Research Officer I

Vacancy Number: A/042/14
Institute: International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA)
Duration: Two years’ contract

The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) seeks to hire a Research Officer I for its Ethiopia office located at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) Addis Ababa campus.

The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) is an international autonomous, non-profit, research organization temporarily based in Beirut, Lebanon supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). ICARDA is committed to the improvement of livelihoods of the resource-poor in dry areas by enhancing food security and alleviating poverty through agricultural research, and the equitable use of natural resources. For more details: http://www.icarda.org

Purpose of the Position:

The Research Officer will support ICARDA agricultural market economist based in Ethiopia, and this will strengthen the market value chain research which is implemented in both the Sheep Value Chain which ICARDA is leading under the Livestock and Fish CRP and the market research conducted in the DS-CRP of North Africa and West Asia region.

Main Responsibilities:

• Implements farm household, market and consumer surveys and collects and manages secondary data,
• Conducts regular field visits to supervise data collection and follows-up with partners,
• Data entry, cleaning and management of survey data,
• Locates, assembles and analyzes secondary data relevant for social, economic and policy research,
• Conducts econometric analysis of data using STATA or other standard statistical software,
• Assists in managing and updating existing socioeconomic databases on stakeholder agricultural market and strategies in dry land agricultural systems,
• Conducts literature reviews and assist in preparing strategy documents, research reports and policy briefs to strengthen research and publication efforts,
• Participates in the development of communication materials to enhance the impact of strategic social, economic and policy research in different regions,
• Establishes and maintains contacts with collaborating organizations and partners
• Assists in organizing project and stakeholders meetings,
• Develops work-plans and budgets for subcontractors and collaborators,
• Any other duties and miscellaneous tasks as required and as assigned.

Requirements:
Education:
•    M.Sc in agricultural economics or related fields from a recognized university

Experience:
•    At least 5 years’ experience in agricultural research.

Skills:
•    Strong quantitative skills in econometrics and marketing research,
•    Practical experience in field surveys and analysis of farm household and market survey data,
•    Good understanding of rural economy, markets, value chains and agricultural in the Ethiopia and in the region,
•    Ability to prioritize and organize work efficiently and independently,
•    Fluency in written and spoken English,
•    Excellent skills in using STATA, SPSS and/or any other standard econometric software,
•    Good computer literacy with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel and Outlook, PowerPoint and/or Access.

Duty Station: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Position level: 3A.

Minimum Base salary:    
•    Birr 27,556 per month (Negotiable, depending on experience, skill and salary history of the candidate)

Terms of appointment: Initial appointment is for a two years, renewable appointment based on performance and funding availability.  ICARDA offers a multicultural, collegial research environment with competitive salary and excellent benefits in line with ILRI salary applicable for its Nationally Recruited Staff. ICARDA is an international and equal opportunity organization and believes that diversity of its staff contributes to excellence.

The ILRI campus is set in a secure, attractive campus on the outskirts of Addis Ababa.  Dining and sports facilities are located on site.

Applications: 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 and reference number: A/042/14 should be clearly indicated in the subject line of the cover letter. All applications to be submitted online on our recruitment portal: http://ilri.simplicant.com/ on or before 07 July 2014.

Suitably qualified women are particularly encouraged to apply.