Associate Manager - Program and Partnership Engagement

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 Baños, 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.

Job Purpose

Under the supervision of the IRRI Climate Change Scientist, the Associate Manager supports the implementation and coo,rdination of climate change research projects, including the planning, coordination, and monitoring of project activities, budgets, and deliverables in Vietnam and other project countries. The incumbent provides technical coordination and operational support to economic and environmental research initiatives, ensuring effective collaboration among multidisciplinary research teams, partners, and stakeholders, and supports the timely delivery of project outputs. The Associate Manager will also represent IRRI in stakeholder engagements, technical meetings, workshops, and scientific conferences to promote project activities and strengthen partnerships.

This position will be based at the IRRI Vietnam Office in Hanoi, Vietnam, and may only be filled by permanent citizens of Vietnam.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Manage the implementation of projects on climate adaptation and mitigation, including project management, budget management, timely research execution, preparation of annual work and financial plans, synthesis of results, donor communications and reporting for projects in Vietnam and other project countries
• Monitor timelines to ensure effective delivery of project activities and track progress against agreed milestones, identifying potential risks or delays and recommending corrective actions where needed.
• Coordinate research on mitigation and adaptation activities at the country, regional and global levels, facilitating collaboration among multidisciplinary research teams and partners
• Liaise with government and private sector partners for strategic engagement and to increase IRRI’s visibility and collaboration
• Contribute to research communication through a broad range of research products and support presentations in local and international scientific conferences
• Coordinate capacity building and exposure visits organized in Hanoi and at project sites
• Coordinate field work plans with provincial government bodies, including securing permission for field work activities, budget coordination, and maintaining communication with DARDs
• Develop and maintain working relationships with local, and international partners;
• Work closely with internal and external stakeholders to effectively manage the implementation of research and other project activities
• Negotiate and establish partnership agreements ensuring alignment with project objectives, institutional policies, and donor requirements.
• Facilitate the preparation and processing of partnership agreements (e.g., TORs, LOAs, MOUs, contracts) ensuring alignment with project objectives and donor requirements
• Liaise with IRRI service units (e.g., PDMO) and partners to ensure timely processing of agreements, requests, and financial documentation
• Engage with government and private sector partners for strategic engagement and to increase IRRI’s visibility and collaboration
• Oversee project implementation and budget utilization, including monitoring expenditures against approved budgets and ensuring compliance with donor and institutional financial guidelines.
• Ensure delivery of project activities and outputs, ensuring that project milestones, deliverables, and performance indicators are achieved in accordance with approved work plans and timelines.
• Coordinate the implementation of workshops, training, and stakeholder engagement activities
• Track and monitor project progress against work plans and deliverables, identify implementation challenges, and recommend adjustments to ensure effective and timely project delivery.
• Ensure proper documentation and archiving of project agreements, reports, activity records, and deliverables in accordance with IRRI policies and donor requirements.
• Perform any other relevant duties as assigned by supervisor from time to time

Qualifications

• MSc in marketing/business, environmental sciences, communication, program management or relevant areas and at least 5 years of experience
• Minimum 3 years of experience managing projects in the agricultural sector or development

Skills Required

Mandatory

• Background in program facilitation, management, communication or relevant areas
• Proficiency in written and spoken English
• Experience managing budgets
• Strong coordination and organizational skills
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Strong understanding of Vietnam government strategy, structure, and operation

Preferred

• Solid understanding of climate change mitigation/adaptation
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills

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.