred
Has working experience with databases and software related to information management
Has working experience in quality management and/or continuous improvement
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 only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
This position will remain open until filled.
International Rice Research Institute

Philippines
Permanent
Full-time