THE ROLE (SOCIO ECONOMIST)

The Socio-Economist will design and lead research and evaluations on identified economic and social issues pertinent to CABI projects/programmes globally, to facilitate learning, programme adaptation and evidence-based programming. The researcher will work closely with CABI staff and country partners to set up qualitative and quantitative studies, including the use of ex-ante and ex-post impact assessment and participatory approaches, on projects related to agriculture, invasive species, sustainable integrated pest management (IPM), ecosystems management and extension/communication methods. She/he will oversee all aspects of studies, from design to data instrumentation, planning and facilitating training and supervising of field staff and fieldwork. The researcher will be expected to strengthen socio-economic research within CABI and publish research findings in international peer reviewed journals. The position will be offered for an initial contract of three years, renewable subject to continued needs, funding for the position and performance.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Either individually, or as part of the project team, design, lead, and undertake gendered socio-economic studies, research, surveys and assessments of issues relevant to CABI projects and programmes, and evaluation of outcomes and impact of CABI’s interventions, particularly in Asia and south Pacific countries;
• Implement gendered qualitative and quantitative studies and assessments through mixed methods approaches, including use of econometrics, bio-economic modelling, cost benefit, and systems analysis of CABI’s projects and programmes as required;
• Include socio-economic aspects of projects and programmes in all phases of the project cycle by participating and advising in gendered project planning, survey design, implementation, analysis and reporting;
• Carry out internal capacity building in social science research through training, mentoring, learning by doing etc covering topics such as economic analysis, participatory evaluation, action research, organisational development and learning, to ensure that socio-economic considerations become embedded in CABI’s development work;
• Synthesize and publish the facts, reports and data to effectively promote CABI’s engagement and impact for the Member Countries, funders and partners for enhanced organisational visibility;
• Publish the outcomes in renowned peer reviewed journals, in particular focusing on the impact of CABI’s work;
• Participate in fund-raising, including leading or assisting proposal development;
• Support the Regional Director and Asia team as well as Global M&E Manager in delivering the CABI Goals & CABI’s Medium Term Strategy (MTS).

ABOUT YOU

Knowledge & Skills

• Broad understanding of agricultural and rural development;
• Good knowledge of agricultural or development economics, including impact assessment;
• Good knowledge of qualitative and quantitative methods to conduct socio-economic and environmental studies;
• Knowledge of bio-economic modelling or economic simulation models would be a benefit;
• Knowledge and understanding of gender and social inclusion issues and climate adaptation/resilience would be a benefit;
• Proficiency in the use of statistical analysis software, such as Stata;
• Fluency in English, with excellent written and oral communication skills;
• Knowledge of one other major ASEAN language would be a benefit.

Education

• PhD degree in Economics, Agricultural Economics, Development Economics or other related fields from a recognized university;
• Ideally the candidate would have a few years of post-PhD experience, but recent PhD graduates may also apply for consideration as a post-doctoral fellow.

Experience

• Detailed and relevant experience working in research and evaluation in developing countries (particularly Southeast Asia) in agricultural, environmental or rural development fields;
• Strong gendered quantitative and qualitative research and evaluation skills, including questionnaire survey design, and data collection and analysis;
• Good track record of research demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications in renowned journals;
• Experience in successful project development, planning and management, both technically and financially would be an advantage.

Personal Characteristics

• Strong organisational and learning skills;
• A team player with good interpersonal, communication and networking skills;
• Comfortable working on one’s own initiative as well as following advice;
• Robust with the operational grip and capacity to handle a demanding workload;
• Flexible and creative in planning and problem solving;
• Ability to deal with cultural differences of colleagues, donors and partners globally;
• Willing to travel to remote and challenging locations in developing countries.