B24122, Research Associate

CIMMYT is a cutting edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow’s problems today. It is entrusted with fostering improved quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops through applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South, through building strong partnerships. This combination enhances the livelihood trajectories and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers, while working towards a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries.

For more information, visit cimmyt.org.

CIMMYT is seeking an experienced professional to be a part of The Transforming Smallholder Food Systems in the Eastern Gangetic Plains (Rupantar) project aims to define the processes and practices (technical options, scaling interventions, policy settings and implementation) that can be applied to achieve sustainable, efficient, diversified food systems at scale in the Eastern Gangetic Plains of Bangladesh, India and Nepal.

The position is based at CIMMYT – Bangladesh Dhaka Office.

Specific duties:

• Lead the development of qualitative and quantitative research instruments/protocols to understand the impact of project interventions of diversification pathways and scaling mechanisms on individuals, households and communities in the Eastern Gangetic Plains (West Bengal, India; Koshi Province, Nepal and Rangpur, Bangladesh).
• Under the supervision of the project lead, perform statistical analysis of the information collected through various field surveys and qualitative instruments and develop a database in order to present reports on the results achieved by the project activities.
• Lead the analysis of survey data as per the above and share findings with project partners to support implementation and scaling.
• Make regular reports and tables, allowing the project team to track the project activities.
• Participate and contribute to the publication of research results through annual reports, presentations, and publications.
• Assist and/or lead in writing manuscripts for international standard scientific journals.
• Contribute to developing communications outputs related to projects such as Semi-Annual/Annual reports, blogs, news articles, or policy briefs.
• Regularly participate in project meetings and provide updates.
• Take the lead, coordinate with the project team and partners, and keep updated on new research techniques or processes.
• Coordinate with long-term consultants and Social/Socioeconomic Research Coordinators (Field-based positions in three locations).
• Assist with the overall implementation of project activities, including, but not limited to, the above.
• Visit and supervise field activities and/or research fields of partners in research sites.
• Liaison and coordination of partners, particularly for project meetings and CIMMYT-led research activities.
• Lead project implementation activities and monitoring of study communities.
• Travel within the Rupantar study locations per the study mandate (particularly Nepal, West Bengal (India), and Bangladesh).
• Assist the project lead in stakeholder engagement, outreach, reporting, and coordination with the project team effectively and timely.
• Assist in monitoring, evaluation, and reporting efforts by providing quality input and reports in a timely manner (as indicated by the project lead).
• Proficiency in using standard software at an advanced level, which may include some use of databases or research applications, knowledge of common ICTs, social media, and their use in agricultural research.
• Data analysis and visualization using advanced Excel and statistical software such as STATA and/or R or any similar software.

Education and experience

• Masters in relevant social sciences or agriculturally related discipline (preferably agricultural economics, agricultural extension), rural development, or development studies.
• 8 years post-masters experience in agricultural field research, including livelihood, socioeconomics, gender, nutrition, and impact evaluation studies.

• Demonstrated experience in quantitative and qualitative research, implementing open-ended, semi-structured interviews.
• Experience in publishing in peer-reviewed journals.
• Experience working with farming communities, civil society organizations, and government stakeholders.
• Fluency in English and Bengali (additional language skills with Hindi preferred).
• The selected candidate should exhibit the following competencies: Collaboration, Teamwork, Systems thinking perspective, Develop inclusive partnerships and networks, Communication, Participatory research approaches

The position is for Bangladesh Nationals for an initial fixed-term contract of 1-year with 3 months probationary period, which further employment is subject to performance and the continued availability of funds. CIMMYT will provide a nationally competitive salary and benefits that include comprehensive health and life insurance, paid vacation, contributions to a retirement plan, and a range of other benefits as required by Bangladesh law. 

Candidates must apply online for Research Associate B24122. Please apply online no later than Monday, March 25 2024.

For more information on the process please e-mail Human Resources, CIMMYT (Email: [email protected] )

Applications must include a CV and a cover letter. Incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration.

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

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.