IRRI: Researcher – Solar Energy and Climate Resilience Research, Climate Resilience, Solar Energy – Dhaka

IRRI is seeking a Researcher for Solar Energy and Climate Resilience in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The role involves leading the SoLAR Phase 2 project, focusing on climate-resilient agrarian livelihoods through solar irrigation. Responsibilities include conducting research, engaging with stakeholders, and supporting water management projects. The position requires familiarity with climate change policies and research methodologies. It is open only to permanent citizens of Bangladesh and is contingent on donor funding.
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.

This position will be based at the IRRI Country Office, Bangladesh and only be filled by the permanent citizens of the Bangladesh.

Job Purpose

The Researcher will play a critical role as Country Lead, Bangladesh, for the SDC SoLAR Phase 2 project implemented by IWMI. It is a multi-year, multi-country project titled Solar Irrigation for Agriculture Resilience (SoLAR) being implemented in four countries – Bangladesh, India, Ethiopia, and Kenya.

The project aims to contribute to climate-resilient, gender, and socially inclusive agrarian livelihoods in these four countries by supporting their governments’ efforts to promote solar irrigation. The project works closely with government partners to achieve its objective. In addition, the position will also support other ongoing projects and build a project portfolio in Bangladesh, working in close coordination with the Regional Researcher, Bangladesh, the Country Representative, Bangladesh, and the research team.

The position involves close collaboration with project stakeholders, including local communities, government agencies, policymakers, and technical partners, for conducting field research, facilitating partner engagement, and ensuring smooth execution of project activities on the ground.

The incumbent will be familiar with the climate change and policy landscape related to water-energy-food in South Asia, have advanced knowledge of conducting scoping reviews, qualitative and quantitative research on climate change adaptation, mitigation, water management, water security, and policies. Working with the SoLAR project leadership as well as with other IWMI/CGIAR colleagues and national and international partners, the researcher will be part of a multi-national and multidisciplinary team that is contributing towards water security, building resilience, and mitigating environmental impacts in South Asia’s agri-food systems.

The availability of this position is contingent upon the receipt of donor funding.

Roles and Responsibilities

Design and implement field-based research methodologies to assess solar project activities, community needs, and socio-economic impacts.

Provide research support to other ongoing/new water management-related projects in Bangladesh.

Facilitate regular communication with stakeholders to ensure alignment and coordination, including organization consultations, national forums, meetings, etc.

Oversee the implementation of project activities in target locations, ensuring adherence to timelines and quality standards.

Monitor field operations to assess progress, identify challenges, and propose solutions.

Support activities related to communications and knowledge mobilization for the project, including documentation of best practices, lessons learned, and success stories for knowledge sharing.

Assist in the tracking and monitoring of project proposals, budgets, and implementation plans.

Provide technical and logistical support for project events, field visits, and capacity-building initiatives.

Ensure compliance with organizational and donor policies, including environmental and social safeguards

Build and maintain effective relationships with project partners, including local government bodies, NGOs, private sector entities, and technical experts.

Represent the project in stakeholder meetings, workshops, and public forums.

Coordinate with local communities and stakeholders to ensure inclusive participation and support for project interventions

Collect, analyze, and interpret quantitative and qualitative data from field studies to support policy decision-making and the preparation of journal manuscripts.

Prepare detailed research reports and presentations summarizing key findings

Analyze data on agro-food systems (e.g., cropping pattern, crop production, land use, irrigation, poverty, nutrition, human development indicators) from secondary sources such as the Census, National Surveys, etc.

Designing survey instruments and protocols; program survey data collection; training enumerators and coordinating with agencies.

Maintain a data repository in the prescribed formats by the organization.

Prepare periodic progress reports for internal and external stakeholders, highlighting achievements, challenges, and recommendations.

Provide support in project documentation as required by the organizational and donor guidelines.

Provide technical inputs to project teams to develop communication materials

Perform any other relevant duties as assigned by supervisor from time to time

Qualifications

PhD in Renewable Energy, Environmental Science, Engineering, Water Resources, Social Sciences, or a related field with 3 years’ experience OR;

Master’s degree in aforementioned fields coupled with a minimum of 5 years’ experience.

Skills Required

Mandatory

Work experience in research, project implementation, or a related role, preferably in Solar, renewable energy, water management, or rural development projects

Proven track record in partner liaison and stakeholder engagement with government and private sector partners in Bangladesh

Experience in field-based research and data collection, particularly working with research organizations in South Asia.

Experience using statistical and/or qualitative software packages (e.g., STATA/R and/or Atlas Ti, NVivo)

Strong understanding of solar energy systems, applications, and policies.

Good understanding of water management-related aspects

Excellent research, analytical, and report-writing skills

Strong interpersonal skills for working with diverse stakeholders

Ability to work independently and collaboratively in challenging field conditions

Strong understanding of the development sector and key issues such as poverty alleviation, gender equity, and sustainability

Willingness and ability to travel across South Asia and internationally, including to rural areas to for community and stakeholder interaction

Preferred

Demonstrated organizational skills with the ability to work independently and as part of a multicultural team.

Multi-tasking skills and enthusiasm for working across different sectors will be preferred

Previous experience in supporting event organization and management will be preferred

Experience in working with multicultural and interdisciplinary research teams.

Salary Ranges: Basic (91,696 – 143,316) BDT per Month

Other Benefits: Housing Allowance: 30% of base pay per month, Transport Allowance: BDT 12,000, Festival Bonus: 2 times each year, Contributory Provident Fund (CPF), Returning Mother Allowance: BDT 2,000 per month for 9 months to female employees post-delivery of a baby to support return to the workplace, Medical insurance coverage: maximum US$16,000/year and other admissible benefits

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements