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

Reporting directly to the Director General of IRRI, the Chief Operating Officer will be a key architect of IRRI’s future. You will exert significant influence on IRRI’s strategic direction, pioneering innovative corporate service solutions that empower the organization to exceed its ambitious objectives.

To strategically lead and optimize IRRI’s corporate services, ensuring cost-effective, risk compliant, and operationally efficient delivery. As a key member of the IRRI Management Team, the COO will drive organizational excellence by fostering a culture of continuous improvement, strategic alignment, and proactive service delivery across all corporate functions. This role will ensure seamless integration of services, enhance stakeholder trust, and contribute directly to IRRI’s mission through effective management of Finance, Risk & Legal, Operations, HSSE (Health, Safety, Security, and Environment), Information and Knowledge Services (IKS).

A key aspect of this role involves collaboration with the CGIAR Tripartite, including the adoption of processes and protocols while maintaining a strategic coordination relationship with the Tripartite Director. Further definition of this relationship will be determined by the DG.

The COO will play a pivotal role in shaping IRRI’s future, ensuring the achievement of its ambitious goals, and maximizing its impact on global food security and poverty reduction.

This position will be based at the IRRI Headquarters, Los Baños, Philippines and is open for international applications.

Roles and Responsibilities

Strategic Planning, Operations& 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 systems transformation and poverty reduction
• Optimize workflows and ensure resources are allocated efficiently to support IRRI’s research and development activities
• Facilitate the development and implementation of policies, protocols, and systems that improve operational efficiency
• Monitor key initiatives and enable metrics to track strategic implementation and performance delivery at a whole of organization level

Corporate Governance and Financial Stewardship:

• Provide strategic financial oversight, including developing financial plans, advising senior management and the Board of Trustees on financial strategy, and implementing robust risk mitigation measures
• Lead the realignment and modernization of the finance function to ensure responsiveness and strategic integration
• Promote transparency, financial discipline and continuous improvement within the finance team
• Oversee compliance, legal and audit functions, ensuring alignment with global standards and IRRI’s internal policies
• Develop and manage budgets, conduct financial analysis, and ensure accurate financial reporting

Infrastructure, Technology and Risk Management:

• Lead the development of IKS (Information and Knowledge Services) strategies to support IRRI’s operations and research
• Oversee risk management frameworks and internal controls to ensure institutional compliance, including the UN Global Compact
• Manage facilities, logistics, procurement, and other operational functions such as field services to deliver reliable infrastructure support
• Ensure a robust health, safety, security and environmental policies to ensure a safe workplace

Stakeholder Engagement, Policy and Representation:

• Serve as a liaison to the DG and internal/external stakeholders, ensuring effectively communication and coordination
• Prepare executive briefings and reports on Corporate services’ contributions to institutional goals
• Represent the DG as delegated and promote IRRI’s mission through strategic engagement
• Develop, and update corporate service policies to reflect best practices and evolving organizational needs

Organizational culture and change management:

• Lead change initiatives related to corporate services, fostering a culture of adaptability, innovation and operational agility
• Foster a culture of inclusion, learning and accountability across corporate functions
• Support leadership development, team growth, and institutional well-being

Qualifications

Essential: Advanced Degree in Finance/Accounting (CPA/CA/CMA preferred), or a Master’s Degree in Business Administration or a related field

Preferred: Professional qualifications in Law, Internal Audit, or Logistics are highly desirable

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 15 years of progressive leadership experience in managing corporate service functions, preferably within international organization
• Demonstrated success in strategic leadership, financial stewardship, and organizational change
• Experience managing operational teams in multicultural, multi-location environments
• Experience working in developing and emerging economies

Skills Required

KEY COMPETENCIES:

Strategic Leadership

• Building Relationships & Partnerships: Establishes strong partnerships and fosters collaboration among diverse stakeholders
• Navigating & Driving Change: Leads with focus and optimism through change and disruption, promoting innovation and continuous improvement
• Vision & Strategic Thinking: Shapes and guides the organization’s strategic direction, considering global trends and the bigger picture

Team Dynamics

• Emotional Intelligence: Leads with empathy and self-awareness, fostering positive relationships and a healthy organizational culture
• Empowering and Coaching: Promotes inclusivity, delegates effectively, and drives employee engagement and performance
• Wellbeing & Care: Creates a supportive environment that prioritizes physical and psychological well-being

IRRI offers a highly extensive employee benefits package inclusive of globally-covered medical insurance, retirement plan, life and accident insurance and other allowances.

BENEFITS:

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Opportunity to make a significant contribution to global food security and poverty reduction
• Work in a dynamic, international environment
• Be at the forefront of cutting-edge agricultural research and innovation
• Collaborate with leading experts and institutions in the field of agricultural development

Applications

To apply, please send your cover letter and CV, including names and addresses of three referees to [email protected].

The subject of your email should be “Application – Chief Operating Officer – [Your Full Name].

The position is urgent and will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is found. Onlyqualified applicants with relevant skills and experience will be contacted.