ZA24168, Research Associate, Socioeconomics

CIMMYT is a cutting-edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow’s problems today. It is entrusted with fostering improved quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops through applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South, through building strong partnerships. This combination enhances the livelihood trajectories and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers, while working towards a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries.

For more information, visit cimmyt.org.

This is a nationally recruited position and is open to all Zambians with excellent academic records and relevant experiences. The position will support adoption and impact assessments on the European Union (EU) funded SIFAZ project. The successful candidate will initially work on the SIFAZ project, and other on-going projects on a need basis. The incumbent will participate in designing, managing, and implementing household surveys, data management and analysis, organizing stakeholder workshops, drafting manuscripts, and reporting across various projects.

CIMMYT is seeking a highly skilled and motivated candidate for the position of Research Associate (Socioeconomics) to be based in Zambia.

Specific duties:

• Contribute to socio-economic research in Zambia under the SIFAZ project and regional assessments in east and southern Africa on a need basis.
• Lead trainings in various aspects of socioeconomic research for research assistants and Ministry of Agriculture officers.
• Contribute to rigorous impact evaluation designs using experimental and quasi-experimental methods such as panel surveys, randomized controlled trials, and lab-in-the-field economic experiments.
• Backstopping new personnel (including consultants) under socioeconomics unit of CIMMYT in Southern Africa.
• Represent the lead CIMMYT Agricultural Economist in Southern Africa in his/her absence.
• Perform various tasks involving data collection, data maintenance, data analysis, statistical analysis, and econometric analysis.
• Conduct literature review, syntheses, and meta-analyses.
• Assist in the drafting and editing of discussion papers, policy notes, donor reports, project briefs, presentations, manuscripts, journal articles.
• Assist in organizing workshops and conferences.
• Assist with responses for internal/external data and information requests.
• Organize logistics and financial arrangements related to data collection, team travel, etc.
• Review monthly expenditures and keep track of staff time sheets.
• Perform all other related duties that may be assigned from time to time by the supervisor.

• Master’s degree in a relevant social science field (Agricultural economics, development economics, environmental economics, natural resource management, sociology, geography, or related).
• Experience with fieldwork in rural parts of Zambia and familiarity with local languages, culture, customs, and norms, with at least 5 years’ experience managing applied research projects.
• A manual driver’s license is a requirement.
• Experience in planning and implementing mixed methods in data collection (e.g.,interviews, focus group discussions, farm and household surveys, and participatory research tools, economic field experiments, panel surveys).
• Deep knowledge of adoption and impact assessment methods and tools.
• Experience with quantitative and qualitative data analysis using software such as Stata and NVIVO, respectively.
• Proficient and competent in designing and implementing surveys using computer-assisted personal interviewing (CAPI) software such as Survey Solutions, Census and Survey Processing Systems (CSPro) etc.
• Knowledge and familiarity with behavioural and experimental economics approaches will be an added advantage.
• Ability and willingness to travel to rural areas within Zambia.
• The selected candidate must be able to demonstrate the following competencies: Critical thinking, communication, client orientation, and ability to work in a multi-cultural environment.

Candidates must apply online for ZA24168, Research Associate, Socioeconomics.

Screening and follow up of applications will begin on, August 21st, 2024.

Applications must include a CV with contact details (telephone and email address) of 3 work-related references along with the confirmation that Recruitment can contact them) and a cover letter. Incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration.

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

This position will remain open until filled.

CIMMYT is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity. Women are encouraged to apply.