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 Baรฑos, 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
IRRI aims to improve the accuracy of its site-specific nutrient management (SSNM) model by systematically collecting new data from rice nutrient management field trials and demonstration trials conducted across various rice-growing environments in the Philippines. These may include work by the Department of Agriculture (DA) regional offices, state universities, and colleges, research institutions, graduate and undergraduate theses, annual reports, monographs, and conference proceedings. To support this effort, IRRI plans to engage a national consultant who can systematically search, review, and summarize available literature and collect nutrient management trial data
This position will be based at the IRRI Headquarters, Los Baรฑos, Philippines and may only be filled by permanent citizens of the Philippines.
Roles and Responsibilities
A. Literature Search and Review
- Identify sources of nutrient managementโrelated field trials and demonstration studies across the Philippines.
- Gather materials such as:
- Annual reports
- Conference proceedings
- Monographs
- Peer-reviewed journal articles
- Review papers
- Graduate and undergraduate theses
- Review each study to understand objectives, site conditions, treatments, and methods.
- Prepare and maintain a comprehensive bibliography (bibliographic database) of all reviewed literature.
B. Data Extraction and Collation
- Use IRRIโs standard data-entry templates for nutrient management trials (to be provided).
- Extract key information from each study, including:
- Location (province, municipality, site characteristics)
- Crop establishment methods
- Fertilizer treatments
- Nutrient sources and rates applied (N, P, K, others)
- Timing and number of splits
- Yield and yield components
- Production cost / partial budget data
- Soil, climate, and other agronomic information provided
- Encode all extracted data into the designated data-entry forms.
- Ensure data completeness, consistency, and quality.
C. Summaries and Insights
- Prepare short narrative summaries for each literature source, describing:
- Identify trends and patterns across regions or study types (e.g., performance and yield response to NโPโK combinations).
- Provide a consolidated summary/report at the end of the assignment
Qualifications
- At least a Master's Degree (MSc) in Agronomy, Soil Science, Crop Science, or a related field, or a Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 10 years of hands-on experience in nutrient management field trials or agronomic research.
- Demonstrated experience in designing, conducting, or managing rice agronomy or nutrient management trials
- Proven track record of performing literature reviews and synthesizing technical information from diverse sources.
Skills Required
Mandatory
- Strong understanding of rice nutrient management, including SSNM, fertilizer practices, and agronomic data interpretation
- Excellent skills in organizing, reviewing, and extracting detailed information from research reports, theses, and technical documents
Preferred
- Close attention to detail, especially in handling agronomic and economic data
- Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and deliver high-quality outputs
- Good communication and writing skills for preparing summaries and technical notes.
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.