Agricultural Economist

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) works at the crossroads of livestock and poverty, bringing high-quality livestock science, communications and capacity building to bear on poverty reduction and sustainable development. ILRI is one of 15 centres supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). ILRI has campuses in Kenya (headquarters) and Ethiopia, with other offices located in other regions of Africa (Mali, Mozambique, Nigeria) as well as in South Asia (India, Sri Lanka), Southeast Asia (Laos, Thailand, Vietnam) and East Asia (China).

ILRI seeks to recruit an Agricultural Economist to join a team of professionals working on the Regional Strategic Analysis and Knowledge Support System (ReSAKSS) program for Eastern and Central Africa (ECA). The objective of ReSAKSS is to provide analysis, data, and tools to promote evidence-based decision making, improve awareness of the role of agriculture for development in Africa, fill knowledge gaps, promote dialogue, and facilitate the implementation of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development and the African Union Commission and other regional agricultural development initiatives in Africa.

Responsibilities

• Undertaking analytical work based on regional priorities in agriculture and rural development. Areas of research may include regional trade analysis, food security research, agricultural investment analysis, vulnerability assessments and risk analysis, and impact assessment.

• Synthesis of studies and literature around topical issues affecting agriculture and rural development in the region to generate policy relevant messages.

• Communication and representation: Participate in the communication of ReSAKSS’ work, e.g. through preparation of ReSAKSS publications such as working papers, policy briefs, technical reports, journal publications, conference papers and presentations at policy fora.

• Contributing to the capacity building component of ReSAKSS including organizing and implementing policy relevant training for ReSAKSS’ stakeholders.

• Contributing to the organization of conferences, seminars, and workshops organized or co-organized by ReSAKSS.

Requirements

• A Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics or Economics with emphasis on agricultural trade and poverty analysis.

• At least 3 years post-Ph.D. working experience in research and policy analysis in developing countries, preferably in Africa.

• Familiarity with deep understanding of agricultural and rural development issues in Africa, particularly in the COMESA region.

• A good understanding of policy processes in the COMESA region.

• Proven analytical and research skills through a track record of scientific publications.

• Strong English language skills, both written and spoken, with a demonstrated track record of publications in professional outlets. Knowledge of French will be an added advantage.

• Ability and willingness to work in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams in a developing country setting. Experience with projects that bridge different approaches and disciplines will be an added advantage.

• Experience in making presentations to large audiences at national and regional levels.

• Demonstrated ability to draft high-quality analytical and policy documents and related correspondence.

• Ability to work under pressure, often to tight deadlines without compromising the quality of deliverables.

• Demonstrated good organizational skills and ability to work with a minimum of supervision.

• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain professional contacts, and to interact with national officials and experts, other researchers, international organizations, development partners, and other ReSAKSS’ stakeholders.

• A willingness to travel frequently within and outside the COMESA region.

• Proven ability to mobilize resources.

Post location: The position is based at ILRI’s Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya.

Duration: 3 year appointment with the possibility of renewal, contingent upon individual performance and the availability of funding.

Benefits: We offer a competitive international remuneration and benefits package which includes: sPensions Medical insurances Life insurance and allowances for Children’s Educations Housings Securitys DisturbancesRelocations Home leave travel and annual leave entitlement of 30 days per annum plus 11 paid public holidays.

Applications: Applicants should send a cover letter explaining their interest in the position, what they can bring to the job and indicating earliest availability, curriculum vitae and the names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to email: recruit-ilri-Ken@cgiar.org.  Screening of applications will commence on 1 March 2011 until the position is filled, though selections may be made in advance of that date.

The position title and reference number “AE/MK/RESAKSS/01/11” should be clearly marked on the subject line of the email applications. Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

To find more about ILRI, visit www.ilri.org