Senior Research Fellow II

Job Summary

The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) seeks a qualified candidate to serve as a Senior Research Fellow II (SRF) for a two-year, renewable appointment for its Markets, Trade, and Institutions Unit.  This position is based at IFPRI headquarters located in Washington, D.C. The position will involve travel to any of the countries in which IFPRI carries out its research.  The selected candidate will provide leadership to the unit’s macroeconomics and trade team and conduct research on international trade and investment in agri-food products and activities, with a focus on sustainable and healthy food standards in trade policies and the dynamics of globally integrated agri-food value chains in the context of 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:

• Provide leadership to the unit’s macroeconomics and trade team.
• Conduct and lead research on international trade and investment in agri-food products and activities, with a focus on sustainable and healthy food standards in trade policies and the dynamics of globally integrated agri-food value chains in the context of climate change and market uncertainty, and analysis of options for internationally concerted policies for sustainable food system transformation.
• Develop and oversee individual work plans and coordinating particular research activities.
• Recruit and manage national and international collaborators.
• Develop and manage large/complex research programs and/or projects.
• Publish research in peer-reviewed publications.
• Provide strong research leadership in developing new ideas into proposals for research funding.
• Identify and cultivate funding prospects and develop funding strategies for projects/programs.
• Develop research funding proposals and prepare donor reports.
• Contribute to One CGIAR research initiatives.
• Communicate research to a broad spectrum of stakeholders (researchers, academicians, policy makers, local partners, etc.).
• Create links to external collaborators and groups.
• Design & supervise capacity-strengthening activities.
• Develop and monitor the program/ project budget.
• Provide regular reporting on program/project activities and budgets.
• Contribute to the preparation of internal and external program reviews.
• Supervise the work of various research support staff and provide professional mentoring to others.

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in Development Economics, Agricultural Economics, Industrial Organization, Social Science, or closely related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of post-PhD experience.
• Strong proven skills and experience in applying economic theory in qualitative and quantitative analysis in international trade and investment relevant to agricultural and food markets, including on issues related to food standards and other non-tariff barriers and imperfect competition.
• Proven experience in the development and application of global trade models.
• 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 (, Microsoft Applications; Advanced statistical software).
• 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 or Spanish.
• Proficiency in R, Stata, GAMS and/or similar 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 activity 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.

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