Agricultural Economist: CIMMYT Zambia


CIMMYT is a spanish acronym which stands for ( Centro Internacional de Mejoramiento de Maíz y Trigo) in English it means the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center.

CIMMYT is a not-for-profit research and training organization with partners in over 100 countries. CIMMYT collaborates with national agricultural research institutions, non-government and community-based organizations, seed sector organizations, regional research networks, other CGIAR centers, private companies, and advanced research institutions to tackle the problem on a global scale by providing farmers the best seed, agronomy, and information needed to increase yields.
CIMMYT is seeking an experienced, pro-active and results-oriented social scientist to develop and implement a strategic socio-economic research agenda around the adoption and impact of cereal innovations, particularly for maize seed in Africa. The position contributes to CIMMYT’s research-for-development (R4D) to improve the livelihoods of maize farmers and consumers in developing countries and the MAIZE consortium research program. You will work as a member of CIMMYT’s Socio-Economics Program in close collaboration with CIMMYT’s Global maize and other programs and with local and international partners.

The position will be based at CIMMYT-Ethiopia office in Addis Ababa or CIMMYT-Kenya office in Nairobi, but will involve frequent travel, including to other CIMMYT field sites particularly throughout target areas in Africa. The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, known by its Spanish acronym, CIMMYT®, is a not-for-profit research and training organization with partners in over 100 countries. Please refer to our website for more information: www.cimmyt.org

Specific duties of this position include:

Assess the adoption of maize innovations in selected African geographies, particularly improved maize varieties in eastern Africa, including diffusion dynamics and associated drivers. > Assess the multidimensional (social, economic and environmental) impacts of such maize innovations, including their distributional effects especially on the livelihoods of resource poor farmers, consumers and women. > Translate findings into R4D priorities and implications, including the development of strategies, options and recommendations to set research priorities, guide policy decisions, facilitate adaptations and stimulate scaling up and out. > Strengthen the impact culture within CIMMYT, MAIZE and beyond through better articulation of impact pathways and ex post impact evaluation. > Publish findings in international peer reviewed journals.

We are seeking candidates with the following qualification, skills and attitudes:

PhD in agricultural economics, development economics or a related social science field from a recognized institution. > At least 6 years of relevant experience in applied R4D in developing countries, preferably with experience in Africa. > Good partnership and interpersonal skills and team player, including ability to work with different nationalities, disciplines and educational levels, as a member of a diverse work team. > Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. > A high degree of personal organization and the ability to multi-task and work under pressure, as well as travel extensively. > Established publication record in international peer-reviewed journals.

The position is for an initial fixed-term contract of 3 years, after which further employment is subject to performance and the continued availability of funds. CIMMYT’s internationally competitive salary and benefits include housing allowance, car, comprehensive health and life insurance, assistance for children’s education, paid vacation, annual airfare, contribution to a retirement plan, and generous assistance with relocation shipment.

CIMMYT is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity. Women are encouraged to apply.

HOW TO APPLY:

To apply for this position, please email cover letter and CV to Human Resources, CIMMYT (Email:[email protected] / Please indicate position reference number: 15818 in the header of your email). Screening and follow up of applications will start on Monday, 13 April 2015. This position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted. In your application, please specify where you saw this position advertised. For further information on the selection process, please contact Esther Mendoza Ramos, at [email protected]