Agricultural Economist CIMMYT

We are seeking a dynamic, innovative, self-motivated, and results-oriented Agricultural Economist to work on improving the livelihoods of maize and wheat farmers in the developing work and particularly in Latin America. 

As a member of the CIMMYT Socioeconomics Program and in collaboration with public, private, local and international partners, you will explore technological and institutional innovations that increase productivity and improve access to markets, help policy makers understand viable approaches for enhancing food price stability; and translate your vision into a productive and exciting research agenda.

The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, known by its Spanish acronym, CIMMYT®, is a not-for-profit research and training organization with partners in over 100 countries. Please refer to our website for more information: www.cimmyt.org.

The position will be based at CIMMYT’s Main Campus (located 45 km northeast of Mexico City, Mexico) but will interact with all CIMMYT´s experimental stations and regional office (country and world-wide) on a regular basis.

Specific duties and responsibilities of the position will include:

Perform applied and strategic socioeconomics research for improving the productivity and market competitiveness of farmers in Mexico and Latin America and reducing their vulnerability to climate change and other shocks. 

Understand the determinants of technology adoption, impact pathways, and differential impacts on poverty, gender, and food security for targeting technology and policy interventions. 

Implement institutional innovations and strategies for enhancing farmer access to and use of improved seeds, other inputs, conservation agriculture, and better markets for surplus produce.

Analyze agricultural transformation, productivity change, resource use, sustainability and the drivers of change in maize- and wheat-based farming systems to inform investment and policy decisions.

The job will require that you:

Undertake regional strategic studies in Latin America to understand the situation, future outlook and emerging investment opportunities for maize and wheat in Latin America.

Work with a team of scientists to understand constraints to and opportunities for sustainable intensification, productivity growth and adaptation to climate change in traditional agriculture in Mexico.

Define potential tradeoffs and identify more profitable, low-risk, and sustainable intensification options in maize and wheat systems.

Analyze markets and value chains to develop socially inclusive institutional innovations that improve access to markets for resource poor farmers.

Monitor technology adoption and evaluate impacts on selected welfare outcomes for target areas.

Develop policy recommendations for enhancing system resilience and adaptation to climate change.

Publish research findings and contribute to dissemination of results to stakeholders.

Contribute to the capacity building of farmers and partners.

Undertake other activities defined by the supervisor or Program Director.

We are seeking candidates with the following academic qualifications, skills and attitudes: 

Ph PhD in Agricultural Economics, Resource Economics, Development Economics or related discipline from a highly recognized institution.

Relevant postdoctoral experience of at least 5 years (scientist) or 8 years (senior scientist).

Relevant publications in international peer-reviewed journals in agricultural economics. 

Good understanding of the challenges of productivity growth, sustainability and food security in Mexico or Latin America. 

Experience in combining applied quantitative methods with qualitative approaches to study complex farming systems.

Extensive knowledge of econometric methods and software (e.g. STATA, GAMS, etc) for analysis of survey data. Knowledge of other economic modeling methods (e.g. household modeling, bioeconomic modeling, spatial analysis, etc) will be an advantage.

An effective and energetic team player with the ability to work in a multidisciplinary and multi-cultural environment.

Excellent English and Spanish communication and writing skills.

The position is for an initial fixed-term contract of 3 years, after which further employment is subject to performance and the continued availability of funds. CIMMYT offers an attractive remuneration package paid in US dollars, with a range of benefits including housing allowance, life and health insurance, education allowance (to Grade 12), home leave, retirement fund, and relocation shipping assistance

CIMMYT is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity. Women are encouraged to apply.

Apply online or email cover letter and CV no later than Friday, 28 December, 2012. Please note position will remain announced until filled. 

(Email: irsrecruitment@cgiar.org / Please insert position reference number: 12261 in the subject of your email) 

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

For further information please contact Dr. Bekele Shiferaw, Director, Socioeconomics Program,b.shiferaw@cgiar.org orGuillermo Flores, g.flores@cgiar.org