Agricultural Economics – Research Officer wanted: APPLY HERE

Pretoria, Gauteng

The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) is seeking applications from highly motivated individuals to fill the positions of Research Officer – Agricultural Economics at the Institute’s Southern Africa office in Pretoria, South Africa. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the ongoing Regional Strategic Analysis and Knowledge Support System for Southern Africa (ReSAKSS-SA) project related to agricultural policies in Africa, in particular, the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Analyze agricultural investment, growth and poverty trends, and trade dynamics in Southern Africa.
Develop and track indicators of agricultural growth and poverty reduction to assist key project stakeholders in monitoring and meeting policy objectives.
Facilitate the preparation of country-level annual reports on monitoring and evaluation of agriculture sector performance in selected countries of the Southern Africa region, focusing on the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP).
Contribute to the preparation of the regional Annual Trends and Outlook Reports which provide details of monitoring and evaluation of agriculture sector performance in Southern Africa, in the context of CAADP and the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP), as well as the Regional Agricultural Policy (RAP) of SADC.
Contribute to regional monitoring of water resources, and towards the preparation of the report on findings of the monitoring activities.
Assist in the establishment and operationalization of country-level CAADP Strategic Analysis Knowledge Support Systems (SAKSSs) in the SADC region.
Prepare policy briefs on specific topics for selected countries in the SADC region.
Analyze options for the provision of farm insurance and incorporate results in financial models of the agriculture sector.

REQUIREMENTS:
MINIMUM EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

ESSENTIAL

MSc in agricultural economics, economics or a similar discipline. Those with an MSc in a relevant field and with demonstrable substantive experience may also be considered.
A minimum of 3 years’ policy research experience.
Proficiency in quantitative and qualitative methodologies (deep understanding of applied econometrics [both cross-sectional and time series]).
Working knowledge of agricultural economics and relevant policy development initiatives in Southern Africa.
Knowledge and experience in agriculture/index-based insurance.
A record of peer-reviewed publications.
Work experience in developing countries, especially the SADC region.
Demonstrable work experience with various stakeholders ranging from the state to non-state actors in pursuit of policy change.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

ESSENTIAL

Strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people in a multicultural, multiethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
Familiarity with the concepts and tools required to undertake economic analyses.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
The ability to undertake policy analysis.
Desirable

Knowledge of and experience in using STATA, Eviews or Microfit for statistical analysis.
BENEFITS
For a detailed job description and to apply for the position, visit www.iwmi.org/jobs. Your application must include a copy of your curriculum vitae, cover letter which addresses IWMI’s requirements stated above, and contact information of three professional referees who will be contacted if you are shortlisted for the position.

This is a nationally recruited position with a competitive salary and benefits package. The duration of the contract will be for a two-year period with the possibility of extension based on performance and availability of funds. Only individuals with permission to work in South Africa are eligible to apply.

IWMI is an equal opportunity employer and emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusiveness in identifying candidates for this position and its staff more generally.

Apply Now

Source: Indeed