The MDG Centre East and Southern Africa, in Nairobi provides technical and policy support to governments and other partners in East and Southern Africa. The MDG Centre plays a unique role in linking global and national commitments with the rich, multi-sectoral field experience being generated by the MVP and other related community-level initiatives that contribute towards achieving the MDGs. Benefiting from the growing trends in Africa towards decentralized planning and implementation and towards improved governance, The MDG Centre focuses on creative ways and means to achieve impact at scale. This requires: (1) identification of best practice across the key sectors, (2) critical analysis of results from the MVP and related activities with a view to wider understanding and application, (3) design and adaptation of implementation mechanisms at district and other “meso” levels, (4) accurate costing of resource requirements, and (5) political and public sensitization to practical opportunities for achieving the MDGs.
The Centre will recruit a young professional – an Associate Economist – to undertake a range of activities in support of the above objectives. The Associate Economist will report to the Director of The MDG Centre East and Southern Africa, Nairobi.
Principal Responsibilities
In selected countries and in close collaboration with colleagues at the MDG Centre, the Associate Economist will carry out development economics related activities such as;
- Undertake literature reviews, field research and critical analysis of national policies and investments in support of the African Green Revolution including experience on the role of input subsidies, rural credit, market price support in improving agricultural productivity in Sub-Saharan Africa and the identification of lessons from other regions;
- Undertake research to synthesize and assess past and current experience in integrated rural development with a view of highlighting lessons for the Millennium Villages Project.
- Support policy advisory missions in the region with financial and economic analysis of national investments to improve agricultural productivity.
- Undertake and publish independent field research to assess the impact of agricultural productivity improvements on rural enterprises and markets.
- Research and operational activities in the area of development economics as defined by the Director.
- Support other research and operational activities in the area of East and Southern Africa as defined by the Director.
- Other duties in relation to the candidate’s qualifications and experience.
Qualifications and Experience
- Minimum advanced degree in development economics.
- Minimum of two years of field research experience on poverty and food security in Africa.
- Strong quantitative and analytical skills and competence in using statistical packages.
- Demonstrated success in working in an international, multi-disciplinary team.
- Outstanding communication skills, verbal and written, in English.
- Ability and willingness to travel regularly.
- Creative and dynamic self-starter.
Terms of offer
ICRAF/Millennium Promise/Earth Institute is an equal opportunity employer offering a competitive salary and benefits package, and a collegial working environment. The contract is for an initial period of two (2) years, renewable subject to six (6) months probation period, assessment of performance, and availability of resources. Applicants are invited to send a cover letter illustrating their suitability for the above position against the listed qualifications/competencies/
Only short-listed applicants meeting the above requirements will be contacted.
We invite you to learn more about us at:
www.worldagroforestrycentre.
www.millenniumpromise.org
www.unmillenniumproject.org
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