Social Scientist (Qualitative Methods) at International Potato Center (CIP)

About the position:

The Social Scientist will ensure that CIP’s ongoing and evolving research and development programs will apply methodologies and insight from qualitative social science, including gender research, so that they can contribute effectively to global development challenges. Secondly, the Social Scientist will ensure that this research is carried out at excellent standards, results in impactful publications, and can influence future research and policy design. The position will be part of CIP’s global Social and Nutrition Sciences Division and will work closely with scientists across disciplines and countries and with the CGIAR gender platform. The position at least initially has a focus on research programs in Africa and South Asia but is relevant for all of CIP’s programs. The position will report to one of CIP’s global program leaders and will be based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide science leadership across CIP’s program portfolio for the application of qualitative social science to addressing strategic research questions related to human and institutional behavior change in the context of dietary, nutrition and agri-food systems transformation.
• Work closely with scientists and project teams to identify key social science research priorities in current and evolving projects and develop research strategies and plans for addressing these.
• Specifically, design and implement research on gender and social inclusion within the context of new and expanding technology development and delivery projects for sweetpotato and related agri-food systems and contribute significantly to the CGIAR gender platform.
• Produce peer-reviewed publications as lead author and contributing author in high quality journals, based on this research.
• Develop and manage productive research partnerships with universities and research institutes of international stature.
• Contribute to program reporting and communications with development partners to ensure that findings from qualitative social research help strengthen CIP’s credibility and influence.

Who are we looking for?

• PhD in a relevant social science discipline with a strong focus on qualitative methodologies.
• Excellent and up-to-date understanding of qualitative research methods pertinent to the study of behavior change, gender, social inclusiveness, youth, risks and benefits from technology change, and institutional transformation.
• At least 5 years’ experience of leading qualitative social research in an international program environment, preferably within the agriculture, food or rural development sector.
• Strong understanding of the social, cultural and economic context of poverty, food insecurity, malnutrition, and social marginalization in Africa and South Asia.
• Excellent skills in research design, coordination of research teams, timely analysis, writing and presentation.
• Excellent track record of original research and peer-reviewed publications based on qualitative social science methodologies.
• Excellent leadership skills to promote effective collaboration within research teams and across research partnerships.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English. Proficiency in French or Spanish is an advantage.
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally and work in resource-poor, rural areas.

What are we offering?

• Exciting career opportunity in an international organization.
• Internationally competitive salary, paid in US dollars, and commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive international insurance coverage.
• Attractive retirement plan.
• Three-year term contract with the possibility of renewal.
• Work in an equal and diverse workplace.