JOB TITLE;
AGRICULTURAL MARKETS ECONOMIST (REF: DDG-R4D/AME/01/10)
PREAMBLE:
Africa has complex problems that plague agriculture and people’s lives. We develop agricultural solutions with our partners to tackle hunger and poverty. Our award winning research-for-development (R4D) is based on focused, authoritative thinking anchored on the development needs of sub-Saharan Africa. We work with partners in Africa and beyond to reduce producer and consumer risks, enhance crop quality and productivity, and generate wealth from agriculture. IITA is an international non-profit R4D organization since 1967, governed by a Board of Trustees, and supported primarily by the CGIAR (www.cgiar.org).
More information is obtainable on IITA is available on http://www.iita.org/
POSITION OBJECTIVES:
The overall objective of the position is to lead strategic research on market economics on IITA mandate crops and related activities.
DUTY LOCATION:
Ibadan, IITA Headquarters, Nigeria. Frequent travel is expected and candidates should be willing to work in small scale farm settings in Africa.
ACCADEMIC REQUIREMENTS:
PhD in Agricultural Economics, Applied Economics or other relevant fields.
Extensive experience in markets economic studies relating to agricultural issues, preferably in Africa.
Outstanding ability to perform thoughtful critical analysis on market economics related data.
Ability to work with researchers from other disciplines.
Excellent communication skills (both oral and written)
strong peer-reviewed publication record.
Minimum of 3 years of organizational, planning and budget management experience.
Minimum of 3 years of donor relations experience including presentation of concept notes, proposal writing and oversight of compliance matters resulting in continuously donor funded projects.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
Main responsibilities includes and not limited to:
Conducting market economic studies of commodities along the value
chain.
Monitoring economic changes in agriculture in relation to the markets and vice versa.
Devising methods and procedures to conduct different types of markets surveys.
Creating, as well as to using, various econometric modeling techniques to develop forecasts.
Applying models of economic behavior to agricultural markets changes and developments.
Promoting market development through the use of experimental economic methods.Developing business plans of the commodity value chains.
Maintaining a high level of research outputs for publication outlets within the wider scientific community and within IITA.
Establishing and fostering relationships and linkages with partners in national agricultural research and extension systems, the private sector and Advanced Research Institutes.
Providing technical backstopping and assistance in building market economic capacity of national programs.
Mobilizing and managing research funds effectively.
MAJOR COMPETENCIES;
Ability to work as a member of a multi-disciplinary team in a cross-cultural environment.
Excellent leadership, mentoring, management, interpersonal and team building skills.
Fluency in oral and written English.
Working knowledge of French is an advantage.Knowledge of sub-Saharan Africa is an added advantage.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The initial appointment is for three years. IITA offers a competitive remuneration package paid in US dollars.
HOW TO APPLY:
Interested persons are requested to apply to the Human Resources Manager with a copy of their CV, names and addresses of three referees and a covering letter (not more than 2 pages) indicating their interest/competency in handling the work, overview of similar work undertaken and their comments on the Terms of Reference. By applying through the online link below:
http://old.iita.org/cms/details/job_application.aspx
EXPIRATION DATE:
The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.
IITA is an equal opportunity employer and particularly welcomes applications from women candidates.
Please note that only short listed candidates will be contacted.
