ILRI Vacancy: Research Assistant -PTVC

Vacancy Number: RA/PTVC/02/14
Department: Policy, Trade, Value Chains/ReSAKSS
Duration: 2 years

ILRI seeks to recruit a Research Assistant to join a small team of professionals working on the Regional Strategic Analysis and Knowledge Support System (ReSAKSS) initiative. The objective of ReSAKSS is to provide data, information and knowledge to stakeholders in order to improve the formulation, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation of agricultural and rural development strategies in Africa. The successful candidate will work with the Eastern and Central Africa Node of ReSAKSS based at ILRI-Nairobi which is set up to serve the COMESA region in the implementation of the Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Program (CAADP).

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

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. 

Responsibilities

• Contribute to ReSAKSS’ analytical work based on regional priorities in agriculture and rural development. Areas of research may include regional trade analysis, food security research, agricultural investment analysis, agricultural investment modeling and other related areas

• Contribute to synthesis of studies and literature around topical issues affecting agriculture and rural development in the region to generate policy relevant messages

• Participate in the communication of ReSAKSS’ work, e.g. through preparation of ReSAKSS publications such as working papers,  policy briefs, technical reports, journal publications, conference papers, posters, brochures and presentations at various policy forums
• Contribute to the capacity building component of ReSAKSS including organizing and implementing policy relevant training for ReSAKSS’ stakeholders.
• Contribute to the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of CAADP indicators  in the COMESA region especially tracking changes in volume and value of intra-regional trade in staple commodities and agricultural inputs in the COMESA region
• Contribute to the organization of conferences, seminars, and workshops organized or co-organized by ReSAKSS

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree with 3 years’ experience in Agricultural Economics, Economics or MSc with limited post masters experience in other related field with application to agriculture and rural development.

• Experience in econometrics and other forms of quantitative analysis, demonstrated in appropriate written outputs; conducting literature searches and writing professional papers; working in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams in a developing country setting

• Knowledge and experience in agricultural and rural development issues in Sub Saharan Africa

• Applied knowledge of quantitative analytical methods ; proven experience in  database management and analyzing large datasets to answer analytical questions

• Proficiency in using MS Office and statistical packages

• Demonstrated ability to draft high-quality analytical and policy documents and related correspondence

• Demonstrated ability to synthesize a large body of knowledge into simple, easy to understand papers and policy briefs

• Demonstrated good organizational skills and ability to work with a minimum of supervision

• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain professional contacts, and to interact with national officials and experts, other researchers, international organizations, development partners, and other ReSAKSS’ stakeholders

• A willingness to travel frequently within and outside the COMESA region and knowledge of French language is an added advantage

Terms of appointment:

This is a Nationally Recruited Staff (NRS) positions based at ILRI’s Nairobi campus and is for a 2 year contract period.

Job level and salary:

This position is job level 2C with a starting salary of KES 116,417 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/PTVC/02/14should 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 28 February 2014.