Post-Doctoral Fellow, Gender Equity and Social Inclusion

The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, known by its Spanish acronym, CIMMYT®, is not-for-profit agricultural research for development organization with partners in over 100 countries. Please refer to our website for more information: www.cimmyt.org

Maize is the most important food crop in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where it occupies approximately 24% of the region’s farmland, more than any other staple crop. For maize research-for-development to contribute effectively to SDG5 on gender equality and women’s empowerment, it is essential that the new improved maize varieties for Africa’s smallholder farmers address the needs and preferences of both women and men. At the same time, the national maize seed sector and related value chains must serve the smallholder farmers –especially the women farmers and marginalized communities – by providing access to and information about and the high-quality seed of modern stress-tolerant varieties.

To expand the evidence base for addressing these challenges and strengthen the integration of gender and social inclusion in our agricultural research-for-development (R4D) portfolio for sub-Saharan Africa, CIMMYT is seeking an innovative, dynamic, pro-active, resourceful and results-oriented gender and social inclusion researcher to join its Sustainable Agrifood Systems (SAS) Program in the region to primarily support a new project looking at new methodologies to incorporate farmers’ preferences at the early stage of breeding pipelines. The selected candidate will contribute actively to on-farm research to ensure gender mainstreaming and social inclusivity in maize breeding.

The selected candidate will form part of CIMMYT’s SAS Program and will work in close collaboration with CIMMYT’s Global Maize Program, as well as local and international partners. In alignment with CIMMYT’s strategy for gender and social inclusion in maize R4D, the selected candidate will work with colleagues and partners to expand the current evidence base on gender and social inclusion, particularly in gender-intentional seed delivery, value chain development, and agricultural livelihood improvements in sub-Saharan Africa, develop relevant policy recommendations and promote gender-transformative R4D practices.

The position will be based in Harare or Nairobi and will involve regional travel, including to other CIMMYT offices and field operations. 

Specific duties:

• Design and conduct research to identify and understand barriers to access to and adoption of improved maize varieties in eastern and southern Africa, especially by women farmers and marginalized communities.
• Based on research findings, develop and test innovative strategies and modalities for improving access to and use of stress-tolerant maize varieties via formal seed systems by women farmers and marginalized communities.
• Work with maize breeders and other colleagues to integrate a gender perspective into product profiles and regional on-farm trials, including collection and analysis of gender-disaggregated data on farmers’ varietal and trait preferences.
• Contribute to the research and promotion of avenues for integrating gender-intentional and gender-transformative approaches in R4D, including institutional learning and change through networking and capacity strengthening.
• Contribute to resource mobilization to strengthen gender and social inclusion in maize R4D.
• Publish research findings in international peer-reviewed journals.

Required qualifications, skills, and attitudes:

• Ph.D. in social sciences, e.g., economics, sociology, anthropology, feminist economics, or related fields from a recognized university, with a strong focus on gender and social inclusion.
• Basic theoretical and methodological background in the design of research related to gender and social inclusion, with a track record of publishing insightful research in reputable peer-reviewed journals.
• Knowledge or interest in crop breeding; experience in sub-Saharan Africa would be an advantage
• Strong quantitative and/or qualitative analytical skills, with a keen interest in and experience with mixed methods (qualitative and quantitative).
• Proven interpersonal-, and cross-cultural skills, including the ability to work with and motivate multi-disciplinary teams and to develop strong and effective working relationships with colleagues and partners, including those from the private sector.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English, including strategic thinking and the ability to present coherent and convincing analyses to different audiences.
• A high degree of personal organization, the ability to work under pressure, and willingness to travel.
• The selected candidate should exhibit the following competencies: Client Orientation, Negotiation, and Conflict Resolution, Problem Solving and Decision Making, Teamwork, and Communication.

The position is for an initial fixed term of three (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 home travel airfare, contribution to a retirement plan, and generous assistance with relocation shipment.

Candidates must apply online for IRS22171_Post-Doctoral Fellow, Gender Equity, and Social Inclusion.

Screening and follow-up of applications will begin on Tuesday, January 3^rd, 2023. Applications must include a CV and a cover letter. Incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration. For further information on the selection process, please contact Yessica Castillo, at y.castillo@cgiar.org

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

This position will remain open until filled. 

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.