IITA invites applications for the nationally recruited position of Research Associate. IITA seeks a highly motivated and experienced Research Associate for the project Legume-based agroecological intensification of maize and cassava cropping systems in sub-Saharan Africa for water-food-energy nexus sustainability, nutritional security & livelihood resilience (LEG4DEV).
The LEG4DEV project is led by the University of Galway, Ireland, with partner organizations Wageningen University & Research (WUR), Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), University of Hohenheim, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI). The LEG4DEV research and innovation project goal is to promote the scaling of legume-based agroecological intensification of smallholder maize and cassava cropping systems in SSA for water-food-energy nexus sustainability that enables food security and livelihood resilience. In Malawi and Zambia, the project aims to conduct research that can enable and promote legume-based intensification of smallholder maize and cassava cropping systems to improve climate resilience, food security, and livelihood security in East and Southern Africa. The objectives of the studies are (1) to identify, develop, and adapt legume-based agro-ecological intensification technologies/practices as well as innovations for rural energy and labor efficiency for smallholders, especially women, and (2) to identify, develop, and adapt innovations for transformative shifts in rural bio-economies by generating new enterprises and rural employment (especially for youth and women) from legume-derived products and co-products, and also include transformational scaling approaches and pathways (policy/institutional options).
Duration: 9 months
Position Responsibilities
Under the guidance of the Socio-economists in IITA, the successful candidate will: Design and conduct household surveys in Malawi and Zambia. Conduct focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Conduct high-quality, scholarly literature reviews. Analyze data and contribute to the writing of research reports, journal articles, policy briefs, and other publications of relevance to the project. Assist with the organization of stakeholder workshops and consultations. Participate in scientific workshops and conferences. Train survey supervisors and enumerators. Carry out any other duties as may be assigned by the supervisor.Requirements
MSc degree in Agricultural Economics or Agribusiness from a recognized university. Experience conducting economic analysis and familiarity/proficiency with various statistical software packages, such as Stata. Demonstrated ability to write research reports and journal papers. Familiarity with both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. Proficiency with computer-assisted personal interview (CAPI) software such as ODK, CSPro, etc. An active interest in socio-economics research. Excellent spoken and written English. Ability to work independently.Benefits