Research Specialist – Agri-business Optimization Economist

The Organization

The Alliance of Bioversity International & CIAT delivers research-based solutions that harness agricultural biodiversity and sustainably transform food systems to improve people’s lives. Alliance solutions address the global crises of malnutrition, climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation.

The Alliance works with local, national and multinational partners across Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia and Africa, and with the public and private sectors. The Alliance is part of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food-secure future, dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources and ecosystem services.

About the position

The Research Specialist – Agribusiness Optimization Economist will be a pivotal member of the Climate Action Team in Nairobi, Kenya, initially contributing to the AICCRA2 project and evolving into a key role within the Behavioral Optimization and Private Sector Support team. The main responsibilities include leading agribusiness landscaping efforts, publishing an Accelerator Playbook, and conducting comprehensive research on agribusiness support ecosystems across Africa, while integrating the best global practices and insights.

The Research Specialist – Agribusiness Optimization Economist role focuses on enhancing agribusiness support ecosystems in Africa through research, analysis, and project management. This position encompasses a comprehensive exploration of global trends and their implications for the African agribusiness landscape. The work will be geographically centered in Africa, with the potential for international engagement to integrate best practices and insights.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Conduct thorough literature reviews in the agribusiness, startup, and innovation scaling ecosystems, with an emphasis on global trends and their implications for Africa.
• Analyze global agribusiness trends and identify best practices and innovative models from various regions that can be adapted to the African context.
• Contribute to publishing peer-reviewed articles in academic and development practitioner journals, emphasizing the role of agribusiness and private finance in food systems development, supported by international examples.
• Engage with teams across the Alliance as well as the CGIAR more broadly, such as IWMI or working groups like Impact SF & IPSR incorporating cross-cultural perspectives in agribusiness practices and policies.
• Assist in managing projects and components of projects, ensuring alignment with international standards and methodologies.
• Cultivate relationships with key collaborators, including Briter Bridges and Agribusiness Partners, leveraging established networks in the international agribusiness community for knowledge sharing and collaboration.
• Advocate for policies that support sustainable agribusiness development, informed by international frameworks and best practices.
• Assist in reporting on initiative engagement status and outputs, including implications for investment dynamics in the agribusiness sector.
• Engage in the day-to-day management of project activities, ensuring effective implementation and cross-border collaboration.
• Attend relevant internal meetings and contribute to discussions on strategic directions and opportunities for collaboration.

Required qualifications and experience

• PhD or active enrollment for a PhD in any business or social science discipline, with ongoing or intended doctoral-level research.
• Proven experience in large-scale development project management, particularly in the agribusiness sector across multiple countries or regions.
• Experience engaging companies and researchers, including conducting Key Informant Interviews and outreach efforts.
• Understanding of the African agribusiness ecosystem and experience working directly with agribusinesses, complemented by knowledge of global trends and investment dynamics. Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Familiarity with climate finance and impact measurement related to DFI, IFI, and other sources of climate finance.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to facilitate workshops and engage in cross-cultural dialogue.
• Ability to quickly understand and adapt to new contextual situations while maintaining flexibility and motivation.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills, with the capability to manage multinational projects and ensure effective cross-border collaboration.
• Adaptability to international standards in project management, impact assessment, and agribusiness development.
• Expertise in diverse research methodologies, including mixed methods and participatory approaches applicable to local contexts.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to communicate complex concepts effectively to diverse audiences.
• Ability to quickly understand and adapt to new contextual situations.
• Ability to manage high-level relationships with partner organizations and other groups with the Alliance and CGIAR more broadly.
• Strong interpersonal and networking skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams, Interest and experience working in a fast-paced team within a large research institution.

Terms of employment

This position is an internationally recruited based in Nairobi, Kenya. The initial contract will be for two (2) years subject to a probation period of six (6) months and is renewable depending on performance and availability of resources.

This position is graded at BG08 level, with a minimum basic salary of USD44,248 per annum, in a scale of BG01 to BG14 (BG14 being the highest level according to the Alliance job classification framework policy). We offer a competitive salary and excellent benefits including but not limited to insurance, retirement plan, staff training and development, paid time off and flexible working arrangements.

The Alliance Bioversity-CIAT is committed to fair, safe, and inclusive workplaces. We believe that diversity powers our innovation, contributes to our excellence, and is critical for our mission. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority. We encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability statuses, sexual orientations, marital status, and gender identities. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.