Wheat Economist, Ethiopia

Description:

We are seeking an experienced, dynamic, innovative, self-motivated, and results-oriented social scientist to develop and implement a strategic socio-economic research agenda around wheat in Africa and Asia. The position contributes to CIMMYT's research-for-development to improve the livelihoods of wheat farmers and consumers in developing countries and the WHEAT consortium research program. You will work as a member of CIMMYT's Socio-Economics Program in close collaboration with CIMMYT's Global Wheat and other programs and with local and international partners.

The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, known by its Spanish acronym, CIMMYT®, is a not-for-profit research and training organization with partners in over 100 countries. Please refer to our website for more information: www.cimmyt.org

The position will be based at CIMMYT-Ethiopia office in Addis Ababa, but will involve frequent travel, including to other CIMMYT field sites particularly throughout target areas in Africa and Asia.

The main responsibilities of this position will be:

• Assess prospects and potential for wheat production in Africa, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa beyond Ethiopia and South Africa, with a focus on smallholders' potential to produce wheat as a cash crop to meet the growing wheat demand and substitute imports.
• Assess wheat value chain and marketing issues in Africa and Asia, and matching the supply with the increasing demand for both quantity and quality by the food industry.
• Build an exciting strategic research-for-development portfolio around wheat in Africa and Asia, including targeting options and tools; technological and institutional innovations; business models and development strategies; empirical evidence particularly in relation to adoption and impact; practical recommendations and rigorous documentation.
• Strengthen socioeconomics research on wheat in Africa and Asia through networking, coordination, capacity building and resource mobilization.
• Publish findings in international peer reviewed journals.

We are seeking candidates with the following qualifications:

• PhD in agricultural economics, development economics, or a related field from a recognized institution.
• At least 8 years of relevant experience in applied agricultural research-for-development in developing countries, preferably with experience in Africa and Asia
• Experience in leading research teams.
• Good partnership skills, including ability to moderate meetings with partners.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• A high degree of personal organization and the ability to multi-task and work under pressure, as well as travel extensively.
• Ability to work with different nationalities, disciplines and educational levels, as a member of a diverse work team.
• Established publication record in international peer reviewed journals.

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's internationally competitive salary and benefits include housing allowance, car, comprehensive health and life insurance, assistance for children's education, paid vacation, annual airfare, contribution to a retirement plan, and generous assistance with relocation shipment.

CIMMYT is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity. Women are encouraged to apply.

To apply for this position, please email cover letter and CV to Human Resources, CIMMYT (Email: irsrecruitment@cgiar.org / Please indicate Position Reference number: 12342 in the header of your email).

For further information on the selection process, please contact Guillermo Flores, at g.flores@cgiar.org

Please apply by Friday, 11 April, 2014 – although the position will remain open till filled.

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted .