Research Officer II – Agricultural Economist at International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the design and lead the implementation of research activities - develop and implement experiments for hypothesis-testing, lead survey development and oversee data collection and management.
• Co-author papers for peer-reviewed publication as well as support the broader dissemination of research findings through other outreach materials.
• Strengthening collaboration and existing partnerships, and building new and innovative partnerships for research and development that contribute to ILRl's agenda on index-based livestock insurance, high-frequency data collection in sentinel zones using digital innovations, conflict as well as climate change adaptation and mitigation
• Conduct scoping studies to identify and prioritize appropriate innovations for bundling with index-based livestock insurance as well as approaches for de-risking investments by pastoralists.
• Supervise junior research associates, students/interns, temporary staff, consultants, and BSc students as required and related to the broader agenda on livestock insurance, conflict and climate change adaptation and mitigation.
• Project development and management including mobilizing resources through participation in development of grant proposals, managing budget and reporting, and meeting deliverables schedules.
• Rigorous analysis of diffusion and impacts of innovations including livestock insurance and climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies, using advanced econometric techniques and both experimental and observational data.
• Develop capacity of external stakeholders in utilizing adaptation planning tools and frameworks.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Agricultural and Applied Economics.
• A minimum of 5 years’ work experience in academia, a development-oriented research organization or comparable institution in the area of impact evaluation and analysis of farmers/pastoralists adoption behaviour.
• Knowledge of microeconomic theory and excellent skills in econometric analysis.
• Excellent knowledge of STATA.
• Demonstrated experience in coordinating large data collection surveys in remote areas.
• Demonstrated ability to perform in-depth statistical and econometric analysis and report the results.
• Willingness and openness to learn.
• Demonstrated fluency in written and spoken English.
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work in a team-oriented multi-cultural environment.
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task as needed, consistently meet deadlines, and manage time well.
• Demonstrated professional level of attention to detail and accuracy of work.
• Ability to work independently and with initiative.
• A good understanding of impacts of climate change and variability on agri-food systems.