Senior Research Associate – Market Development and M & E

Market Development (50%)

Lead the design, implementation, and monitoring of strategic market development interventions across project partners and value chains.
Design and deliver capacity-building initiatives for project beneficiaries and partners focused on marketing and value chain development for root and tuber crops (RTCs).
Conduct consumer and market research to identify key RTC market segments and to characterize and estimate demand in both domestic and export markets.
Lead ex-ante and ex-post economic analyses to assess returns on investment in commercial RTC production in Malawi.
Collaborate with project partners to design inclusive business models, marketing strategies, and supply chain frameworks that effectively link large-scale farmers and producer organizations (e.g., cooperatives, farmer groups, associations) to structured markets.
Support project partners in strengthening the capacity of producer organizations and SMEs in areas such as group management, leadership, collective marketing, contract farming, and business and financial management.
Generate and disseminate evidence on the commercial viability of RTC-based enterprises through market analysis, consumer insights, and the development of knowledge products that inform and engage stakeholders and attract investment in the RTC subsector.

Monitoring and Evaluation (50%)

Lead the design and implementation of a comprehensive project-level Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) system, including the development of data collection tools, partner training, and the establishment of a centralized database for tracking and archiving project results.
Analyze and consolidate M&E data from project partners to inform technical and donor reporting, support adaptive project management, and guide evidence-based decision-making and learning.
Establish a coordinated M&E and project management framework across partners, while also developing and disseminating strategic communication and knowledge products to enhance project visibility and support the scaling of successful outcomes.
Design and implement operational qualitative and quantitative studies, including baseline, mid-term, and endline surveys, as well as impact evaluations.
Contribute to resource mobilization efforts to grow the country portfolio, supporting innovation and strategic priorities of the Program and Country Manager.

Master’s degree in agricultural related field.
At least 8 years of relevant work experience in agricultural related area or project coordination.
Demonstrate a strong understanding of MEL principles, frameworks, methodologies and software
Proficiency and timeliness in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data relevant to MEL
Ability to create clear, concise, and informative reports, presentations, and other communications related to MEL findings.
Ability to work effectively with partners and contribute to a positive work environment
Experience in conducting RTC market research and analysis to evaluate production and price trends, gross margins etc to attract investors in the sector

Excellent working environment.
Competitive compensation package commensurate with experience.
Initial fixed-term contract through April 30, 2026, with the possibility of extension.
Work in an equal and diverse workplace.