Rice Policy and Value Chain Economist

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
Rice Policy and Value Chain Economist
Ref: IRS/PS/DR4D/2024/39

The Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) is seeking a highly qualified Rice Policy and Value Chain Economist who will be based at AfricaRice Saint-Louis, Senegal. S/He will work under the supervision of the Policy Innovation Systems and Impact Assessment Program Leader.

About AfricaRice
The Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) is a leading pan-African rice research organization committed to improving livelihoods in Africa through strong science and effective partnerships. AfricaRice is a CGIAR Research Center. It is also an intergovernmental association of 28 African member countries, with headquarters in Côte d’Ivoire.

Position purpose
The Rice Policy and Value Chain Economist will be part of a multi-disciplinary team working to sustain and improve the productivity, sustainability and profitability of rice value chains consistent with AfricaRice’s mission and mandate. Under the supervision of the Program Leader for Policy, Innovation, System and Impact Assessment at AfricaRice, he/she will contribute to national, regional and continental policy analysis, foresight, policy coherence to achieve development outcomes in rice value chain including rice competitiveness, rice self-sufficiency, job creation for youth, social inclusion, prosperity and sustainability.

Position responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Policy Innovation Systems and Impact Assessment Program Leader, the Rice Policy and Value Chain Economist will undertake activities with specific tasks that include, but are not limited to:
• Assess the opportunities and constraints to pro-poor rice value chain development at national and regional levels in order to improve the competitiveness of domestic rice in Africa.
• Support the provision of technical assistance and backstopping to governments through Ministries of Agriculture and Ministry in Charge of Youth and similar on the development of rice value chainbased job creation and youth policies and strategies.
• Conduct cost-benefit estimates and investments and propose pros and cons on various policy design options.
• Develop or contribute to the policy advocacy platforms within the context of the policy support
systems and makes needed adjustments for enhanced efficiency.
• Track and analyze relevant government and policy documents, including decision, as well as
academic and policy research to inform and provide foresight in policymaking.
• Contribute to the development of technical products and analytical studies to support evidencebased policy reform processes with a focus on job creation and investment priorities in the framework of rice self-sufficiency strategies.
• Support the strengthening of national capacities of governments and private sector for policy design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of national and regional policy support for achieving rice self-sufficiency.
• Support the provision of technical assistance and backstopping to continental and regional bodies
(WAEMU, ECOWAS and AU) to strengthen their ability to support countries in the roll out of
continental and regional rice policies and strategies.
• Actively engage with other AfricaRice partners on specific policy areas (e.g. rice trade, price
monitoring, subsidies, industrial/market, climate, seed, fertilizer) with national, regional and
continental bodies, to guide them in how to follow a robust process for policy and strategy making.
• Manage documentation, monitoring and evaluation of policy processes, outputs, outcomes, impact and lessons learned and dissemination.
• Contribute to partnership development and liaison with national, regional and continental partners on technical policy and regulatory reform issues.
• Facilitate a dedicated website link within the AfricaRice website for rice policy resources.
• Contribute to the drafting of actionable and high-quality policy recommendations, technical reports, policy briefs, knowledge products for public consumption, and other communication and advocacy products.
• Publish research results in refereed journals;
• Contribute to fund raising to scale out and consolidate the Policy unit’s strategic activities;
• Participate in in the center’s risk management actions;
• Undertake any other duties related to the position and as required by the needs of the Center.

Qualifications/Selection Criteria
Education: A PhD in applied economics, agricultural economics or related fields.
Work experience and key competencies required:
• At least eight years of post-doctoral experience, preferably related to rice policy research.
• Work experience in Africa is highly desirable.
• Proven record in scientific publications in policy analysis
• Skills in economics modelling and econometrics
• Proven ability to work efficiently as a member of a multi-disciplinary team.
• The ideal candidate must have an excellent publication record and the willingness to travel
frequently
• Strong experience in using statistical software such as GAMS, Stata and/or R
• Advance knowledge of data collection applications such as CSPRO, ONA, ODK, Kobo or Survey Solution
• Excellent interpersonal competences, communication, presentation, and advocacy
• Excellent capacity of planning and management
• Fluent in either English or French and a working knowledge of the other.

Terms and Conditions
• This is an internationally recruited position.
• AfricaRice provides an attractive salary and benefits package and a collegial and gender-sensitive work environment.
• The initial appointment is for three (3) years with the possibility for renewal based on performance and availability of funding.

How to apply
1. To apply, click on the following link: https://jobs.africarice.org/
2. Create an account if you are a new user, if not log on with your credentials to access active
vacancies select “Rice Policy and Value Chain Economist”
3. Follow the step-by-step application procedure.
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Only online applications will be considered (If you encounter any technical issue on the career
site during your application, or you are prevented to proceed with your application until its
final completion: Please kindly revert to us along with the screenshot of the issue through
this email: (africariceHR@cgiar.org ). Applications are not allowed through this email.
Not later than 12 July 2024
AfricaRice promotes equal opportunities and believes that the diversity of its staff contributes to excellence.
We thank all candidates, but only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. For more information on
AfricaRice, please visit our website at: www.AfricaRice.org