The Client
IRRI’s mission is to improve livelihoods and nutrition; abolishing poverty, hunger, and malnutrition among those who depend on rice-based agrifood systems. The role was intended to represent IRRI’s interests in the region, provide strategic leadership and enable effective management of IRRI’s major research and development programs in SEA. The Regional Representative would interact with national and international partners and donors to seek new opportunities for research and partnerships, including business development, coordination and engagement with both the public and private sectors.
Key Objectives
IRRI wanted to appoint a Regional Representative that had both a background of developing and managing research for development programmes, as well as having demonstrated track record in business development to sustain IRRI’s growth aspirations within the region.
Services
- Executive Search
Oxford HR’s search attracted a highly competitive field of candidates with relevant experience in leadership roles, stakeholder engagement and partnerships development and a demonstrated track record of growing a portfolio of programmes in agriculture development and value chain creation, food security, health and nutritious foods and other relevant subject areas, both from non-profit as well as for-purpose organisations.
After many conversations with interesting candidates, we presented the client with a shortlist of three candidates. The client offered the role to one candidate and it was accepted after satisfying negotiations for both sides. Yurdi Yasmi was the selected candidate.
”I feel honoured to have taken this strategic role. I understand it is a big responsibility with complex tasks but it has been my career objective to be in such strategic position. Thus far, I have enjoyed my new role and I have been supported by the institute to perform my job. I am very new in the institute and I already feel at home. I hope I can contribute effectively in my role. I would like IRRI to become stronger in Southeast Asia with better impacts. I also hope to expand my knowledge and networks by joining IRRI.
Yurdi YasmiSouth East Asia Representative, IRRI
Looking ahead, Yurdi wants to strengthen IRRI’s collaboration with government, research institutions, development partners, UN agencies and ASEAN. This will “ensure that we do not only produce enough rice but also produce nutritious rice in a sustainable manner within our planetary boundaries. In so doing, we will contribute to the sustainable development goals.”
He also speaks highly of Oxford HR’s involvement in his recruitment process.
”Oxford HR provided me accurate information about the scope of the work and also key priorities that I need to focus on in the job. It explained IRRI’s ambition and objectives and what is expected from me. I had been satisfied with all the information and also the way Oxford HR interacted throughout the process. I had tremendous support all the way for which I am very thankful.
Yurdi YasmiSouth East Asia Representative, IRRI
