Post Doctoral - Impact Assessment / Value Chain

(Ref: 13-26 PDIA/IRS/SSA)

The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking a post-doctoral fellow with excellent quantitative skills and expertise in value chain development and assessment, to lead impact assessment studies and to support the value chain strategy for the Africa Rising project in Ethiopia and for CIP projects in Ethiopia and sub-Saharan Africa.

The Center: CIP is a not-for-profit international agricultural research-for-development organization with a focus on potato, sweetpotato, and Andean roots and tubers. Its vision is of roots and tubers improving the lives of the poor. CIP is dedicated to achieving food security, improved well-being, and gender equity for poor people in root and tuber farming and food systems of the developing world. CIP works with partners to contribute high quality science, technology, and capacity strengthening for sustainable science-based solutions. CIP is headquartered in Lima, Peru, with staff and activities in over 30 locations across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. CIP is a member of the CGIAR Consortium. CGIAR is a global agriculture research partnership for a food secure future. Its science is carried out by the 15 research centers who are members of the CGIAR Consortium in collaboration with hundreds of partner organizations.

The position: This Post-Doctoral assignment will be a two year, joint appointment by CIP and ILRI’s Africa Rising Project based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The PD/IA-VC will work closely with Project Leaders and implementing partners and will be part of CIP’s global social science research team. He/she reports to the CIP Country Representative on administrative matters. The position will require frequent travel and fieldwork in rural areas in Ethiopia and occasionally in other countries in the region.

Specific duties and responsibilities:

• Lead and coordinate the implementation of, impact assessments, value chain analyses, baseline and endline surveys in Ethiopia and the region
• Based on the findings derived from such research, identify and coordinate activities contributing to more efficient and equitable value chains
• Contribute to the development of tools and methodologies for impact assessment and participatory on-farm research working with colleagues from other CGIAR Centers as appropriate
• Implement and further develop the Participatory Market Chain Approach with a view of creating demand for novel food products
• Contribute to campaigns for the promotion of sweetpotato and potato for improved nutrition and food security
• Identify public and private actors and food processors for the large-scale use and distribution of innovative sweetpotato- and potato- based food products
• Document and publish research findings in peer-reviewed international journals and other appropriate media
• Provide and arrange training of staff of public and private partner institutions
• Contribute to the development of new project ideas and proposals
• Perform other assignments related to project objectives

Selection Criteria:

The successful candidate will have:

•  PhD in Agricultural Economics / Economics or Social Sciences
• At least two years in a research for development context.
• Experience in value chain analyses and impact assessment required. Expertise in current quantitative and qualitative impact assessment methodologies is a must.
• Ability to work with rural communities and technical experts in facilitating implementation of value chains through participatory approaches
• Demonstrated ability to produce high quality publications
• Project management skills
• Team player with excellent organisational, communication and networking skills
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and to take decisive actions when faced with problems
• Fluency in English and computer literacy are essential

Conditions: The employment contract will be for a two-year term with the possibility of renewal. CIP provides additional benefits, including employer-paid medical, life and disability insurance. CIP prides itself on its collegial and supportive working environment, which allows space for personal and professional growth.

Applications: Applicants should apply by email, sending a letter of motivation, day-time phone number, a full C.V., copies of relevant certificates, and the names and contact information of three referees knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to CIP-Recruitment@cgiar.org with copy to Elmar Schulte-Geldermann (e.schulte-geldermann@cgiar.org.)  The reference name of the position should be clearly marked on the subject line of the email message. Screening of applications will begin on May 3, 2013and will continue until the post is filled. All applications will be acknowledged; only short listed candidates will be contacted.