Chief of Staff Strategic Advisor Relationship Management International Rice Research Institute Experience: 3 to 5 Years Manila, Philippines Apply By: 08-02-2025

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is not your typical research organization. We’re a dynamic, global team of innovators working to improve the lives of rice farmers and consumers while ensuring a sustainable future for our planet. At IRRI, we’re passionate about rice, and we’re committed to making a difference in the world.

Our Mission

Improve the health and livelihoods of rice farmers and consumers

Ensure environmental sustainability

Increase productivity and reduce poverty

Enhance food security

Why Work in IRRI

Make a real impact on global food security and poverty reduction

Work with a diverse, international team of experts

Be at the forefront of cutting-edge rice research

Enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package

As Chief of Staff, you’ll be more than just a strategic partner to the Director General – you’ll be a driving force and thought leader. You’ll play a pivotal role in shaping IRRI’s future and ensuring we achieve our ambituous goals.

Responsibilities:

Excellent Administrative, Management Skills and Accountability:

• The candidate has to have experience and attention to detail both in terms of quality of outputs and timelines
• They should be a self-starter and experienced in multiple business oriented processes and practices
• Highly motivated with attention to detail and experience internationally

Strategic Planning and Execution:

• Collaborate with the DG to develop and implement IRRI’s strategic goals and initiatives.
• Oversee and manage complex, cross-functional projects that advance IRRI’s mission and contribute to its impact on global food security and poverty reduction.

Examples of projects include:

• Ensure the socialization and understanding of the new Institutional Strategy 2025-2030 and the 10-year vision are embedded in teams both research and corporate.
• Assisting with the optimal organizational structure with Management to ensure the delivery of the Strategy and the metrics to track performance of this delivery.
• Ensuring clear business planning and modelling which underpins and ensures the financial health and robust foundations for growth of IRRI in alignment with the aspirations of the new strategy.
• Promote and champion ways of working that are data driven and approaches which enhance vision and leadership across the organization, teamwork by employees, culture and mindset, technology, organizational competence and processes which are integrated and streamlined.
• Providing coordination and oversight of key elements related to IRRI strategy.

Operational Excellence:

• Optimize workflows and ensure resources are allocated efficiently to support IRRI’s research and development activities.
• Facilitate development of policies and key protocols and implement procedures, and systems to improve efficiency across IRRI’s programs and operations.
• Monitor and report on the progress of key initiatives, tracking their contribution to IRRI’s goals and impact targets.
• Ensure the enablement of metrics and planning opportunities to track the successful implementation of the strategy and performance metrics of the delivery of research impacts.

Communication and Coordination:

• Serve as a liaison between the DG and internal/external stakeholders, effectively communicating IRRI’s goals, research findings, and impact.
• Prepare executive briefings, presentations, and reports that highlight IRRI’s contributions to global food security and poverty reduction.
• Represent the DG in meetings and communications with key stakeholders, ensuring consistent messaging and promoting IRRI’s mission.

Decision Support:

• Provide insights and data-driven recommendations to support decision-making on research priorities, resource allocation, and partnerships.
• Act as adviser and thought partner, contributing to strategic discussions on the future of rice research and IRRI’s role in addressing global challenges.
• Anticipate and address challenges, providing solutions to executive leadership on issues that may impact IRRI’s success.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage the day-to-day operations on behalf of the DG’s office to ensure effective and efficient support.
• Keep the DG informed of critical issues, opportunities, and risks requiring attention, and recommend courses of action.
• Ensure alignment between science programs, funding, and organizational effectiveness.
• Facilitate the development of processes that enhance consultations and decision-making across IRRI.
• Build and nurture effective relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, partners, and government officials.
• Represent IRRI in internal and international meetings on behalf of the DG as needed.
• Monitor the implementation of the DG’s decisions and ensure they are carried out in accordance with timelines.

Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree in a relevant field (e.g., Business Administration, Management, International Development, Finance).
• 10+ years of experience in similar roles or in strategic consulting, operations, or leadership.
• Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and project and financial management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple priorities.
• Proficiency in project management tools and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Essential to this position is a proven track record of working internationally in various capacities and with diverse organizations with a demonstrated ability to adapt to different work environments and cultures.

Source: https://www.irri.org/talentlink/details.html?id=Q7LFK026203F3VBQB79QWQWAS&nPostingID=1972&nPostingTargetID=3563&mask=irriext&lg=EN