Job: Golden Rice Coordinator (Senior Scientist)

Location: Philippines 
Deadline: Friday, 08 November 2013 

Description

Type: Fixed-term (Renewable), International Posted on 10/08/2013

Apply by

11/08/2013

Location

Philippines

Specialization/Skills

PhD in degree in plant biology, molecular biology, plant breeding, biotechnology or a related discipline;

A minimum of 10 years professional experience in crop improvement research and management;

Excellent understanding of biotechnology and regulatory issues and systems for genetically modified crops.

Demonstrated prior experience in managing large-scale crop improvement projects or pipelines.Excellent public speaking and communication skills.

Basic purpose

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is working with leading nutrition and agricultural research and development organizations to develop, evaluate and disseminate Golden Rice as a potential new way to reduce vitamin A deficiency among poor people in the Philippines, Bangladesh, Indonesia and other countries. Golden Rice is genetically modified and will be available to farmers and consumers only if it is approved by national authorities. Supported through funding by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, USAID, the CGIAR and other sources the Golden Rice Coordinator will provide the overall technical and managerial leadership for the Golden Rice network, coordinating the project activities across all partners involved and ensuring that the project is progressing appropriately and meeting its targets. The Coordinator will lead the Golden Rice management team, including representatives from various national and international partner organizations. S/He will implement an effective strategy for the development of new Golden Rice varieties, evaluation of their performance, assessment of potential impacts and risks, and submission for regulatory approval by local authorities and international bodies. S/He will coordinate monitoring, evaluation and communication strategies, including the implementation of excellent stewardship guidelines. The Golden Rice Coordinator will serve as the chief representative for this work at meetings and events and effectively interact with IRRI Senior Management and key stakeholders.

Roles and responsibilities

Coordinate the overall management and implementation of the project, and guide the work of project teams at IRRI and in partner organizations towards regulatory approval, release and dissemination of Golden Rice varieties in target countries;

Lead the development of detailed project work plans, budgets and performance milestones and metrics, including identifying new research areas.Ensure that the project is efficiently managed and meets its milestones and outcomes in timely manner, as per agreed project work plans;Proactively interact with IRRI Senior Management, partners and donors on strategic planning and decision-making.Ensure the timely completion and submission of technical and financial reports; Ensure that project activities are meeting stakeholder expectations and that results are pro-actively disseminated;Implement and monitor excellent stewardship processes for Golden Rice.In coordination with IRRI communication group, implement excellent communication among all project partners, with policy makers, and with the general public for securing regulatory approval for Golden Rice and related project activities.Serve as the project's key representative and spokesperson.

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