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About IRRI

Job Purpose

As the Country Representative - Korea, you will represent IRRI’s interests in the Republic of Korea and lead the development, coordination, and implementation of a strategic engagement agenda that advances IRRI’s research, innovation, and partnership priorities in Korea and beyond. The position will focus on strengthening project coordination, mobilizing resources, managing strategic donor and institutional relationships, and promoting Korea as a key partner for scaling rice-based innovations for regional and global food security.

This position will be based at the IRRI Korea Office in Jeonju, South Korea. In accordance with the requirements for this position, applications are open only to Korean nationals.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Represent IRRI and lead strategic engagement with Korean stakeholders.
• Develop and implement IRRI-Korea partnership and engagement strategies.
• Coordinate project development, implementation, and portfolio management.
• Mobilize resources and strengthen donor relationships.
• Promote Korea-supported innovations and partnerships globally.
• Maintain relationships with ministries, RDA, KOICA, universities, research institutes, CGIAR partners, and private sector organizations.
• Facilitate collaboration between Korean institutions and IRRI scientists.
• Support high-level missions, negotiations, and partnership agreements.
• Provide strategic advice to IRRI leadership on opportunities in Korea.
• Represent IRRI at conferences, policy dialogues, and partnership events.
• Develop and manage partnership and funding pipelines.
• Coordinate proposal development and donor engagement activities.
• Support governance mechanisms, progress reviews, and reporting.
• Ensure effective management of IRRI Korea Office operations.
• Deliver measurable partnership, funding, and project outcomes aligned with IRRI strategy.
• Perform any other relevant duties as assigned by supervisor from time to time

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Agricultural Science, Agricultural Economics, International Development, Public Policy, or related field
• Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible experience in agricultural research-for-development, partnership management, development cooperation, or related fields
• Proven experience in donor engagement, fundraising, and resource mobilization
• Experience managing multi-stakeholder projects and partnerships
• Strong understanding of Korean development cooperation and agricultural innovation systems
• Knowledge of CGIAR and international agricultural research is highly desirable

Skills Required

Mandatory

• Strategic partnership development
• Resource mobilization and proposal development
• Program and portfolio management
• Stakeholder engagement and diplomacy
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and representation skills
• Strong leadership, planning, and organizational skills

Preferred

• Knowledge of rice-based agri-food systems
• Experience working with international organizations
• Experience managing regional or global partnerships.

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 only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
This position will remain open until filled.