ILRI vacancy: team leader/senior agricultural economist

Vacancy Number: TLSE/MGL/04/12
Department: Market, Gender & Livelihoods Research Theme
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Duration: 3 years renewable

Total salary & benefits package circa USD 105, 000 (tax free*) Base salary from USD 75,000 per annum plus benefits.

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) helps to reduce poverty, hunger and environmental degradation by increasing the benefits and reducing the risks of animal agriculture in developing countries. We work in partnerships with organisations in developed and developing countries, including some of the finest universities and research institutes in the world. ILRI’s headquarters are in Nairobi, Kenya, with a second principal campus in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Staff members are also based in 7 partner institutions in other parts of Africa, in Asia and in Latin America. We employ more than 700 staff from about 40 countries and are one of 15 centres around the world sponsored by the Consultative Group of International Agricultural Research (CGIAR).

ILRI seeks applications for a Team Leader/Senior Agricultural Economist to lead a group of economists and other scientists within the Market, Gender & Livelihoods Research Theme researching issues related to enhancing the ability of smallholder livestock keepers in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia to increase productivity and link to markets as a means to improving access of the poor to animal-source foods. The research applies multi-disciplinary tools from agricultural economics, animal science, agribusiness, and innovation systems to formulate and test technical and organizational strategies for pro-poor value chains of livestock products. This agenda represents the core of the recently initiated CGIAR Research Program on Livestock and Fish. Reporting to the Director of the Markets, Gender & Livelihoods Research Theme, the Team Leader will develop and implement a research program to support pro-poor value chain development in collaboration with a range of local and international partners.

Key responsibilities:

• Qualitative and quantitative analysis of livestock technology options for market-oriented smallholder producers, including those related to the main drivers of livestock productivity: feeds, genetics and health
• Piloting of organizational options for increasing smallholder access to services, technology and markets
• Multidisciplinary assessment of smallholder-based value chains for livestock products to identify and test options for pro-poor upgrading
• Analysis of policies influencing smallholder livestock producer competitiveness

Requirements:

• A Ph.D. or equivalent in Agricultural Economics, Economics, Agribusiness, or related discipline;
• Proven analytical and research skills through a track record of scientific publications, policy documents and related media;
• Expertise in agricultural production system modeling and econometric analysis of farm-households and agricultural enterprises, and familiarity with qualitative and participatory approaches
• Experience of working in developing countries, especially sub-Saharan Africa, with strong preference given to livestock-related experience;
• Strong research management experience, including fund-raising and management of staff and project resources;
• Demonstrated ability to work in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams, and strong interpersonal and partnership management skills;
• Strong English language skills, both written and spoken (proficiency in other languages is an advantage);
• A passion for the generation of scientific knowledge that advances pro-poor development.

Post location: The position is based at ILRI’s Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. Extensive travel to other countries and regions will be required, particularly throughout Africa and South and Southeast Asia.

Position level: The position is Scientist/Research Level 3, dependent on qualifications and experience.

Terms of appointment: The position is Scientist/Research Level and is on a fixed term appointment for three years. ILRI offers a competitive international remuneration and benefits package which includes: – Pensions Medical insurances Life insurance and allowances for; – EducationsHousings Security – Disturbances Relocation – Home leave. Annual holiday entitlement of 30 days + 11 public holidays.

Benefits: ILRI offers a competitive international benefit package. *Benefits are tax free subject to compliance with tax regulations of country of citizenship. Benefits include: 15% pension contribution.

Applicants should send a cover letter and CV (2 pgs. max) explaining their interest in the position, what they can bring to the job and the names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to the Human Resources Director by registering at this link: http://www.myjobsinkenya.com/ilri_jobs before 31 July 2012. The position title and reference number TEAM LEADER/SENIOR AGRICULTURAL ECONOMIST- TLSE/MGL/04/12 should be clearly marked on the subject line of the online application.

To find out more about working at ILRI visit our website at http://www.ilri.org/ilricrowd/

ILRI is an equal opportunity employer. Suitably qualified women and developing country citizens are particularly encouraged to apply.