V A C A N C Y    A N N O U N C E M E N T

INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH IN THE DRY AREAS
P.O. Box 5466, Aleppo, Syria
Phone: (963-21) 2213433, 2213477, 2225112, 2225012
Fax: (963-21) 2213490, 2225105;
E-mail: ICARDA-JOBS@CGIAR.ORG
Website: www.icarda.org
Applied Agricultural Economist
Aleppo, Syria
The Organization
Established in 1977 as an autonomous, non-profit, international research center, ICARDA is one of the 15 international research centers supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), which is co-sponsored by the World Bank, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the United Nations Development Programme. ICARDA's mission is to contribute to the improvement of livelihoods of the resource-poor in dry areas by enhancing food security and alleviating poverty through research and partnerships to achieve sustainable increases in agricultural productivity and income, while ensuring the efficient and more equitable use and conservation of natural resources. With its main research station and headquarters in Aleppo, Syria, and a staff of over 500 scientists and support personnel, ICARDA works through a network of partnerships with national agricultural research systems (NARS), regional and international institutions, universities, advanced research institutes, and non-governmental organizations. In addition to its headquarters programs, ICARDA operates throughout the non-tropical dry areas through regional programs and country offices.

The Position
ICARDA has an immediate vacancy for the position of Agricultural Economist under its Social, Economic and Policy Research (SEPR) Program. The position is based at ICARDA's headquarters in Aleppo, Syria. The post holder will report directly to the Program Director while focusing his/her work on assessing the adoption and impact of ICARDA's research outputs mainly in the area of crop improvement research. He/she will initiate and implement research projects and studies using advanced methodologies for assessing agricultural risks and households' vulnerability throughout ICARDA's mandate regions. Specific responsibilities will include:
•
 Design and implement the monitoring of the uptake of crop improvement technologies and evaluation for their impacts on households' livelihoods in the dry areas.
•
 Conduct research studies on the risks faced by agricultural households and assess their vulnerability to food insecurity, poverty, social institution and other indicators.
•
 Identify needs and constraints in production systems, and contribute to research priority setting at the Center.
•
 Contribute to institutional capacity building of national partners through training activities, and supervise and provide technical backstopping in the completion of impact assessment studies.
•
 Provide economic inputs into projects managed by other research and outreach programs in the Center.
•
 Produce refereed papers and general audience publications on adoption and impact assessment and related research topics.
•
 Develop research concept notes, project proposals, and contribute to overall resource mobilization efforts of all research programs.
•
 Assist the SEPR Program Director in coordinating impact assessment related research budgets, and reporting to relevant donors.
•
 Maintain effective integration, collaboration and partnerships with biophysical and social scientists at ICARDA and national programs in developing and implementing impact assessment and risk management research.

Qualifications and Experience
The successful candidate must have:
•
 A PhD degree in agricultural economics with at least 5 years of post-doctoral experience in international agricultural research.
•
 Proven experience in quantitative and qualitative analyses and economic modeling relating to risk analysis and impact assessment.
•
 Familiarity with community-based and participatory approaches to research, rural enterprise development, and experience of working with rural communities, NARS, NGOs, the private sector, advanced research institutions, and international organizations.
•
 A proven record of high quality scientific publications in the areas mentioned above.
•
 Experience in working with multi-institutional and multidisciplinary teams and a demonstrated ability to communicate effectively at all levels and in multicultural settings.
In addition:
•
 Fluency in spoken and written English is required. A working knowledge of Arabic or French will be an advantage
•
 The appointee will be expected to travel extensively to work with partners throughout the dry areas.

Terms of Appointment
The appointment will be for an initial period of two years, renewable thereafter annually. The salary is paid in US dollars and starting salary will depend on relevant qualifications and experience. Benefits include housing allowance, paid home leave travel, a pension scheme, life and health insurance package, vehicle for business and personal use, and free enrollment for dependent children in the ICARDA-administered international school (KG to Grade 12).

Living in Syria
ICARDA's headquarters is situated 30 km south of Aleppo, Syria's second largest city. In addition to the internationally-accredited school, ICARDA runs a Sports and Social Club for the staff. Syria has many historical and archaeological sites, some a short drive from Aleppo. There are four distinct seasons and the terrain varies from desert to mountains to fertile fruit orchards. Major international airlines fly into Damascus and Aleppo.

Method of Application
Qualified applicants are invited to send:
1-
A cover letter of interest (no more than 2 pages) highlighting the candidate's experience against the criteria listed under Qualifications and Competencies, including salary expectations and noting where the candidate saw the advertisement.
2-
Curriculum vitae
3-
Names, addresses, fax numbers and e-mail addresses of three professional referees (they will not be contacted without the candidate's permission),
to: 
 Personnel Services
ICARDA, P.O. Box 5466, Aleppo, Syria
Telephone: (963-21) 2213477, 2225112, or 2225012
Fax: (963-21) 2213490, 2225105, or 5744622
E-mail: ICARDA-JOBS@CGIAR.ORG
Website: http://www.icarda.org
              (If sending by e-mail, please do not include graphics or other large file attachments.)

NOTE
1.
 If sending application by e-mail, please do not include graphics or other large file attachments.
2.
 Quote reference INT-P/8456/08 on application (or in subject line if applying by e-mail).

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications must be received by 30 November 2008

ICARDA is an equal opportunity employer, and encourages applications from women.
 

Posted on 23 October 2008 
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