Associate Scientist, Agricultural Markets Economist at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is a not-for-profit institution that generates agricultural innovations to meet Africa’s most pressing challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and natural resource degradation. Working with various partners across sub-Saharan Africa, we improve livelihoods, enhance food and nutrition security, increase employment, and preserve natural resource integrity. IITA is a member of CGIAR, a global agriculture research partnership for a food secure future.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Associate Scientist, Agricultural Markets Economist

Ref: DDG-R4D/AS/AME/06/21
Location: Ibadan, Oyo
Recruitment Type: The Initial appointment is for three (3) years

Background

• IITA seeks to recruit an Associate Scientist, Agricultural Markets Economist.
• The overall objective of the position is to lead strategic and applied research on market economics on IITA mandate crops and related activities.
• The successful candidate will work in collaboration with other social scientists and biophysical scientists as needed, such as agronomists, crop breeders, soil scientists, and IPM scientists.
• He/She will be a member of the IITA Social Science and Agri business Core Competency.
  He/She will report to the Senior Agricultural Economist and Director of Western Africa Hub.

Position Responsibilities

• Conduct market economic studies of commodities along the value chain.
• Monitor economic changes in agriculture in relation to the markets and vice versa.
• Devise methods and procedures to conduct different types of market surveys and value chain aassessments.
• Create, as well as use various econometric modeling techniques to develop forecasts.
• Apply models of economic behavior to agricultural markets changes and developments.
• Promote market development using experimental economic methods.
• Develop business plans for project and activities in commodity value chains.
• Establish and foster relationships and linkages with partners in national agricultural research and extension systems, the private sector,and Advanced Research Institutes.
• Provide technical backstopping and assistance in building the capacity of national programsin research on market economics.
• Mentor and backstop graduate students involved in related research.
• Publish scientific outputs in peerreviewed IF journals and others (e.g.,technical reports, IITA bulletins, or social media and books or book chapters).
• Contributionte to resource mobilization through the development of concept notes and proposalsin collaboration with others.
• Perform any other job-related duties as may be assigned by the supervisor.

Education Qualifications

• The candidate should possess a Ph.D.in Agricultural Economics, Applied Economics, or other relevant fields from a highly recognized university.
• He/she will demonstrate experience of at least three (3) years in markets economic studies relating to agricultural issues, preferably in Africa.

Core Competencies:

• Good knowledge of market studies.
• Competence in the development of socio-economic andmarket surveys.
• Ability to perform a thoughtful, critical analysis of market economics-related data.
• Conversant with tools and approaches applied in market studies.
• Knowledge and experience with economic evaluation of agricultural technologies.
• Familiarity with statistical software used in market studies.
• Track record of peer-reviewed publicationsin market-related journals.
• Experience with resource mobilization.
• Ability to work as a member of a multi-disciplinary team in a cross-cultural environment.
• Excellent lleadership, 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.

Remuneration

• IITA offers a competitive remuneration package paid in US dollars.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified. (The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found )