Associate Research Fellow

Job Summary:

The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) seeks a qualified candidate to serve as an Associate Research Fellow (ARF) or Research Fellow (RF) for a two-year, renewable appointment in the Poverty, Health and Nutrition Division (PHND). The selected candidate will conduct research under the new OneCGIAR initiative, “Transforming Agri-Food Systems in South Asia” (TAFSSA). The candidate will work with the team on Work Package 1 (facilitating agrifood systems transformation through inclusive learning platforms, public data systems, and partnerships) and Work Package 4 (tackling behavioral and structural determinants of sustainable healthy diets) of the TAFSSA initiative.

This position will include engaging in and leading key research activities related to food systems and nutrition in South Asia, with a focus on Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan. The candidate will design and manage large surveys and evaluations, contribute to peer-reviewed publications and other dissemination of research findings, and support technical reporting. The candidate will also collaborate with national research partners in focus countries.

This position is based in New Delhi, India or other CGIAR hosting location and will require international travel.

Please note that ARF appointments at IFPRI have a maximum term of three (3) years, inclusive of any approved appointment extensions. After the maximum appointment term, ARFs may be considered for a promotion to the next level.

The final grade level (ARF or RF) for this position will be determined by demonstrated experience and track record of publications.

Essential duties

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Engaging in and leading key research activities related to food systems and nutrition in South Asia under the OneCGIAR initiative, with a focus on working with large-scale datasets on diets and dietary determinants.
• Conducting research to understand food value chains for both healthy and unhealthy foods in South Asia.
• Designing and managing large surveys and evaluations: selection and recruitment of data collection firms; development of study protocols, surveys and qualitative instruments, and training manuals; and training and supervision of field staff.
• Collaborating with national research partners in focus countries.
• Designing, implementing, and analyzing data from rigorous evaluations using experimental designs.
• Data management and analysis; publication of peer-reviewed papers, briefs, and slide decks; research communication and dissemination.
• Supporting technical reporting for work packages on food systems data and on diets and nutrition

Required qualifications:

• PhD in International Nutrition, Food Systems, Public Health, or closely related field
• High, demonstrated proficiency in quantitative research methods and data analysis, and in rigorous evaluations
• Prior research on topics related to nutrition and diets in LMICs, preferably South Asian countries
• Familiarity and previous work on healthy diets, programs, and policies to address multiple forms of malnutrition
• High degree of comfort with quantitative data analysis
• Demonstrated ability to publish in highly ranked peer-reviewed journals
• Demonstrated ability to effectively design and implement large scale survey data collection
• Ability and experience in managing internal and external relationships with project teams, donors, and collaborators
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Ability to travel extensively

At the Research Fellow level:

• Excellent publication record in peer-reviewed journals
• 3+ years of post-PhD experience relevant to the job and demonstrated fundraising experience
• Demonstrated management skills and experience with staff supervision, building and managing teams

Preferred qualifications:

• Familiarity with tools, methods, and metrics for measuring diets
• Familiarity with food systems and food and nutrition policy research and analysis in LMICs
• Experience with assessing characteristics of markets and food environments
• Understanding of multi-sectoral programs and policy design and implementation, and experience working and engaging with program implementers and policy makers such as governments, non-governmental organizations, and United Nations institutions
• Proficiency or fluency in South Asian languages

IFPRI provides research-based policy solutions to sustainably reduce poverty and end hunger and malnutrition. IFPRI’s strategic research aims to foster a climate-resilient and sustainable food supply; promote healthy diets and nutrition for all; build inclusive and efficient markets, trade systems, and food industries; transform agricultural and rural economies; and strengthen institutions and governance. Gender is integrated in all the Institute’s work. Partnerships, communications, capacity strengthening, and data and knowledge management are essential components to translate IFPRI’s research from action to impact. The Institute’s regional and country programs play a critical role in responding to demand for food policy research and in delivering holistic support for country-led development. IFPRI collaborates with partners around the world and is a CGIAR Research Center.

IFPRI offers a multicultural, collegial research environment with competitive salary and excellent benefits. IFPRI is an international and equal opportunity organization and believes that the diversity of its staff contributes to excellence. Women and developing country professionals are encouraged to apply.

TO APPLY:

Internal Candidates:  Please send cover letter & resume – via email – to Monica Dourado/Gabriela Paez.

External Candidates:

Click on the following link to access the Associate Research Fellow/Research Fellow job application:

https://phf.tbe.taleo.net/phf04/ats/careers/v2/viewRequisition?org=IFPRI&cws=43&rid=2797