Climate Change impacts rice production through exacerbated and more frequent climate extremes. At the same time rice fields are a large emitter of greenhouse gases. Technologies that reduce the carbon footprint of rice and increase resilience of rice-based systems exist, but uptake of such technologies is slow. Working with various national and international partners in different projects, IRRI develops strategies to increase the level of adoption of climate-smart technologies in rice production. This task needs a concerted approach of an inter-disciplinary team of experts.

Under the minimal supervision of the Senior Scientist II and IRRI Representative in Thailand, the Scientist I - Agronomist will mainly perform as the technical lead of the project ‘Advancing Climate-Smart Technologies to Strengthening Rice Farming in Thailand’ that aims to facilitate a transformational change in the Thai rice sector by empowering vulnerable smallholder farmers to make informed decisions in the face of climate change and enable access to climate-smart farming technologies, advancing climate-smart rice farming through the development, demonstration, validation, and dissemination of innovative technologies. The incumbent will be responsible for leading the implementation of the project’s activities focusing on the verification of new agronomic technologies that could support climate-smart approaches in the Thai rice sector and adapting their application to the local context. This encompasses rigorous studies and testing of Direct Seeded Rice (DSR), digital and precision agriculture technologies, and improved rice residue management.

The successful applicant should have demonstrated experience and a proven track record of conducting similar research or projects related to low-emission rice farming systems, sustainable agriculture, climate-resilient farming technologies and practices, etc. The applicant is also expected to have domain area expertise in addressing diversified tasks related to agriculture and agronomy. The agronomist will support the implementation of other IRRI initiatives/projects by providing expert inputs.

Apart from research, the position also requires close collaboration with Thai government partners, most important departments and research institutes under the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (MOAC), International partners, the private sector, and relevant stakeholders. Moreover, this position will require analytical skills to interpret and publish results from adaptive research and present findings in for a, workshops and conferences. The development of new funding proposals is an essential part of this position too.

We are looking for an independent and dedicated scientist with experience and willingness to work across different cultural context with a focus on Thailand with opportunities to contribute to growing and working in other countries and global programs.

This position will be based at the IRRI Thailand Office, Bangkok, Thailand, and is open for international applications.

• Lead the implementation of project activities and provide guidance to project staff and consultants
• Coordinate with IRRI scientists in HQ and other country offices to leverage their scientific inputs
• Ensure that all project activities are executed efficiently and effectively, meeting timelines and quality standards
• Together with the project manager/ coordinator, lead the development of work plans and manage resources
• Lead the preparation of project narrative and progress reports as well as other documents as needed
• Support the organization of regional exchange events, high-level policy dialogues/fora
• Oversee field experiments and trials and field validation, and conduct technically sound data collection, analysis, and reporting in a timely manner
• Work with IRRI scientists to implement agricultural research for development activities in Thailand
• Provide agronomic oversight to project partners, collaborations, public/private research organizations, farmers, etc.
• Collaborate with national and international partner institutions, private sector partners, and research institutes for project implementation
• Initiate and maintain productive engagement with the partners, clients and stakeholders on strategic development and provide crucial evidence on policy issues relevant to the low-emission and climate-resilient farming technologies and practices in rice-based systems
• Collaborate with other IRRI scientists and researchers to produce project deliverables
• Communicate key messages and project progress to donors, policymakers, and other primary stakeholders
• Engage with project staff and research partners on the implementation of precision solutions, agricultural techniques and technologies relevant to project activities
• Foster close collaboration, interaction and alignment with colleagues at IRRI Headquarters and other country offices
• Maintain active communication with staff in the Thailand Office, other country offices and HQ to effectively align activities
• Assist the IRRI Representative in Thailand in preparing different types of reports and documents as required
• Write reports, produce scientific papers, info notes and support the development of mainstream articles, etc.
• Contribute to the development of research products for private and public decision-makers in view of sustainable agricultural development of the rice sector
• Contribute to training of national research and extension partners and other beneficiaries on relevant skills and knowledge
• Regularly submit proposals to open calls and negotiate new project ideas with funding partners
• Produce and communicate data, research outputs, and recommendations to the project team, partners and the international community to facilitate the uptake and use of findings to foster impact
• Communicate research results and new ideas in a broad array of outlets, including peer-reviewed journals, mass media, policy fora as well as national and international scientific fora
• Perform any other relevant duties as assigned by the supervisor from time to time

• Advanced degree Agronomy, Agricultural Sciences, Agro-Environmental Sciences, Precision agronomy, or related field
• At least 3 years of post-graduate relevant experience working in the field of agricultural development, sustainable agriculture, or agricultural businesses, preferable in international organizations
• Professional experience in project management, particularly in agricultural development research or projects related to sustainable or low-emission rice farming systems, climate-resilient technologies and practices in agriculture, etc.

Mandatory

• Strong background in agronomic research and analytical skills.
• Excellent understanding of rice production systems, particularly in the Southeast Asian context
• Knowledge of climate change impacts on rice, greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture, agri-food value chain approaches/processes
• Strong leadership, organizational, and decision-making abilities, with the capacity to manage complex, multi-stakeholder projects
• Experience in working with government institutions, preferably in Thailand
• Excellent oral and written skills in English including scientific writing
• Ability to work pro-actively and independently with minimal supervision
  

Preferred

• Knowledge in project planning, monitoring and evaluation with financial and administrative management skills is a plus
• Demonstrated ability to work on a multicultural and multidisciplinary team
• Demonstrated capacity to establish and maintain a network of partners
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Experience working in international organizations

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.