Research Analyst

Job Summary

The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) of CGIAR seeks a Research Analyst I/II (RA) for a one-year, renewable appointment in its Markets, Trade, and Institutions Division. The RA will work as a part of the Macroeconomics and Trade theme and assist senior researchers in coordination, writing, and data processing and analysis with a focus on the sustainable development agenda.

The ideal candidate should have a strong interest in Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG 2, Ending Hunger) and related topics from a global, macroeconomic perspective. He/ She should have strong curious mind and an interest in understanding research methods (such as computable general equilibrium modelling) conceptually in order to explain results to a non-technical audience (such as national development agencies).

Essential Duties

Specific Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• About 40%: Writing and reporting: Contribute to or lead writing of research reports, policy briefs, research documentation, blogs, reports to donors, and other outputs. Conduct background research and literature reviews as needed. Help prepare presentations (e.g. in PowerPoint).
• About 25%: Team coordination: Coordinate among internal and external collaborators to share knowledge, follow up on tasks, solicit analytical input, occasionally schedule meetings and take minutes, and generally maintain smooth operation on research streams.
• About 25%: Data processing and analysis: Process and analyze secondary data from various sources, such as FAOSTAT or OECD.Stat, using statistical software such as R and spreadsheets. Assist with the preparation of tables and graphs for reporting.
• About 10%: Other duties as required for the research team, including administrative duties, and presentations.  As the RA builds knowledge of projects, they will have opportunities to present research to other stakeholders, such as national development agencies, foundations, and fellow researchers.

Required Qualifications

• Research Analyst I: Bachelor’s degree plus two years of relevant professional experience or Master’s degree in Economics, Agricultural Economics, International Economics, or closely related field.
  • Research Analyst II: Master’s degree in Economics, Agricultural Economics, International Economics, or closely related field plus minimum three years of post-master’s relevant experience
• Excellent writing skills and English grammar.
• Interest in learning concepts of technical methodologies and acquire new topical knowledge quickly, and to use this knowledge to understand implications of methodological decisions for results.  Ability to write, draft, prepare analytical reports based on discussions with other team members.
• Experience in data processing and analysis. Working knowledge of R, or experience with statistical software such as Python and ability to learn R quickly.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and comfort proactively coordinating among team members. Ability to work independently and as part of interdisciplinary and culturally diverse teams.
• High level of organization and self-direction. Ability to handle multiple tasks and complete tasks on time.
• Proficiency in MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Ease with using features to facilitate teamwork and organization such as templates, formatting, and cross-references in Word or the FindTime/Meeting Poll feature in Outlook, or ability to learn and use these features.  Exposure to Mendeley or Zotero a plus.
• Ability to contribute to research papers with a high degree of independence and creativity.

Preferred Qualifications

• Fluency in written and spoken French or other languages.
• Academic training in or experience with general equilibrium modeling, partial equilibrium modelling, and/or GAMS.
• Experience coordinating or managing research projects.
• Familiarity with issues related to international trade and international development issues, especially in Africa.
• Proficiency in tableau or other visualization software.

Physical Demand & Work environment

• Employee will sit in an upright position for a long period of time with little opportunity to move/stretch.
• Employee will lift between 0-10 pounds.
• Employee is required to have close visual acuity to perform activities such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing computer terminal; extensive reading.

The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), a CGIAR Research Center, is an equal employment opportunity employer – F/M/Disability/Vet/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.

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