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. 

The IRRI South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) is an IRRI regional facility that supports research collaboration, training, and service provision to institutions, scientists, and other stakeholders from India and other South Asian and African nations. The centre aims to enhance South-South collaboration and strengthen the capacity of rice growing countries in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa in crop production and seed quality and enhance farmers’ income. It also seeks to deliver research for development services for the private and public sectors through its state-of-the-art laboratory facilities for grain quality, crop production, and nutritional quality. Lastly, it enables knowledge transfer through short courses on rice-based agri-food systems and other IRRI Education products within the region.

The PM-RKVY initiative, ‘Innovation and Agri-entrepreneurship Programne’ under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare (MoAFW) aims to foster innovation, strengthen agripreneurship, and develop an ecosystem that supports agribusiness growth across India. The programme focuses on developing agri-business innovation, empowering farmers, and nurturing agripreneurs through structured incubation, mentoring, networking and capacity-building support. The programme provides funding assistance to innovative and high-potential agri-startups and agripreneurs, enabling them to scale their ventures, refine business models, and commercialize impactful solutions. Through this initiative, the programme contributes to strengthening rural livelihoods, enhancing market competitiveness, and accelerating India’s transition toward an innovation-driven agribusiness ecosystem.

The Business Executive role requires specialized skills in supporting agri-startups, FPOs, and entrepreneurs in business development, market linkages, and incubation management under PM-RKVY. Existing IRRI staff do not have the combined experience in mentoring early-stage startups, facilitating funding, and guiding commercialization processes. The selected candidate has to have proven expertise in business advisory, program coordination, and stakeholder engagement for agri-enterprises. Engaging this expert ensures effective support, timely execution, and enhanced impact of the incubation program.

• Provide business advisory and mentoring support to agri-startups, FPOs, and entrepreneurs on planning, market readiness, financials, and product development.
• Coordinate and implement incubation activities, training programs, workshops, demo days, investor meets, and mentoring sessions.
• Facilitate mentorship, evaluation of business proposals, and track progress of incubation cohorts.
• Support market linkages, branding, packaging, certifications, and commercialization strategies for incubatees.
• Liaise with government departments, investors, funding agencies, research institutions, and industry networks.
• Maintain program documentation, reporting, and compliance, including grant tracking, case studies, and success stories.
• Assist incubates with funding applications, due diligence, milestone reviews, and utilization reporting under PM-RKVY.
• Undertake any additional tasks and responsibilities as assigned by the Institute Director, Project Investigator (PI), or CoProject Investigator (Co-PI).

• MBA/MCA/ Mass Communication / Equivalent master’s degree from recognized university.
• Up to 2 years of experience in business operations and executive-level responsibilities.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong literacy in computer, MS Office and Internet.
• Expertise in coordinating and implementing the seamless execution of training programs and events. 

• Strong understanding of agriculture, rural enterprises, food systems, and startup ecosystems.
• Knowledge of business planning, market analysis, product development, branding, and financial literacy.
• Experience in supporting agri-startups, FPOs, and micro-enterprises in incubation or entrepreneurship programs.
• Proficiency in monitoring, reporting, and documentation using MIS systems and digital tools.
• Excellent communication, coordination, and stakeholder engagement skills
• Ability to interact effectively with farmers, startups, government officials, investors, and industry experts.
• Competence in organizing events, workshops, training sessions, and mentoring programs.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills to support business development and incubation activities.