India has the world’s largest area under rice cultivation and is one of the largest producers of rice, accounting for 20% of global rice production. IRRI and India have been successfully collaborating for more than five decades. Formal collaboration between India and IRRI dates back to 1967 and was formalized under the ICAR-IRRI Memorandum of Agreement for cooperation in research and training. The Government of India recently approved the establishment of an IRRI South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) at Varanasi in the State of Uttar Pradesh. It represents an exciting new opportunity to develop an even stronger partnership with India and other SAARC Member States. ISARC will include a Centre of Excellence on Rice Value Addition (CERVA) at the National Seed Research and Training Centre (NSRTC), Varanasi. A node of the IRRI Education will be established to provide training to strengthen the capacity of ricegrowing countries in both South Asia and Africa, enhancing south-south collaboration. It will also have the capacity to conduct courses in other areas of relevance to the rice sector.

This position will report to the Senior Scientist/Scientists based in Delhi. With the minimum supervision of the supervisor, the incumbent will be assisting in day-to-day administrative support to the admin and program management team to ensure efficient operation of the office or projects managed by the team, including KERA, DTA, Specialty rice etc.

S/he will provide supports to through a variety of tasks, including scheduling meetings, drafting communication, making logistical arrangements for staff and visitors, maintaining filing, records, confidential and time-sensitive material. S/he will closely work with IRRI finance team in India and HQ for day-to-day office operations.

This position will be based at the IRRI India Office, New Delhi, India and may only be filled by permanent citizens of India.

• Coordinate and support day‑to‑day administrative activities to ensure smooth functioning of the office and assigned projects.
• Provide comprehensive secretarial and administrative support to the Admin & Program Management team.
• Manage logistics and coordination for scientists, high‑level visits, and official events.
• Assist in planning and organizing trainings, workshops, meetings, and official visits.
• Support hiring processes and contract extension requests by coordinating required documentation.
• Maintain an organized filing system, ensuring proper handling of confidential and time‑sensitive information.
• Collaborate closely with ISARC teams, including Admin & Program Management, programs, Country Office, and HQ units.
• Liaise with travel agencies, hotels, embassies, suppliers, and service providers to facilitate seamless administrative operations.
• Maintain effective communication and professional relationships with external stakeholders, including government agencies, SAUs, NARES partners, project collaborators, public-private institutions, and donors.
• Organize and schedule meetings, appointments, and office activities efficiently.
• Coordinate daily administrative and logistical requirements with internal teams.
• Draft letters, minutes, reports, and other communication materials with clarity and accuracy.
• Develop and maintain an updated stakeholder database for government officials, donors, project partners, NARES institutions, and private organizations.
• Provide frontline support to visitors by welcoming, guiding, and assisting them as needed.
• Arrange domestic and international travel for scientists, staff, and visitors, ensuring adherence to policies.
• Support the organization of national and international workshops, trainings, visits, and events.
• Maintain both digital and manual filing systems, ensuring systematic documentation and record management.

Bachelor degree in any discipline with 2-3 years of relevant experience.

Mandatory

• Knowledge of office management systems and procedures.
• Excellent time management and ability to multi-task and prioritize work.
• Excellent written and oral communications.
• Strong organizational and planning.
• Proficient in MS Office.
• A good team player.

Preferred

• Experience of working in agriculture-based organization.

In addition to the base salary mentioned above, IRRI also offers the following allowances:

ALLOWANCES

House-Rent Allowance: IRRI provides a house rent allowance of 40% of base pay per month.

Transport Allowance: A monthly transport allowance of INR 2,000.

Dearness Allowance: One Hundred and Thirteen percent (113%) of employee’s base pay.

Leave Travel Allowance (LTA): One-month base pay per annum, on availing minimum 2 days of vacation leave.

Education Allowance: INR 1000/- per child per month (limited 2 children).

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 that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

This position will remain open until filled.