JOB OFFER at IITA
AGRICULTURAL MARKETS ECONOMIST (REF: DDG-R4D/AME/01/10)BACKGROUND: The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) with headquarters in Ibadan, Nigeria invites applications for the post of Agricultural Markets Economist.IITA is a non-profit organization based in Africa. It works with national entities to increase food production in tropical Africa. We have over 100 international scientists and support staff and 900 nationally recruited staff based in various stations across Africa. More information on IITA is available on http://www.iita.org/POSITION: IITA seeks an Agricultural Markets Economist. The overall objective of the position is to lead strategic research on market economics on IITA mandate crops and related activities.DUTY STATION: Ibadan, IITA Headquarters, Nigeria. Frequent travel is expected and candidates should be willing to work in small scale farm settings in Africa.EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:PhD in Agricultural Economics, Applied Economics or other relevant fields.Extensive experience in markets economic studies relating to agricultural issues, preferably in Africa.Outstanding ability to perform thoughtful critical analysis on market economics related data.Ability to work with researchers from other disciplines.Excellent communication skills (both oral and written)A strong peer-reviewed publication record.Minimum of 3 years of organizational, planning and budget management experience.Minimum of 3 years of donor relations experience including presentation of concept notes, proposal writing and oversight of compliance matters resulting in continuously donor funded projects.RESPONSIBILITIES: The primary responsibilities for the Agricultural Markets Economist will include:• Conducting market economic studies of commodities along the value chain.• Monitoring economic changes in agriculture in relation to the markets and vice versa.• Devising methods and procedures to conduct different types of markets surveys.• Creating, as well as to using, various econometric modeling techniques to develop forecasts.• Applying models of economic behavior to agricultural markets changes and developments.• Promoting market development through the use of experimental economic methods.• Developing business plans of the commodity value chains.• Maintaining a high level of research outputs for publication outlets within the wider scientific community and within IITA.• Establishing and fostering relationships and linkages with partners in national agricultural research and extension systems, the private sector and Advanced Research Institutes.• Providing technical backstopping and assistance in building market economic capacity of national programs.• Mobilizing and managing research funds effectively.CORE COMPETENCIES• Ability to work as a member of a multi-disciplinary team in a cross-cultural environment.• Excellent leadership, mentoring, management, interpersonal and team building skills.• Fluency in oral and written English. Working knowledge of French is an advantage.• Knowledge of sub-Saharan Africa is an added advantage.GENERAL INFORMATION: The initial appointment is for three years. IITA offers a competitive remuneration package paid in US dollars.APPLICATIONS: Interested persons are requested to apply to the Human Resources Manager with a copy of their CV, names and addresses of three referees and a covering letter (not more than 2 pages) indicating their interest/competency in handling the work, overview of similar work undertaken and their comments on the Terms of Reference. Please complete our online application form using this link: http://www.iita.org/cms/details/job_application.aspxCLOSING DATE: The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.