Post Doctoral Fellow - Economics

POST DOCTORAL FELLOW – ECONOMICS
(Ghana)

If you have obtained a Ph.D. in Economics with the goals of contributing to the analysis of challenging problems and forming policy recommendations that will enhance livelihoods and improve the management of natural resources and the environment, a Post-Doctoral position with IWMI could be just the right assignment as you begin your professional career.

The International Water Management Institute (www.iwmi.org) is a non-profit, scientific organization engaged in research and capacity building activities for developing countries. Our mission is to overcome poverty through the better management of land and water resources. Working with diverse partners and supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (www.cgiar.org), IWMI seeks to translate its research findings into actionable recommendations for policymakers, resource managers and poor rural communities. IWMI is based in Colombo, Sri Lanka and has regional offices in 12 countries in Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.

IWMI is one of the 15 research centers of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (www.cgiar.org), IWMI scientists study water management and policy issues across Asia and Africa, and they contribute frequently to international discussions regarding water resources, agriculture, food security, poverty, and the environment. IWMI Post-Doctoral Fellows work closely with international scientists and national partners on an exciting array of research and policy questions, striving always to enhance understanding of natural resource management with a view toward reducing poverty and improving livelihoods.

Location

The successful candidate for this position will be based in IWMI’s West Africa Office in Accra, Ghana and report to the Senior Economist.

Job Purpose

The Post-Doctoral Fellow will provide immediate leadership in analyzing data, already collected for two major research projects and contribute to studies of irrigation, water management, agricultural performance, poverty reduction, and investment strategies.
Duties and Responsibilities

1. Contribute to several ongoing research efforts, including:

a) A study of informal shallow groundwater irrigation in the White Volta Basin. We seek to understand the role of groundwater irrigation in improving livelihood security and reducing poverty. We have collected data from 450 households and we need assistance in analyzing the data and preparing reports and journal articles.

b) Study of small-scale, lowland paddy field development in the inland valleys of West Africa. We seek to determine ways of disseminating information regarding sustainable agricultural practices. We have collected data from 225 farm households and, here also, we need assistance in analyzing the data and preparing journal articles.

c) Performing empirical analysis of the data collected for the above projects.

2. Examine irrigation development policies and strategies, with the goal of informing policy makers, by developing and applying economic decision tools and models.

3. Contribute ideas about enhancing food security in West Africa by revitalizing irrigation systems, improving agricultural productivity, motivating improvements in water management and promoting investments in small-scale irrigation.

4. Contribute to the assessment of reservoir water productivity by conducting appropriate economic analyses.

Selection Criteria
Qualifications: ESSENTIAL

• Ph.D. in Economics, Natural Resource Economics, Agricultural Economics or an equivalent discipline
Experience: ESSENTIAL

• Economic analysis of agricultural or natural resource policy issues using economic tools and models, as demonstrated in successfully completed reports, a dissertation, or journal articles
DESIRABLE

• Previous working experience in developing countries
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: ESSENTIAL

• Excellent written and spoken English
• Good knowledge of natural resources/environmental economics and tools
• Skills in econometric models and relevant computer software
• Ability to effectively establish priorities, plan, organize and monitor own work in an interdisciplinary and multiple task environment
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective working relationships in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Ability to work in interdisciplinary teams, with local and international partners.
DESIRABLE

• Written and spoken French
• Skills in optimization analysis and relevant computer software
• Skills in general and partial equilibrium economic modeling tools (e.g., Economic Surplus measurement, Social Accounting Matrices, CGE, Policy Analysis Matrix, etc.)

Salary and Benefits

Post-doctoral contracts are available for two years and are non-renewable. IWMI salaries are competitive with those of similar international institutions and we offer several benefits including allowances for housing, utilities, transportation, and education. IWMI also offers annual home leave, a health insurance package, and shipping assistance.

How to Apply

• Complete an application form at http://www.iwmi.cgiar.org/About_IWMI/Vacancies/
• Attach your résumé.
• Attach a letter of application, which specifically addresses the selection criteria described above. Please be sure to address each criterion. Include the names and addresses of three professional referees who may be contacted if you are short-listed.
• Submit your information online.

If you do not receive an automatic acknowledgement email within 24 hours of sending your application, please contact: The Human Resources Office, IWMI, P.O. Box 2075, Colombo, Sri Lanka; Email: work-at-iwmi@cgiar.org 

Application deadline: 23 July 2010 – or until the position is filled

For further information visit IWMI - http://www.iwmi.org 

IWMI is an equal opportunity employer and is keen to further diversify its staff in terms of both gender and nationality.

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