Senior Research Fellow

Job Summary:

The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) seeks a qualified candidate to serve as a Senior Research Fellow (SRF) for a two-year, renewable appointment for its Markets, Trade, and Institutions Division.  This position is based at IFPRI headquarters located in Washington, D.C but location in one of IFPRI’s decentralized offices can be considered. The position would involve travel to any of the countries in which IFPRI carries out its research.  The selected candidate will conduct and lead divisional research on international trade and investment in agri-food products and activities, with a focus on quantitative analysis of global agri-food value chains and market dynamics, changing production and consumption patterns induced by climate change and market uncertainty, and analysis of options for internationally concerted policies for sustainable food system transformation.

Essential Duties: 

Specific duties include but are not limited to:

• Conducting and leading research on international trade and investment in agri-food products and activities, with a focus on quantitative analysis of global agri-food value chains and market dynamics, changing production and consumption patterns induced by climate change and market uncertainty, and analysis of options for internationally concerted policies for sustainable food system transformation.
• Developing and overseeing individual work plans and coordinating particular research activities.
• Recruiting and managing national and international collaborators.
• Develop and manage large/complex research programs and/or projects
• Publishing research in peer-reviewed publications.
• Provide strong research leadership in developing new ideas into proposals.
• Identifying and cultivating funding prospects and developing funding strategies for project/programs.
• Developing research funding proposals and preparing donor reports.
• Contributing to One CGIAR research initiatives
• Communicating research to a broad spectrum of stakeholders (researchers, academicians, policy makers, local partners, etc.).
• Creating links to external collaborators and groups
• Designing & supervising capacity-strengthening activities.
• Developing and monitoring of the program/ project budget.
• Providing regular reporting on program/project activities and budgets.
• Contributing to the preparation of internal and external program reviews.
• Supervising the work of various research support staff and provide professional mentoring to others.

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in Agricultural Economics, Social Science or closely related field and seven years of post-PhD research experience.
• Strong proven skills and experience in applying quantitative analysis in international trade and investment relevant to agricultural and food markets, including both econometric methods and (multi-country) computable general equilibrium (CGE) modeling.
• Demonstrated ability to perform critical analyses of own & others’ research
• Sustained and consistent excellent publications record in peer-reviewed journals, books, and other outlets.
• Demonstrated leadership in developing global research programs for policy recommendations.
• Demonstrated experience in effective interactions in a multicultural setting with other researchers and with policymakers, donors, and civil society, facilitating impact of research & capacity strengthening
• Major external recognition within peer professional network due to publications and other leaderships activities.
• The ability to effectively contribute to IFPRI’s overall institutional value through demonstrated participation and support for organization-wide programs and activities.
• Willingness to travel extensively as required
• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills with demonstrated excellence in written and oral presentations.
• Proven experience in developing, managing, and reporting on program/project budgets.
• Demonstrated computer literacy (PC, Microsoft Applications; Advanced statistical software).
• Proven knowledge and experience in programming of CGE models, preferably in GAMS.
• Proven record of fundraising success for broad and complex programs and projects.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and strong experience building and managing teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficiency in a second language of the U.N. system, preferably French.
• Proficiency in R, Stata, and/or similar software.

Physical Demand & Work environment: 

• Employee will sit in an upright position for a long period of time.
• 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.  

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.

IFPRI Washington D.C has a hybrid work environment that allows staff members a minimum of two days in-office work and three days remote work.

At IFPRI, we prioritize the health, safety and wellbeing of our employees, families, and friends.  In response to the increased transmissibility with recent COVID-19 variants, all US-based employees must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and provide proof thereof, as a condition of employment. Accommodations due to medical or religious exemptions will be considered.

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