senior scientist i - water ManagementInternational 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 Sustainable Impact through Rice-based cropping Systems (SIRS) Platform aims at developing and promoting climate-smart, nature-friendly rice-based farming systems and value chains. Within the platform, the research unit Climate-resilient Farming Systems deals specifically with cropping systems analysis, agronomy 'at large', water management, soil science, and pest ecology and pest management. Within this unit, a research position is open in the field of 'water management and climate change' (see 'purpose' below), which will be part of a multi-disciplinary team of scientists (agronomy, soil science, socio-economists, etc.) to develop novel water management technologies and solutions and to address climate change challenges. This position will specially address the challenge of water scarcity and climate change as faced by farmers, irrigation systems, and water users and managers in watersheds and regional spatial scale. The incumbent will develop and lead IRRI's research-for-development (R4D) program on innovative solutions to address the challenges of water scarcity and multi-purpose water management as affected by climate change.
This position will be based at the IRRI Headquarters, Los Baños, Philippines and is open for international applications.
Roles and Responsibilities
Development of novel, sustainable and climate-smart (mitigation or adaptation) water management practices and farming systems in rice-based, rainfed and irrigated rice ecologies. This may involve the development of specific farm-level water saving technologies, technologies adoption enabler tools, the shift from transplanting to direct seeding systems, the adaptation or development of novel cropping/farming systems, novel multi-user water management approaches at irrigation or watershed level, etc.
Development of dissemination, scaling and partnership approaches, and/or business models for above-mentioned practices, solutions, and systems that will lead to impact 'at scale', such as improved resilience to climate change and climatic shocks, increased water use efficiencies or productivities, improved food security, and reduced poverty
Development and leadership (scientific and managerial) of a strong R4D team on climate-smart water management that will execute a well-defined, effective, and efficient 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 partners along the whole impact-pathway continuum, form upstream advanced research institutes to governmental, NGO, public and private sector partners that can help to deliver benefits 'at scale'
Communicate key messages and project progress with donors, policymakers, and other primary stakeholders
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 water management and farming systems in rice-based ecologies
Novel climate-smart water management practices, solutions, cropping and farming systems
Effective scaling approaches, business models, and partnerships with public and private sector parties
Articles in peer-reviewed journals, proceedings, technical manuals, and training materials
Effective resource mobilization 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 agricultural water management, agronomy, climate change, environmental sciences, or related fields with at least 8+ 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
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