India: IRRI India and Nepal Representative

To represent IRRI's interests and provide coordination of IRRI"s activities in India and Nepal in a strategic and coherent manner. Working closely with the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR), the Nepal Agricultural Research Council, other government entities, and a wide range of partners from other sectors, he/she will lead the development of an overall strategy for IRRI's research, outreach, training and other activities, focusing on key contributions IRRI can make to the development of the agricultural sector in India and Nepal. In collaboration with the relevant research Division heads, he/she will provide oversight of the implementation of this strategy through specific work plans and projects, ensuring focus on high priorities, excellent collaboration with national partners, coherence and synergy among projects. He/she will work constructively with the Corporate Services Manager in New Delhi and the leadership of IRRI's corporate functions (e.g. finance, human resources) to ensure adherence to common policies and procedures. He/she will represent IRRI's interests before the Governments of India and Nepal and liaise closely with relevant government offices and agencies regarding IRRI activities. He/she will be the chief spokesperson for IRRI in India and Nepal, and interact with a wide range of national and international partners and donors to seek out new opportunities for IRRI's research, including philanthropic fund raising and public-private sector partnership. He/she will advise IRRI management and scientists on national developments, new opportunities, and appropriate policies and procedures for working in India and Nepal. The Representative will also manage IRRI's relationships with other CGIAR Centers operating in India and Nepal and will work closely with IRRI representatives in neighboring countries (e.g. Bangladesh, Pakistan) where cross-border issues or opportunities are identified.

This position is based at IRRI's Country Office, New Delhi, India. Internationally Recruited Staff benefits can be found here.

Roles and Responsibilities

This position involves all aspects of coordinating research and development activities, leadership, liaison and administrative oversight responsibilities related to IRRI's presence in India and Nepal.

-Represent IRRI interests before the highest levels of government.
-Liaise with relevant government offices and agencies regarding IRRI activities in India and Nepal (Departments of Agriculture, ICAR, NARC, Governments of key rice - growing states, key universities and other research entities).
-Develop, in collaboration with the institutions above, a strategic research and development agenda for IRRI in India and Nepal; lead the preparation of multi-year work plans under agreements with ICAR and NARC. Identify program support opportunities from government, states and other public entities.
-Ensure coherence and synergy at the country level of all of IRRI's various research projects and other activities.
-Serve as chief spokesperson for IRRI in India and Nepal. Develop and implement a country communication strategy for IRRI to effectively communicate IRRI's positions on key issues such as genetic resources, new technologies, rice information, IP, policies and other issues.
-Maintain close and effective relationships with the representatives of major donors in India and Nepal and contribute to IRRI relationships with donor head offices.
-In partnership with IRRI's Public-Private Engagement office, facilitate new partnerships with the private sector, including collaborative research programs, and commercialization of IRRI's products.
-Build and maintain excellent working relationships with civil society organizations and international donors and organizations operating in India or Nepal.
-Identify and develop opportunities for support from non-traditional donor sources. Maintain close relationship with the HQ Development Office and the IRRI Funds in Singapore, Hong Kong and India.
-Manage relationships with other CGIAR centers and CGIAR Research Programs.
-Advise IRRI management and scientists on national developments, new opportunities, potential partners, and appropriate policies and procedures for working in India.
-Assist in the identification of scientific talent in support of IRRI's recruitment needs globally.
-Supported by a Corporate Services Manager, oversee the management of IRRI's country offices.
Provides leadership in securing "Branch Office" status for IRRI in India.

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