We are seeking a dynamic, innovative, self-motivated, and results-oriented Agricultural and Market Economist to work on improving the livelihoods of maize and wheat farmers in the developing work.
As a member of the CIMMYT Socioeconomics Program and in collaboration with public, private, local and international partners, you will explore technological and institutional innovations that increase productivity and improve access to markets, help policy makers understand viable approaches for enhancing food price stability; and translate your vision into a productive and exciting research agenda.
The position will be based in either of CIMMYT’s regional hubs in Africa (Addis Ababa) or South Asia.
Specific duties and responsibilities of the position will include:
- Analyze the drivers of change and options for agricultural productivity growth, food security and sustainable intensification in cereal based systems.
- Improve the understanding of farmers’ economic incentives and adoption constraints under different agro-ecological and socioeconomic settings.
- Analyze technology adoption pathways and differential impacts on poverty, gender, and food security for targeting technology and policy interventions.
- Develop institutional innovations for enhancing farmer access to and use of promising technologies, inputs and output markets for income growth and food security.
- Develop policy options for supporting the development and diffusion of climate smart and sustainable agriculture for enhancing adaptation and reducing vulnerability to climate change in maize and wheat systems.
The job will require that you:
- Analyze value chains to develop inclusive institutional innovations that improve access to seeds, other inputs and markets.
- Identify strategies that reduce food price volatility and competitiveness of smallholder wheat farmers.
- Work with a team of scientists to understand consumer preferences and end-user quality attributes.
- Define potential tradeoffs and identify more profitable, low risk and sustainable intensification options in target systems.
- Identify public-private partnerships and decision tools for targeting the poor and enhancing technology diffusion and adoption.
- Publish research findings and contribute to dissemination of results to stakeholders.
- Contribute to the capacity building of farmers and partners.
- Participate in center-wide and program strategy development and priority setting.
- Carry out other activities assigned by the program director.
We are seeking candidates with the following academic qualifications, skills and attitudes:
- PhD in Agricultural Economics, Market Economics or related discipline from a highly recognized university.
- Relevant postdoctoral experience of at least 5 years (scientist) or 8 years (senior scientist)
- Relevant publications in international peer-reviewed journals in agricultural economics.
- Good understanding of the challenges of agricultural transformation, market and policy failures and food security in developing regions.
- Experience in combining applied quantitative methods with qualitative approaches to study markets and farmer decision behavior.
- Extensive knowledge of econometric methods and software (e.g. STATA, GAMS, etc.) for analysis of survey data. Knowledge of other economic modeling methods (e.g. household modeling, bio economic modeling, spatial analysis, etc.) will be an advantage.
- An effective and energetic team player with the ability to work in a multidisciplinary and multi-cultural environment.
- Excellent oral communication and writing skills in English to express complex concepts in simple terms.
The position is for an initial fixed-term contract of 3 years, after which further employment is subject to performance and the continued availability of funds. CIMMYT offers an attractive remuneration package paid in US dollars, with a range of benefits including housing allowance, life and health insurance, education allowance (to Grade 12), home leave, retirement fund, and relocation shipping assistance.
To apply for this position, please email cover letter and CV no later than Friday, 28 December, 2012. Please note position will remain announced until filled. (Email:
irsrecruitment@cgiar.org / Please insert position reference number: 12259 in the subject of your email)
Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
For further information please contact Dr. Bekele Shiferaw, Director, Socioeconomics Program,
b.shiferaw@cgiar.org or
Guillermo Flores,
g.flores@cgiar.org
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