Gender and Development Specialist - Africa

We are seeking a dynamic, innovative, resourceful and outcomes oriented gender researcher to join our interdisciplinary team of scientists working to improve the livelihoods of resource-poor maize and wheat farmers in the developing world. As a member of the gender team under CIMMYT’s Socio-Economics Program and in close collaboration with biophysical scientists and international and national partners, the successful candidate will undertake applied research on gender issues in relation to the sustainable intensification of mainly maize-based farming systems in eastern and southern Africa and contribute to strengthening the institutional capacity for integrating gender in maize (and wheat) research-for-development. The position is linked to key research-for-development projects in CIMMYT’s Africa portfolio.

The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, known by its Spanish acronym, CIMMYT®, is a not-for-profit research and training organization with partners in over 100 countries. Please refer to our website for more information: www.cimmyt.org

 

The position will be based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia or in Nairobi, Kenya but will interact with all CIMMYT´s experimental stations and regional offices (country and world-wide) on a regular basis.

 

Specific duties of this position include:

• Develop and implement an adequate balance between strategic gender research and gender mainstreaming in sustainable intensification projects and interventions in mainly maize-based farming systems in eastern and southern Africa.
• Build an exciting strategic research-for-development portfolio around gender issues in these systems, including the rapidly evolving roles, needs and constraints of men and women small-scale farmers and the spatial, temporal and system-related influencing factors.
• Develop analytical and targeting options and tools to enhance social inclusiveness, including structural and functional gender/social typologies that can inform design and implementation of research-for-development priorities.
• Help explore new pathways to improve the food and livelihood security of women farmers and other disadvantaged groups in Africa, including transformative approaches and emerging opportunities for entrepreneurship and strengthened support services for essential goods and services.
• Together with colleagues, design and implement the monitoring and evaluation and reporting of interventions to strengthen the incorporation of gender aspects in sustainable intensification and technology out-scaling processes.
• Strengthen institutional capacity and further develop and consolidate the use of gender as an analytical tool to enhance targeting and impact of the work of CIMMYT and its partners in the region in alignment with the gender strategies of CRPs MAIZE (http://maize.org/gender-in-maize) and WHEAT (http://wheat.org/gender-in-wheat).
• Lead and or support resource mobilization efforts.
• Publish findings in international peer reviewed journals.
• Assist CIMMYT management in any other matters as and when required.

We are seeking candidates with the following academic qualifications, skills and attitudes:

• PhD in Gender Studies, Agricultural Economics, Development Economics, Rural Development Sociology, or related fields from a recognized institution.
• Minimum 2 years post-PhD relevant experience working with gender-and-agriculture issues in developing countries.
• Knowledge of Eastern and Southern Africa, particularly the gender norms of the region.
• Familiarity with aspects of sustainable intensification will be an asset.
• Strong quantitative and/or qualitative analytical skills with an interest and ability to use both, and experience carrying out gender analysis.
• Leadership-, interpersonal-, and cross-cultural skills, including ability to work with and motivate multi-disciplinary teams.
• Capacity to develop strong and nurture effective working relationships with diverse CIMMYT partners across various countries.
• Ability to multi-task, work under pressure, and willingness to travel extensively in the Eastern and Southern Africa Region.
• Strong coordination and facilitation skills, including excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
• International publications potential.
• Familiarity with project management concepts and gender responsive budgeting and planning is an added advantage.

We will offer an initial contract for three years, which may be renewable subject to continued need and funding for the position and performance of the staff member. Our internationally competitive salary and benefits include housing allowance, car, comprehensive health and life insurance, assistance for children’s education, paid vacation, annual airfare, contribution to a retirement plan, and generous assistance with relocation shipment.

 

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.

 

To apply for this position, please email cover letter and CV to Human Resources, CIMMYT (Email:irsrecruitment@cgiar.org/ Please indicate position reference number: 15812 in the header of your email).

 

Screening and follow up of applications will start on Monday, 16 February 2015. This position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

 

In your application, please specify where you saw this position advertised. For further information on the selection process, please contact Esther Mendoza Ramos, at e.m.ramos@cgiar.org