Build a Career with Impact
At IDRC, we invest in ideas, support research, and promote innovation to improve lives in the developing world. The result is lasting local and global solutions that bring choice and change to those who need it most. Join our dynamic team of diverse professionals and build a career that will impact the world.
Senior Program Officer – Agriculture and Food Security
Position # 867
Term until March 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
The Agriculture and Food Security (AFS) program finances applied research initiatives that seek to solve immediate food security challenges on the ground in the developing world. The Canadian International Food Security Research Fund, a collaborative program of the International Development Research Centre and the Canadian International Development Agency, is an integral component of the AFS program. Moving forward with a second phase of funding, the program will have a strong emphasis on scaling up the use of research findings into development outcomes by direct engagement with research users. Private sector engagement is expected to play a key role in this phase.
Reporting to the Program Manager, you will contribute intellectual leadership in private sector engagement and help develop projects within priority areas by reviewing, developing, monitoring, managing and evaluating research projects as well as maintaining productive working relationships with grantees, researchers and government institutions.  You will be required to travel 60 - 90 days per year.
Qualifications:
  • PhD preferred in Agricultural Economics, Business or other relevant field or M. Sc. in Agribusiness or M.B.A and management experience in the private sector
  • Field experience with research and/or publication on private sector engagement and development in the agriculture and food sector in developing countries
  • At least five years of research and/or development project experience in the agriculture and food system involving the private sector, from project design through to project implementation and evaluation
  • Experience establishing and building partnerships involving researchers and research users
  • Adept at communicating research and research results to different audiences
  • Work experience in developing countries, ideally Africa
  • Advanced interpersonal and English verbal/written communication skills
  • Strong knowledge of the private sector and how it can contribute to agriculture and food security issues in developing countries
  • Understanding of research methods and approaches
  • Knowledge of the science and economics of food and agriculture
  • Sound judgement, innovation, flexibility and team working skills
  • Strong planning, problem-solving and coordinating skills
  • Sensitivity to individual, gender and cultural differences
IDRC is committed to achieving employment equity. We encourage applications from qualified women, Aboriginal persons, members of visible minorities, and persons with disabilities.