The overall purpose of the job is supporting IFPRI researchers within an agricultural and economic research environment and contributing to research design and empirical analysis of primary and secondary data in IFPRI’s research areas: ensuring sustainable food production; promoting healthy food systems; improving markets and trade; transforming agriculture; building resilience; and strengthening institutions and governance.
The Research Officer is expected to provide support to ongoing research activities on seed systems, genetic gains, seed policies, technology adoption, water-energy-food nexus, sustainable land management, and efficiency and productivity analysis
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
Be a key part of a dynamic global research team leading a CGIAR initiative on Delivering Genetic Gains on Farmers’ Fields (SeEdQUAL)’s work package (WP) on “Policies for varietal turnover, seed quality assurance and trade in seeds”;
Work closely with senior research staff to undertake the following tasks;
Manage and conduct primary and secondary data collection on rural household, institutional, and value chain studies;
Manage focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and other qualitative data collection tasks;
Conduct statistical and econometric analyses;
Write literature reviews, research reports, concept notes, and funding proposals;
Draft, edit, and transcribe reports, manuscripts, proposals, and other documents;
Organize seminars, workshops and other learning events;
Assist in the preparation of reports and presentations, ensure timely and accurate dissemination of research findings to the relevant government authorities and donor agency;
Communicate research findings to external audiences as appropriate;
Any other responsibilities assigned by supervisor and/or management.
Minimum Requirements:
Education:
Master’s degree in economics, agricultural economics, or related discipline
Broad / specialized knowledge of methods, techniques and processes
Experience:
At least 3 years’ experience after Masters’ degree in a similar position
Skills:
Proficiency in using statistical packages like STATA, R, and SAS. In our working environment, STATA is most commonly used; knowledge of R would be a plus.
Excellent quantitative analytical skills
Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office applications for word processing, spreadsheets; experience with graphics and data management
Excellent knowledge of both written and spoken English
Prior knowledge of GIS and remote sensing would be advantageous.
Previous work experience on agriculture, genetic resources, water management, sustainable land management, nutrition, or energy-related research would be preferred
Professionalism and integrity: Able to apply ethics, principles, standards and expertise in all areas of work; honest, above reproach, appropriate in actions and behaviors, and transparent in conduct
Results-oriented: Able to recognize bottlenecks timely and identify solutions; able to meet agreed-upon deadlines and set goals; focused in all tasks.
Travel: Ability and willingness to travel nationally and internationally as necessary
Interpersonal relations: Good interpersonal communication and facilitation skills; able to work with and relate to others in mutual support and with respect towards common goals and shared vision; able to build and nurture strong and authentic reciprocal relationships; committed to non-domineering or patronizing attitudes and/or behaviors.
Respect for diversity: Able to work effectively, respectfully, and inclusively with people from different backgrounds and with different perspectives is critical for all staff members.
Communication: Able to express oneself, share and exchange information clearly and in a timely style.
Innovation and creativity: Able to generate new ideas and ways of working to continuously improve existing work processes, practices, concepts
