Agronomist and Project Coordinator (Scientist/Senior Scientist)

Agronomist and Project Coordinator (Scientist/Senior Scientist) (14-DJ)

Job Purpose

Eastern India is a priority region for the India government for rice industry development and rural development. Rice production is undergoing rapid transformation in many areas due to labor and water shortages, mechanization and changing structures of costs and returns. The ecosystems are complex – rainfed and irrigated coupled with a complex of abiotic stresses of drought, submergence and salinity. Improved agronomic and system developments are required in order to maintain the productivity and profitability of rice production, and to ensure that it continues to provide a platform for inclusive development. Inclusive development embraces the increasing engagement of women as entrepreneurs, small and more marginal farmers and tribal groups.

IRRI operates under the broad umbrella of the Indian Council for Agriculture Research (ICAR) and closely with the Ministry of Agriculture with funding often being through specific projects (particularly the Cereal Systems Initiative for South Asia (CSISA) and the Stress Tolerant Rice for Africa and South Asia (STRASA).

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Roles and Responsibilities

This position involves all aspects of the development and leading for IRRI the management of the "Odisha hub" for CSISA including the planning and coordination of activities in accordance with agreed objectives, outputs and time-lines. For CSISA India for IRRI this position supports the overall leadership provided by CIMMYT. Specific responsibilities include the following:

• Conduct and collaborate in agronomic and systems research to enable sustainable intensification of rice production that takes into consideration of crop nutrition, water and pest management, crop establishment and mechanization.

Manage the Odisha hub functions for CSISA

• plan and coordinate the activities in accordance with agreed objectives, outputs and time-lines
• monitor the implementation of work plans for meeting CSISA objectives
• coordinate activities of IRRI staff working on Odisha hub activities
• provide direction and guidance for the operational activities of the hub

People Management

• provide leadership and guidance to promote a staff working environment in-line with IRRI's values
• manage and develop team members to ensure professional growth

Communication and Training

• oversee and ensure timely reporting of Odisha hub activities reports to stakeholders as appropriate
• oversee training and workshops etc as appropriate
• provide regular reporting to IRRI management

Budget Management

• monitor expenditures and liaise with financial officers to ensure adequate reporting

****Qualifications****

• PhD in agronomy or a related discipline
• At least 3 years of post-PhD research experience, with a strong background in agronomy and demonstrated ability to develop and implement a R&D program in that area
• Good record of publication in peer reviewed journals

How to apply:

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