Job Title: Scientist, Rural Socio-Economist
Organization: Bioversity International
Project: Commodity Systems and Genetic Resources
Location: Kampala, Uganda
Deadline: 15th November 2013
Reports to: Leader of the Commodity Systems and Genetic Resources
About US:
Bioversity International is a research-for-development organization working with partners worldwide to use and conserve agricultural and tree biodiversity for improved livelihoods, nutrition, sustainability and productive and resilient ecosystems. Bioversity International is a member of the CGIAR Consortium, a global research partnership for a food secure future. Bioversity International has more than 300 staff and scientists worldwide working with almost 700 partners.
For further information on Bioversity International, consult the Web page at http://www.bioversityinternational.org
Project Background:
The Commodity Systems and Genetic Resources Programme of Bioversity International pursues a systems approach to achieving rural livelihoods improvements and the sustainable use and conservation of commodity genetic resources, with emphasis on banana, cacao and coconut. The approach is based on a combination of conceptual frameworks, methods and tools for the collection, characterization, evaluation and documentation of commodity genetic resources, ecological intensification of banana-based production systems, including management of pests and diseases, and the analysis and development of value chains. This position responds to the need for a sound understanding of rural livelihood strategies and the relative and absolute role banana, cacao and coconut and associated agricultural biodiversity play therein. The position requires extensive travel in east and southern Africa, and periodic travel to research sites in Asia and Latin America.
Justification of Position:
With international attention focusing on the need to increase investment in agriculture to improve rural livelihoods, food and nutritional security, natural resources management and ecosystem services, Bioversity is seeking a highly motivated and dynamic person to lead economic research in the area of commodity genetic resources, productivity, and value chains and to carry out impact assessment of our research in pursuit of our strategic goals. Based in our regional office for east and southern Africa (ESA) in Kampala, Uganda the incumbent will coordinate and lead research to:
Evaluate the contribution of agricultural biodiversity and agro-ecological intensification to the security of smallholder livelihoods in response to pest and disease pressure and climate variability and change.
Determine principal economic and social drivers for agro-ecological intensification and the use of agricultural biodiversity, including key determinants of the policy and market environments.
Assess the impact of Bioversity's work regarding the increased use of agricultural biodiversity in commodity-based smallholder production systems on livelihoods, food and nutritional security, and gender equity.
The selected candidate will work with diverse partners and stakeholders at the global, national and local levels in pursuit of Bioversity's strategy and research agenda that seeks to leverage the use of agricultural biodiversity for sustainable intensification of production systems and more resilient livelihoods.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Develop household typologies according to the absolute and relative weight of banana, cocoa and coconut and associated agricultural biodiversity in the livelihood strategies of diverse smallholder households.
Assess gender-disaggregated effects of using agricultural biodiversity on household asset building, food and nutritional security, income generation and resilience to climate change.
Carry out studies on the economic and social drivers for agro-ecological intensification and the use of diverse genetic resources in smallholder production systems based on banana, cocoa and coconut.
Collaborate with biophysical and social scientists to identify options for agroecological intensification and value chain integration through partnerships at the research-development interface, in line with smallholder livelihood realities and needs.
Carry out socio-economic analyses for assessing the outcomes and impact of Bioversity's research on commodity genetic resources, productivity and value chains, including the role of the international and regional networks Bioversity coordinates.
Provide backstopping for data collection during project implementation to secure data availability for monitoring and evaluation as well as ex-post impact assessment.
Collaborate with other scientists, both within Bioversity and other CGIAR Centres and research organizations, including pertinent CGIAR Research Programmes (CRPs) and other research-for-development platforms and networks.
Contribute to capacity building for livelihoods analysis and ex-ante/ex-post impact assessment through collaborative research with national partners.
Contribute to outcome progress monitoring in the Commodity Systems and Genetic Resources Programme and collaborate with the Impact Assessment Unit at Bioversity and within relevant CRPs in developing and updating concepts and methods for comprehensive impact assessment of agricultural research for development.
Produce scientific publications and other impact-oriented products from high quality research and present research findings in international and national conferences, symposia and other high-level meetings.
Ensure the timely development of concepts, proposals, communications and reports for a range of donors, in close collaboration with the ESA office, Programme Leadership and the Resource Mobilization Team; take part in meetings and other events with donors and potential donors.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
The applicant should hold a PhD in agricultural or development economics, geography or related fields, with expertise in the area of livelihoods analysis and impact assessment.
At least five years of research experience in socio-economic analysis and impact assessment related to agricultural development, particularly in tropical and subtropical countries, preferably carried out in an international context.
Strong background in quantitative analysis of household survey data and rigorous design of impact studies, with experience in qualitative methods that complement quantitative approaches.
Familiarity with systems thinking, including farming and livelihoods systems and value chain frameworks, with experience or interest in gender-responsive research.
Good Understanding of innovative analytical approaches, including network analysis, and platforms for new ways of analyzing data.
A sustained record of scientific achievement and innovation including experience with the design and implementation of research projects and a demonstrated publication record in relevant fields.
Exhibit commitment to and demonstrated track record of working within multi-disciplinary teams and in multicultural environments.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to motivate, catalyze and promote engagement through negotiation and consensus-building.
Excellent English language skills, both verbal and written.
Drive and entrepreneurship to pursue and develop new research opportunities.
Experience in and high personal commitment to capacity building through collaborative research with national partners and supervision of PhD and MSc/MA students.
Capacity to integrate findings from biophysical and agroecological research, including ecosystem health, ecology and plant sciences, with socio-economic aspects of agricultural development.
Experience in partnerships both with research and development partners.
Working knowledge of Spanish and French is an advantage.
Terms and conditions: This is a Scientist level internationally recruited position. Bioversity International offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive salary, non-contributory retirement plan, medical insurance, housing allowance and leave provisions. All benefits are denominated and paid in US Dollars. The initial contract will be for a period of three years subject to a probationary period of one year.
How to Apply:
All Applications should be submitted online through Bioversity Job Opportunities web page
http://www.bioversityinternational.org/about_us/job_opportunities.html by clicking the “Apply” button and completing the online application and attaching the required information including contact details (address, telephone number and e-mail address) of at least three referees, whom Bioversity will contact for only short listed applicants.
Bioversity is an equal opportunity employer and strives for staff diversity.
Women and candidates from developing countries are encouraged to apply.
Deadline: 15th November 2013 but we will continue accepting applications until the position is filled
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