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(Senior) Scientist – Gender and Agriculture Researcher

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Maize is a staple food for 900 million people living on less than US$2 a day. Maize is the most important food crop in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where it occupies approximately 24% of the region’s farmland, more than any other staple crop. For maize improvement to contribute to SDG 5 on gender equality and women’s empowerment, it is essential that product profiles and new improved maize varieties for Africa’s smallholder farmers address the needs and preferences of both women and men. At the same time, the national maize seed sector and related value chains, must serve smallholder farmers – and especially women farmers – efficiently by providing access to and information about and high-quality seed of modern stress-tolerant varieties.

To expand the evidence base for addressing these challenges and strengthen the integration of gender and social inclusion in our agricultural research-for-development (R4D) portfolio for sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, CIMMYT is seeking an experienced, dynamic, pro-active, resourceful and results-oriented gender and agriculture researcher to join its Socio-Economics Program in the region.

The selected candidate will form part of CIMMYT’s Socio-Economics Program and will work in close collaboration with CIMMYT’s other programs, and local and international partners. In alignment with CIMMYT’s strategy for gender and social inclusion in maize R4D, the selected candidate will work with colleagues and partners to expand the current evidence base on gender and social inclusion, particularly in gender-intentional seed delivery, value chain development, and agricultural livelihood improvements in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, develop relevant policy recommendations and promote gender-transformative R4D practice.

Areas of Responsibility: 
  • Design and conduct research to identify and understand barriers to women and the poor’s access to and adoption of improved maize (and wheat) varieties in eastern and southern Africa and South Asia.
  • Based on research findings, develop and test innovative strategies and modalities for improving women and poor farmers’ access to and use of stress-tolerant maize varieties via formal seed systems.
  • Work with marketing researchers, maize(-/wheat) breeders and other colleagues to integrate a gender perspective into product profiles and regional on-farm trials, including the related collection and analysis of sex-disaggregated data regarding farmers’ varietal and trait preferences.
  • Collaborate with marketing researchers and seed companies to 1) access the strategies and capacities to seed companies to reach women and poor farmers and 2) develop and test innovative gender-intentional seed delivery tools in specific market segments.
  • Lead research and promote avenues for integrating gender-intentional and gender transformative approaches in R4D, including institutional learning and change through networking and capacity strengthening.
  • Lead resource mobilization to strengthen gender and social inclusion in R4D.
  • Gender focal point for CIMMYT and partake in relevant committees/projects/platforms.
  • Publish research findings in international peer-reviewed journals.
  • Assist CIMMYT management in any other matters as and when required. 
Educational Background: 
Phd in Social Sciences
PhD in Economics
PhD in Sociology
PhD in Anthropology
PhD in Feminist Economics
Gender and Social Inclusion
Skills/Experience: 
  • D. in social sciences, e.g., economics, sociology, anthropology, feminist economics, or related fields from a recognized university, and with a strong focus on gender and social inclusion.
  • Strong theoretical and methodological background in design of research related to gender and social inclusion, with a track record of publishing insightful research in reputable peer-reviewed journals.
  • Minimum eight (8) years post-PhD relevant experience working with gender/social inclusion-and-agriculture issues in developing countries (experience in sub-Saharan Africa an advantage).
  • Strong quantitative and/or qualitative analytical skills, with keen interest in and experience with mixed methods (qualitative and quantitative).
  • Proven leadership-, interpersonal-, and cross-cultural skills, including ability to work with and motivate multi-disciplinary teams and to develop strong and effective working relationships with colleagues and partners, including those from the private sector.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills in English, including strategic thinking and ability to present coherent and convincing analysis to different audiences.
  • A high degree of personal organization, the ability to work under pressure, and willingness to travel.
  • Experience with project management, including planning, physical and financial implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and donor reporting, is an advantage.
  • The selected candidate must exhibit the following competencies: Negotiation and Conflict Resolution, Problem Solving and Decision Making, Team Leadership, Communication and Critical Thinking.
Compensation/Benefits: 

The position is for an initial fixed-term for three (3) years, after which further employment is subject to performance and the continued availability of funds. CIMMYT’s internationally competitive salary and benefits include housing allowance, car, comprehensive health and life insurance, assistance for children’s education, paid vacation, annual airfare, contribution to a retirement plan, and generous assistance with relocation shipment.

How to Apply: 

Candidates must apply online (https://cimmytrecruitment.wufoo.com/forms/irs20117_ssgender-agricultural...) for IRS20117_(Senior) Scientist – Gender and Agriculture ResearcherScreening and follow up of applications will begin on Thursday September 17th, 2020. Applications must include a CV and a cover letter. Incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration. This is an upgrade and re-advertisement to the earlier IRS20117_Associate Scientist – Gender and Agriculture Researcher and those that applied to the earlier position do not need to reapply. For further information on the selection process, please contact Yessica Castillo, at [email protected]

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

This position will remain open until filled. 

CIMMYT is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity. Women are encouraged to apply.

Additional Information: 

Please copy and paste the following link in your browser to apply formally for this vacancy https://cimmytrecruitment.wufoo.com/forms/irs20117_ssgender-agricultural...

Organization Info

International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center

Overview
Headquarters: 
Mexico City, Mexico
Size: 
1001-5000 employees
Founded: 
1966
About Us
Mission: 

Maize and Wheat Science for Improved Livelihoods.

Programs: 

CIMMYT works throughout the developing world to improve livelihoods and foster more productive, sustainable maize and wheat farming. Our portfolio squarely targets critical challenges, including food insecurity and malnutrition, climate change and environmental degradation.

Through collaborative research, partnerships, and training, the center helps to build and strengthen a new generation of national agricultural research and extension services in maize- and wheat-growing nations. As a member of the CGIAR System composed of 15 agricultural research centers, CIMMYT leads the CGIAR Research Programs on Maize and Wheat, which align and add value to the efforts of more than 500 partners.

Awards & Accolades: 
By conservative estimates, this work provides at least $2 billion in annual benefits to farmers.
CIMMYT alumni include a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and three World Food Prize winners.
CIMMYT’s success depends on the longstanding partnerships and trust of public agricultural research systems, private companies, advanced research institutes and academia, and non-governmental and farmer organizations.
More than 70 percent of the wheat grown in developing countries and more than 50 percent of improved maize varieties derive from CIMMYT breeding materials.
More than 10,000 scientists have trained at CIMMYT and gone on to become leaders in their own countries. The center empowers thousands of students, extension workers and farmers through courses, workshops and field days.
Why Work For Us?: 
  • You would like to be part of a team of more than 1,200 professionals from 38 countries.
  • You would like to join a scientific research team that has shaped the pedigrees of leading maize and wheat varieties in developing countries and helps reduce world grain prices.
  • If you have the scientific training, experience, and desire to develop and share such global public goods as innovative cropping systems to support sustainable intensification by smallholder farmers.
  • If you like travel, diversity and a dynamic work environment.
  • If you are not a scientist but would like to work as part of a team conducting agricultural research to help improve livelihoods!
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Listing Stats

Post Date: 
Sep 8 2020
Active Until: 
Oct 8 2020
Hiring Organization: 
International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center
industry: 
Nonprofit