Research Assistant- 6 month’s temporary position

Vacancy Number: RA-T/PTVC/02/14
Department: Policy, Trade, Value Chains
Duration: 6 months

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ILRI is looking for a highly motivated, skilled and analytical individual with training in economic theory, value chain analysis and background livestock animals, to work as a research assistant in the preparation of and providing input in research outputs on various topics for publication for various CGIAR research program on Policies, Institutions and Markets (PIM).

This is a national appointment reporting to a research scientist in ILRI’s Policy, Trade and Value Chains research programme.

ILRI works to enhance the roles livestock play in pathways out of poverty in developing countries. ILRI is a member of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) Consortium, a global research partnership of 15 centres working with many partners for a food-secure future. ILRI has two main campuses in East Africa and other hubs in West and southern Africa and South and Southeast Asia. www.ilri.org.

The Centre’s headquarters are located in Nairobi, Kenya, and research is conducted in 31 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. We are supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and receive funding from over 50 different donors.

CGIAR is a global agricultural research partnership for a food-secure future. Its science is carried out by 15 research centres that are members of the CGIAR Consortium in collaboration with hundreds of partner organizations. www.cgiar.org.

 Responsibilities

• Contribute to research papers on livestock market participation and value chain performance, and animal disease incidence, cost and impact animal disease on livelihoods and livestock productivity in developing regions with a focus on smallholder systems, markets and institutions to support incomes and livelihoods in smallholder production systems
• Contribute technical and related economic information and literature reviews
• Analyse data on animal marketing, animal diseases incidence, trade, incomes genetics and breeds
• Produce descriptive data analysis and input in interpretation
• Contribute to the writing (including review and editing) of scientific research papers

Requirements

• A Master’s degree with 3 years’ experience in Agricultural economics or Economics. Those with PhD (currently pursuing or completed) in Agricultural economics or Economics shall also be considered.
• Experience livestock-related research that uses quantitative analysis and modelling tools
• In-depth knowledge of agricultural, economic and natural resource issues affecting livestock marketing and productivity in developing countries
• Background and research experience in information economics and value chain analysis
• Excellent quantitative research methods and data analysis skills
• Demonstrated competence in using statistical software (STATA) and others
• Demonstrated competence in research writing in English
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to think creatively and work effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Experience and interest in working with multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams

Terms of appointment:

This is a Nationally Recruited Staff (NRS) positions based at ILRI’s Nairobi campus and is for a six months fixed term contract period.

Job level and salary:

This position is job level 2D with a starting salary of KES 123,933 per month. This is exclusive of other benefits provided within ILRI’s National Recruited Staff Scheme

How to apply:

Applicants should provide a cover letter and curriculum vitae; names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to be included in the curriculum vitae. The position title and reference number REF: RA-T/PTVC/02/14 should be clearly marked on the subject line of the online application. All applications to be submitted online on our recruitment portal: http://ilri.simplicant.com by 20 May 2014.