specialist - Quality AssuranceInternational Rice Research Institute

About IRRI
The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is the world's premier research organization 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 Integrative Research Support Platform (IRSP) brings together the various research support and operational services across IRRI. The Integrative Research Support Platform (IRSP) is committed to achieve and maintain a high standard of quality in all aspects of the delivery of research operations, services and support within the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and across the global IRRI network. The IRSP management implements and continuously improves its quality management system in accordance with the standard requirements of ISO 9001:2015. All IRSP personnel are made aware of policies and procedures to ensure strict implementation of quality requirements, in the efforts to deliver excellent quality products and services to the satisfaction of customers.
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 most international standards.
Under the supervision of the Manager, the Quality Assurance Specialist ensures that the final products and services consistently observe IRRI's quality standards for excellence. This detail-oriented professional is responsible for the development and implementation of inspection activities and monitoring of critical control points, the detection and resolution of problems, the delivery of satisfactory outcomes and the management of complaints from customers including researchers and cluster and platform leaders. The quality assurance specialist also fulfills their function by conducting internal audits, drafting quality standards and advising management on ways to improve operations.
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
Assist the Phytosanitary Actions Performance Sr Specialist and supervises the control and preventive measures against the spread of seed borne diseases, insect pests, and weeds
Contribute to the unit's conformance to national and international standards and compliance to legal requirements, Memorandums of Agreement and internal guidelines and directives
As the risk management representative for SHU, Initiate and supervise the implementation of risk management and quality assurance activities and business continuity plan (in close coordination with the manager)
Supervise and monitor the seed technological processing of rice seeds, other than rice seeds and non-seed requests to ensure compliance to plant quarantine standards and regulations
Conduct ISTA proficiency tests and reports as required (annually).
Coordinate other reporting as per request
Develop ISO/ISTA standard procedures at SHU and improve the services based on the audit reports and customer feedback
Coordinate seed sampling for seed health testing across the organization. Provide training, supervise and audit all seed sampling for seed health testing at IRRI HQ
Receive customer complaints regarding product quality issues, assist in the investigation of complaints and respond to customers in a timely manner
Coordinate timely and complete reporting of activities for the Bureau of Plant industry
As RMQA officer, engage with Risk Management and Quality Assurance Sr Manager and with Safety and Environment Associate Manager, and assist the SHU manager to maintain a safe work environment for employees by enforcing safety policies and procedures
Ensure full conformance with documented procedures is achieved in every incoming and outgoing shipment
Update risk management and quality assurance reports and business continuity plan
Conduct internal audits and coordinate accomplishment of preventive and corrective actions
Manage updates and upgrades to the QMS
Secure conformance to ISO 9001:2015 and leadsactions towards conformance to ISO 17025:2017
Secure conformance to ISTA standards
Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture Plant Protection or Seed technology with 5 years experience or
Master's Degree with 3 years experience in similar roles
Skills Required
Mandatory
Proven experience working with ISO 9001 certification standards; knowledge of ETS standards; proven experience working with crop monitoring and/or seed quality
Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills
Has good leadership and decision making skills
Knowledge of import and export regulations
Preferred
Work experience with ISTA standards and conducting proficiency tests
Work experience under continuous improvement methodology (Lean, etc)
Experience working with authorities and in an international organization
Knowledge of ISO 17025 accreditation standards
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