Social Scientist (Specialization in collective action and governance in value chain development)

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JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
Social Scientist (Specialization in collective action and governance in value chain development)

Ref: IRS/04/RD/July 2010

The Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice, ex-WARDA) is looking for a highly qualified Social Scientist specialized in collective action and governance in value chain development to be based at its Regional Rice Research Station in Ndiaye, close to St. Louis, Senegal.

About AfricaRice

AfricaRice is an association of 24 African member states and one of the 15 international Centers supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). AfricaRice’s mission is to contribute to poverty alleviation and food security in Africa, through research, development and partnership activities aimed at increasing the productivity and profitability of the rice sector in ways that ensure the sustainability of the farming environments. AfricaRice is temporarily headquartered in Cotonou, Benin.

Responsibilities

The Social Scientist will be part of a multi-disciplinary team working to sustain and improve the productivity, sustainability and profitability of rice-based systems in rainfed lowland, irrigated and upland ecologies of Africa consistent with AfricaRice’s mission and mandate. His/her specific tasks will include the following:
o Develop and implement a research program focused around social, cultural, organizational and institutional dimensions of rice-based systems development, with special emphasis on rice value chain development (processing, marketing) and diversification
o Apply a gender-responsive participatory research approach
o Develop innovative ways to strengthen rice stakeholders associations (producers, processors) and their interactions
o Interact closely with other AfricaRice and partner programs
o Build capacity within national programs and universities in social science, and supervise MSc and PhD students
o Participate actively in ongoing R4D projects
o Develop annual work plans and budgets in consultation with the Program Leader, project coordinators and team members
o Actively participate in the dissemination of research results of direct relevance to farmers and other rice development stakeholders to ensure rapid and equitable up- and out-scaling of research results
o Participate in and contribute to resource mobilization efforts
o Undertake any other duties as required by the Center

Qualification

The selected candidate should have:

• A PhD in innovation systems research, sociology or related fields
• More than five years work experience, preferably in Africa
• Excellent communication skills in either English or French, with a working knowledge of the other
• An excellent publication record
• Proven ability to work efficiently as a member of a multi-disciplinary team
• Strong background or degree in agronomy

Duration of the Appointment:

The appointment is for two years with possibility for renewal

Application procedure:

Candidates should send an application (including date of availability and a statement of any special qualifications for the position) and an up-to-date curriculum vitae with the names and addresses (including telephone / fax / e-mail) of three referees to:

Human Resources Manager
AfricaRice
01 BP 2031 Cotonou, Benin
F: + (229) 21 35 05 56; T: (229) 21 35 01 88
Email: africarice-hr@cgiar.org 

Applications will be considered up to August 20, 2010 or until the position is filled.

AfricaRice believes that staff diversity promotes excellence in its operations, and encourages applications from women and developing country professionals.

AfricaRice thanks all applicants but only the short listed candidates will be contacted.

Further details can be obtained from the AfricaRice website at www.africaricecenter.org

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