Administrative and Financial Assistant in the STAR-FARM project

Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD)

The Institute of Research for Development (Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, IRD) is a leading scientific authority on major development issues and an internationally recognized multidisciplinary organization. It is under the dual supervision of the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation and the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs. For more than 75 years, it has been carrying out original research, expertise, training, and knowledge sharing for the benefit of territories and countries that make science and innovation one of the main levers for their development. The position will be in the research unit UMMISCO and hosted by the IRD/TLU ACROSS Laboratory.

STAR-FARM Project

The STAR FARM project, led by the FAO, is financed by the EU Delegation in Vietnam for 4 years, as part of the DeSIRA program. It brings together several partners, including IRD, to address, through the most vulnerable groups, the possibility of developing more sustainable agri-food systems in the Mekong Delta, based on the adoption, at small and large scales, of agro-ecological practices and an in-depth study of their impacts on soil health, value chains and carbon emissions. Through capacity building in key agro-ecological innovations (KAEIs), business development, green finance and sustainable standards, the project will help entrepreneurs and farmers develop their skills in sustainable farming systems and agribusiness development.

ACROSS laboratory in Hanoi (https://across-lab.org)

Mission

We are looking for a skilled and experienced social scientist, interested in working in a multidisciplinary context, to join our team as part of the STAR-FARM project. Under the supervision of the team leader and in collaboration with the team members, particularly the project coordinator, the role is to oversee the administrative and financial management of the STAR-FARM project.

You will assist in coordinating daily financial tasks, processing invoices and supporting documents for project finance monitoring, and maintaining a digital register of financial documents. You will also contribute to the preparation of narrative and financial reports, expenditure audit reports, and budget forecasts, using data provided by the implementation teams. You will play a key role in ensuring that project requirements, deadlines, and schedules are met.

Activities         

– Assist the financial management team with credit control processes, budget planning, and expenditure analysis.

– Maintain a digital record of all financial transactions, documents, and information on service providers.

– Coordinate daily financial tasks with the financial management team to optimize workflow.

– Compile financial data to prepare quarterly narrative and financial reports, expenditure audit reports, and the budget forecast, and ensure that supporting documentation is up to date.

– Ensure financial reports are submitted every three – six months.

– Monitor event organization.

– Support the project manager and coordinator in drafting and analyzing various reports.

– Support local teams with administrative and financial matters related to the project.

Skills               

– Ability to read, write, and speak English. French knowledge would be a plus.

– Advanced proficiency in MS Office products (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).

– Knowledge of accounting software would be an asset.

– A good knowledge of the French administrative system and IRD processes is a plus.

– Meticulous attention to detail and ability to perform tasks accurately and efficiently.

– Excellent analytical skills and financial acumen.

– Strong team player with good communication skills.

– High level of integrity and ability to handle confidential information.

– Detail-oriented and organized, particularly in administrative tasks.

– Curiosity about social science research and interdisciplinary aspects would be highly valued.

Education       

– At least a bachelor’s degree in finance, business administration, or a related field.

– A minimum of 1-2 years of experience as a financial administrative assistant.

– Excellent communication, writing, and editing skills: ability to write persuasively and clearly.

– Experience coordinating multidisciplinary international projects would be an asset.

Aptitudes

– Ability to work in a team and in a multicultural environment.

– Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines and adapt quickly to multiple priorities.

Send CV and cover letter before May 10, 2026 to Alexis Drogoul, IRD Senior researcher, alexis.drogoul@ird.fr and Phung Diep Anh, Project Coordinator, diepanh.phung@ird.fr