ICRISAT seeks an Agricultural Economist (or related discipline) for a position to be based in Nairobi, Kenya or Lilongwe, Malawi. He/She should be capable of understanding the key constraints for enhancing agricultural productivity and articulating a strong vision of the opportunities for developing of smallholder agriculture in Eastern and Southern Africa’s semi-arid topics. He/she should be able to translate this vision into a consistent and productive research offering a significant array of international public goods. About ICRISAT: ICRISAT is a non-profit, international organization for science-based agricultural development operating in Africa and Asia. Established in 1972, with its Headquarters at Patancheru, Andhra Pradesh, India, ICRISAT has research stations at six locations in Sub-Saharan Africa, with regional hubs in Nairobi, Kenya and Niamey, Niger. It is one of the 15 agricultural research centers of the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), and supported by more than 48 governments, foundations, and development banks. ICRISAT has four Global Research Themes: Biotechnology, Crop Improvement, Agro-ecosystems Management, and Institutions, Markets, Policy and Impacts. This position will be housed within IMPI theme. For further information please visit our website .
The Job: To undertake applied economics research in relation to improving the productivity and market competitiveness of dryland legumes (groundnuts, chickpea and pigeonpea) in collaboration with a team of biophysical scientists. This would include carrying out baseline studies for project monitoring and evaluation, adoption and impact studies, input and output market analysis, institutional innovations for strengthening market linkages, and designing effective and sustainable seed delivery systems. These projects evaluate market-led technological and institutional innovations to revitalize semi-arid agriculture for smallholder competitiveness, income growth and diversification in the region.
The Person: PhD in Agricultural Economics or related discipline in economics from a reputable university with over one year of experience in quantitative production and development economics, and working knowledge of agricultural marketing and the capacity to translate the findings of applied research into policy recommendations. A proven record of experience in field surveys, statistical analysis of survey data and knowledge of standard econometrics software is strongly desirable. Experience in multi-disciplinary research and good knowledge of methods for adoption and impact assessment would be an advantage. Applicants should have excellent communication skills in spoken and written English, including a record of international publications. The successful candidate should have an ability to perform in a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural environment. An understanding of farming systems in eastern and southern Africa is preferred.
Period and Remuneration: The appointment will be for a period of 3 years. An internationally competitive salary and benefits package that includes international health insurance, housing, car allowances, and appropriate relocation assistance, will be paid.
How to Apply: Please submit your application with curriculum vitae, current contact details, and names and addresses of three referees to Philip Ndungu (ICRISAT-Nairobi, PO Box 39063-00623, Nairobi, Kenya; Fax: +254 20 7224001, e-mail: ). Applications will be received until 20 November 2007, or until the position is filled. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
ICRISAT is an equal opportunity employer, and is especially interested in increasing participation of women on its staff.
