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
Reporting to the Director General, the post holder will be a member of the IRRI Leadership Team (ILT) providing strategic advice to the Director General on all aspects concerning governance and regulatory compliance, host country (Philippines) and community & local government relations.
This person, following appointment by the Board, will also intentionally serve as the Secretary to the Board facilitating the work of the Board of Trustees by providing services needed for efficient running of the affairs of the Board and the necessary interaction between the IRRI Leadership Team and the Board of Trustees. He/She shall report matters related to the Board to the Chair of the Board of Trustees through IRRI’s Director General.
The candidate must have high integrity and respect for all and build trust in all interactions as part of the role.
This position will be based at the IRRI Headquarters, Los Baños, Philippines and is open for international applications.
Responsibilities:
Through his/her necessary networks and stature, interact with senior officials in the Philippine government and successfully maintain & build high-quality relationships and manage interactions with local partners of IRRI including barangay/national officials, Universities, research agencies, NGOs, civil society, communities and other related entities
Oversight of administrative issues relating to operations of IRRI in the Philippines that provide the Institute with freedom to operate, compliance with national laws, and maintenance and support of IRRI's role as an international organization
Oversight of high-level issues and opportunities resulting from IRRI's research relationships and partnership in the Philippines (in partnership with IRRI's technical research coordinator for the Philippines)
If appointed as Corporate Secretary by the IRRI Board of Trustees, with the aid of support staff and senior management, provide Corporate Secretariat services, facilitate the work of the Board of Trustees in alignment with corporate governance principles.
Provide joint leadership to initiatives as delegated by the Director General to ensure relationships are managed effectively to the highest possible quality and standard and with transparency to ensure good relations and where appropriate a commitment that will lead to a return on investment
Member of the IRRI Leadership Team providing advice and counsel to members in relation to IRRI’s engagement in the Philippines
Engagement with Government of the Philippines and Government Departments relevant to IRRI’s mission and activities with respect to IRRI’s Headquarters Agreement, Freedom to Operate, Research
Engagement with other institutions (including Government instrumentalities (from Barangays to the National Government), Universities, research agencies, NGOs, civil society, communities and other entities relating to IRRI’s activities and presence in the Philippines
If appointed as IRRI Board Secretary, serve as the general liaison with the Board of Trustees, prepare meeting agendas and minutes, provide secretariat services to standing committees, maintain official Board documents, and coordinate support services for the Trustees.
Represent IRRI at regional forums at the discretion of the Director General
Work with others as requested and appropriate on delegation by the Director General
Maintain positive relations between the Institute and the host country, local community and related government departments
Identify and bring to the attention of the IRRI Senior Leadership Team any issues and opportunities looming or active in the relationships with entities in the Philippines
Responsible for maintaining a full set of records pertaining to the Board of Trustees, including minutes, agenda, and all supporting documents for Board and Board standing committee meetings
Contribute at a representational level to IRRI’s revenue generation efforts with the Government of the Philippines and its Departments
Qualifications:
Earned graduate degree in a technical field, preferably in legal and operational management
At least 10 years of experience with proven track in government, inter-governmental, and/or international organization, with demonstrated knowledge in public administration and demonstrated knowledge of key management processes and corporate governance frameworks
Individual must have served in senior leadership roles with some experiential grounding in Governance and External Relations related to C-suite and Board
Skills Required:
Mandatory:
Seasoned professional with high integrity and the necessary networks with entities related to IRRI's work and presence in the country
Strong interpersonal capabilities, with significant experience in organizational representation
Proven leadership and managerial competency
High quality standards of behavior including integrity, transparency and respect
Ability to exercise discretion and diplomacy in interactions with all nationalities and at all levels
Ability to build respectful and trusted relationships for IRRI
