International Food Policy Research Institute

Position Title/Short Description

Full Text of JOE Listing:

Job Summary:
The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) is seeking an experienced Senior Researcher and Leader to provide intellectual and managerial leadership for its Markets, Trade and Institutions Division (MTID). This is a five-year, fixed-term, renewable appointment reporting to the Director General and serving on the Senior Management Team (SMT) of the Institute and is based at IFPRI’s headquarters in Washington, D.C.

IFPRI (www.ifpri.org) develops sustainable solutions for ending hunger, malnutrition and poverty in the developing world. It carries out research, capacity strengthening, and policy communications to develop those solutions and to catalyze policy action. The Markets, Trade and Institutions Division (MTID) analyzes the economic forces that promote market efficiency, reduce transaction costs and contribute to institutional and infrastructure designs that foster the functioning of markets that does not leave out the poor, be the consumers, farmers or laborers. The Division examines the impact of globalization, trade agreements and market reforms on the food system. Its outreach strengthens research capacity in developing countries and influences and facilitates innovative decisions to improve the functioning of markets and trade and the institutions that govern them. The division works on issues at global level, as well as regional and national level.

Essential Duties:
• Identify new research directions; design, facilitate, and publish innovative research within the agenda of MTID and the broader context of the IFPRI Strategy.
• Manage broad and complex projects involving multi-disciplinary teams of staff and external partners.
• Raise funds to support division activities and manage the division budget. The current budget of the division is about $22 million.
• Lead division staff (currently 60) to reach established goals and ensure that staff members are treated in a fair, equitable and supportive manner.
• As a member of the SMT, participate in shaping the overall direction of IFPRI through activities such as setting research priorities, developing short- and long-term goals, and developing management policies.

Required Qualifications:
• PhD. in Economics, Agricultural Economics, or closely related field.
• Minimum of twelve years of experience in conducting research related to economic development in, or for, developing countries and interaction with senior policy makers within those countries.
• Ability to raise funds and facilitate collaborative activities.
• At least 10 years of management experience.
• Proven expertise in leading collaborative and cross-cutting research;
• Strong publication record in relevant journals
• Excellent skills in both verbal and written English.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills.
• Willingness to frequently travel internationally.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience in building cross-cultural, global teams.
• Working knowledge of a second major language (preferably Spanish or French).