Agricultural Economist – Senior Scientist or Scientist
The
International Maize and Wheat Improvement
Center (CIMMYT) seeks two well qualified
agricultural economists to join our international team of scientists
working on improving the livelihoods of maize and wheat farmers in the
developing world. As a member of the CIMMYT Socioeconomics Program and
in collaboration with public, private, local and international partners,
we want you to create new opportunities for resource-poor farmers, help
us and decision-makers to understand the key constraints to agricultural
development, and translate your vision into a productive and exciting
research agenda.
Rooted in a strong culture of high-quality agricultural economics and
social science research, the CIMMYT Socioeconomics Program has a team of
qualified and motivated scientists operating in different regions and
working closely with biophysical scientists. Preferably you will be
based at one of our main research sites in Asia (China, India, Nepal),
but there are also research opportunities in Africa (based in Ethiopia,
Kenya, or Zimbabwe), Latin America (based in Mexico), or the CWANA and
CAC regions (based in Turkey).
Primary research objectives include:
·
Applied and strategic socioeconomics research for improving the
productivity and market competitiveness of farmers in low-income
countries and reducing their vulnerability to climate change and other
shocks.
·
Analysis of agricultural transformation, productivity change, resource
use, sustainability and the drivers of change in maize- and wheat-based
farming systems for improved priority stetting of agricultural research
for development.
·
Understanding the determinants of technology adoption, impact pathways,
and differential outcomes on poverty, gender, and food security for
targeting technology and policy interventions.
·
Alternative strategies for enhancing farmer access to and use of
available technologies, and better markets for surplus produce, improved
seed, fertilizer, and other inputs.
Your job will require that you:
·
Publish and communicate research results through journals, policy
briefs, general interest outlets, and the media.
·
Develop concept notes and proposals in strategic research areas.
·
Work and interact with partners from universities, national and
international research systems, policy makers and donors.
·
Contribute to the capacity building of partners in national agricultural
research systems.
·
Participate in center-wide and program strategy development and priority
setting.
We are seeking candidates with the following qualifications:
·
PhD
in Agricultural Economics or related disciplines.
·
Relevant postdoctoral experience of at least 7 years (senior scientist)
or 3 years (scientist).
·
Demonstrated contributions to applied agricultural economics through
publications in international peer-reviewed journals.
·
An
effective innovative and energetic team player with the ability to work
in a multidisciplinary and multi-cultural environment which may involve
extensive travel.
·
Desirably, experience in combining applied quantitative agricultural
economics with qualitative methods; survey design and analysis; impact
assessment; and a good understanding of the challenges of agricultural
transformation and poverty.
·
Experience in project development and management.
·
Excellent English communication and writing skills.
CIMMYT is an internationally funded,
non-profit research and training organization affiliated with the
Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research
(CGIAR)
and has an annual budget of approximately US$50 million. CIMMYT’s
mission is to reduce poverty and enhance food security in the developing
world by increasing the productivity, profitability, and sustainability
of maize and wheat-based agricultural systems while protecting the
natural resource base. The Center is a global leader in scientific
research and training related to maize and wheat, and in biotechnology,
socio-economics, and natural resource management research. These
activities are conducted in partnership with national agricultural
research systems, non-governmental organizations, and advanced research
institutions, both public and private, in globally focused projects and
programs. CIMMYT employs about 600 permanent staff from over 40
nationalities and operates through decentralized partnership, with staff
in 15 countries and projects and networks in many more.
The
positions are for an initial fixed-term contract of 3 years, after which
further employment is subject to performance and 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 and strives for
staff diversity in gender and nationality.
Please send your letter of application outlining motivation, date of
availability and competencies and experiences for the position
accompanied by a detailed CV/Resume (including contact information,
nationality, family status, date of birth) and the names and addresses
(including phone/e-mail) of three referees no later than
December 31, 2009.
Human Resources Manager, CIMMYT
(Reference 2009/15)
Email: jobs-cimmyt@cgiar.org
For further information contact Dr. Jonathan Hellin, Acting Director,
j.hellin@cgiar.org
or Dr Bekele Shiferaw, incoming Director, Socioeconomics Program
b.shiferaw@cgiar.org
