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Research Economist

INTERNATIONAL WATER MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE
P.O. Box 2075, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Tel: 94-11-2787404, 2784080, Fax: 94-11-2786854, Email: work-at-iwmi@cgiar.org
Internet Home Page: http://www.iwmi.org

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Research Economist

IWMI seeks to recruit a highly qualified scientist in the field of research economist to be based in IWMI East Africa and Nile Basin Office in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and report to the Head of Office.

The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) 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 (CGIAR), 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 located in 12 countries in Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Job Purpose:
The purpose of this job is to provide economic expertise, contributing to research projects pertaining to land, water, agriculture, and livelihoods in East Africa and the Nile Basin.

Duties & Responsibilities:
" Contribute to socio-economic, policy and poverty analysis in on-going IWMI projects requiring such analyses
" Implement and coordinate specified research projects
" Conceive and define research projects and related activities
" Plan and secure the necessary human, financial and material support for projects
" Plan and undertake various studies related to research projects
" Lead and participate in sample survey design, survey implementation and the analysis of results
" Provide specialist technical services, and ensure that data and outcomes are recorded effectively and accurately
" Prepare reports as required
" Publish research results in journals and other media according to IWMI standards
" Participate in developing and sustaining relationships with partners and donors
" Provide support to IWMI colleagues and partners, as appropriate, in the analysis of economic issues and components of on-going research projects


Selection Criteria:
The following outlines the attributes required and the criteria against which applications will be assessed.

Qualifications: ESSENTIAL
" PhD in Natural Resources Economics and Policy or Agricultural Economics

Experience & Knowledge: ESSENTIAL
" At least four years of professional experience in economic and policy analysis regarding Natural Resources and Agriculture, preferably involving water resources development and management
" Experience in participatory rural appraisals and other aspects of research that focuses on livelihoods and farming systems
" Experience working in East Africa with known national, regional, continental or international research/development institutions.
" Understanding of the role of economic incentives, markets, and other institutions in use of agricultural and natural resources (e.g., water rights, water markets, water user associations, subsidies, taxes, etc.)
" Understanding of the role of macro-economic variables and policies in shaping patterns of natural resource use and agricultural production decisions.
" Good understanding of agricultural/natural resources management and technology adoption processes among smallholder farmers.
" Understanding of key policy issues surrounding water resources development and management, and agriculture.
" Proficiency in common statistical/econometric packages such as SAS, STATA, SPSS, etc.

DESIRABLE
" Experience in sample survey design and implementation.
" Experience in writing research proposals and obtaining financial support for research projects.
" Publications in refereed international journals.
" Experience in monitoring, evaluation, and impact assessment.
" Experience with optimization analysis using software such as GAMS or Solver (within Excel).

Skills & Abilities: ESSENTIAL
" Strong analytical skills; integrating physical, economic, social and institutional processes relevant for efficient and equitable development/management of water resources for rural poverty reduction.
" Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural research environment including proven ability to work in collaboration with other colleagues to achieve common goals.
" Proven ability to analyze complex data and produce reports that can be further packaged into sound policy options or recommendations.
" Proven ability to plan and organize own work, manage conflicting priorities and work under pressure.
" Excellent communications (written and oral) and interpersonal skills including ability to make presentations clearly, concisely and articulately to policy makers, and to argue convincingly one's position.
" Excellent oral and written English

DESIRABLE
" Experience in market or value chain analysis.

Salary and Benefits:
This is an internationally recruited position with a competitive salary and benefits package. This includes a transport allowance, retirement and health insurance package. The position will be governed by IWMI terms of employment. The position will be for up to two years in the first instance with the possibility of extension.

How to Apply:

" Complete application form http://www.iwmi.cgiar.org/About_IWMI/Vacancies
" Attach your resume.
" Attach a letter of application, which specifically addresses the selection criteria outlined above; include the names and addresses of 3 referees who may be contacted if you are shortlisted.
" Submit online.

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

Application deadline: 4 April 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.