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Social Scientist, Latin America

12:35:00 PM
Job Category:Socio-Economics Program
Position Title:Social Scientist, Latin America
Type of Contract:Internationally Recruited Staff
Location:Mexico
Desired Skills:
Description:
We are seeking a dynamic, innovative, self-motivated, and results-oriented social scientist (Scientist/Senior Scientist) to work on improving the livelihoods of maize and wheat farmers in the developing world and particularly in Latin America.
The position focuses on social science research to raise agricultural productivity, profitability and sustainability, particularly through improved seed and crop husbandry. You will explore technological and institutional innovations that increase productivity and improve access to markets for resource-poor farmers. You will also help CIMMYT and policy makers understand the key constraints to agricultural development. You will support the innovative Sustainable Modernization of Traditional Agriculture (MasAgro) initiative in Mexico and will work as a member of CIMMYT’s Socio-Economics Program in close collaboration with CIMMYT’s Global Maize Program and Global Conservation Agriculture Program 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’s Main Campus (located 45 km northeast of Mexico City, Mexico) and will work mainly in Mexico and Central America but will interact with CIMMYT´s regional offices world-wide on a regular basis.
Duties and responsibilities of the position are to perform applied and strategic social science research for development to enhance technology and policy interventions. Specific research topics include:
  • Improving the productivity and market competitiveness of farmers in Mexico and Central America and reducing their vulnerability.
  • Understanding the determinants of technology development, adoption and adaptation by farmers.
  • Institutional innovations to enhance farmers’ access to and use of improved seeds and crop husbandry along with access to output markets.
  • Understanding impact pathways and differential impacts of agricultural productivity intensification on income, poverty, gender equality, food security and nutrition.
  • Analyze agricultural transformation, productivity change, resource use, sustainability and the drivers of change and uncertainty in maize and wheat-based farming systems to inform investment and policy decisions.
We are seeking candidates with the following academic qualifications, skills and attitudes:
  • PhD in rural development, agricultural economics, geography, or related discipline from a recognized institution.
  • Relevant postdoctoral experience of at least 5 years (scientist) or 8 years (senior scientist).
  • Good understanding of the challenges of agricultural productivity growth, sustainability and food security in Latin America.
  • Experience in quantitative and qualitative approaches for data analysis and decision making.
  • Experience in business and organizational research amongst different value chain actors including farmer groups.
  • Team player with the ability to work in a cross-disciplinary and multi-cultural environment.
  • Experience in research-for-development and project management in developing countries.
  • Relevant publications in international peer-reviewed journals.
  • Excellent English and Spanish communication and writing skills.
Please note this is an adapted re-advertisement of an earlier vacancy (Agricultural Economist - Latin America - 12261)
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.
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.
Apply online or email cover letter and CV no later than Friday, 21 June, 2013. Please note position will remain open until filled. (Email: irsrecruitment@cgiar.org / Please insert position reference number: 12315 in the subject of your email).
For further information please contact Guillermo Flores, g.flores@cgiar.org.
Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted

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