Officer - Farm Administration

About IRRI

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is 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 Baos, 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.

The IRRI South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) is an IRRI regional facility that supports research collaboration, training, and service provision to institutions, scientists, and other stakeholders from India and other South Asia and African nations. The centre aims to enhance South-South collaboration and strengthen the capacity of rice growing countries in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa in crop production and seed quality and enhance farmers income. It also seeks to deliver research for development services for the private and public sectors through its state-of-the-art laboratory facilities for grain quality, crop production, and nutritional quality. Lastly, it enables knowledge transfer through short courses on rice-based agri-food systems and other IRRI Education products within the region.

Job Purpose

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 Nat'l 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.

Under the general supervision of the Scientist/Organizational Unit Head, the Officer will independently coordinate and monitor administrative, technical, and secretarial functions supporting the ISARC research team, with a particular focus on the research farm operations. The role includes providing comprehensive logistical support such as processing purchase requisitions, overseeing the maintenance of farm vehicles, implements, and equipment, and ensuring the smooth day-to-day operations of the farm. The Officer will take initiative in developing and maintaining databases, as well as preparing and processing documents related to both the research farm and the broader research unit.

In addition, the Officer will serve as the focal point for visitors, coordinate travel arrangements, and manage both internal and external communication flows for the team/project/unit. The position also involves monitoring the unit's budget, supporting the organization of events, and ensuring timely and efficient administrative processes. The Officer is expected to proactively identify and resolve administrative and operational issues related to the research farm, demonstrating strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently.

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

Roles and Responsibilities

• Manage crop calendar and support day-to-day research farm operations, including seed-to-seed crop management, input arrangements, and maintenance of machinery, vehicles, and farm assets.
• Plan manpower requirements and work schedules, and oversee the work of Research Technicians/contract workers to ensure activities are implemented according to plan and standards.
• Support implementation of field experiments, including seed multiplication and dissemination activities, and assists in applying appropriate methods/techniques.
• Facilitate seed and germplasm management processes, including seed collection, processing, storage, distribution, and maintenance of seed movement records.
• Support compliance and processing of import/export permits and coordinate with relevant units/agencies (e.g. germplasm exchange, plant quarantine, NBPGR) for seed shipment, quarantine, and release.
• Establish and maintain systems for data, databases, and filing to ensure accurate record-keeping, data availability, and basic analysis for reporting and recommendation.
• Coordinate with collaborators, OUs/projects, and partners to support research requirements, ensure timely supply of materials, and align farm-related activities.
• Liaise with IRRI teams/units and external stakeholders (e.g. NARES, LGUs, NGOs, academic institutions, private sector) for research farm management and related activities.
• Prepare materials and equipment required for research activities, including procurement, inventory management, and purchase requisitions for office, farm, and laboratory supplies.
• Provide administrative support including scheduling meetings, arranging travel, and managing Travel and Miscellaneous Expenses (T&ME) requests and documentation.
• Collect, process, validate, and analyze data (including basic statistical and graphical analysis), identify inconsistencies, and update databases for storage and retrieval.
• Plan and organize logistical support for events, trainings, exposure visits, and site activities, including coordination, travel, and budget preparation, support post-activity assessment.
• Monitor and manage research farm budget and expenses, including petty cash, disbursement, liquidation, expense tracking, bill verification, and preparation of financial reports (including cost recovery requirements).
• Maintain office and project filing systems and ensure proper documentation of administrative and operational records.
• Provide support to students and trainees as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (B.Sc) in Agricultural Science/Botany/ Biology or related field.
• Minimum 3 years work experience of handling research on field crops, crop management practices, seed multiplication, seed dissemination and in administration and logistical support services with a recognized agricultural research institution.

Skills Required

Mandatory

• Proficient computer skills, including MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong interpersonal skills and effective oral and written communication abilities.
• Demonstrated technical proficiency in conducting farm research experiments.
• Good organizational and timemanagement skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently and meet deadlines.

Preferred

• Experience in managing field and laboratory experiments.
• Prior experience working in an international or multicultural environment.
• Exposure to work in India, Bangladesh, and Nepal, including experience collaborating with NARES partners in South Asia

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.