Background

The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) is conducting research to understand the impact of food systems shocks on trade and food security. The project seeks to use economic model analysis to identify underlying mechanisms linking shocks to key food systems outcomes and improve modeling methodologies for better ex-ante analysis.

IFPRI seeks a qualified consultants to engage in research related to trade, food security, and food systems resilience within the markets trade and institutions unit. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated aptitude with household survey analysis, econometrics, and machine learning and interest/experience in the areas of food security, nutrition, agricultural economics, gender equity, and sustainability in the context of Latin American and the Caribbean. The successful candidate will work on interdisciplinary teams to conduct research, produce high-impact publications and disseminate knowledge that (for example): assists national level policy-making units confront the challenges posed by economic disruptions and climate change; fosters regional strategies for resilient growth and development in a context of climate change and frequent market shocks; supports partners on research and the development of policy recommendations.

Scope of work

Develop a comprehensive literature review and data synthesis that establishes a baseline understanding of disruptors including climate shocks, input costs, geopolitical disruptions, and changes in logistics costs, and their cascading effects on food systems.

Required qualifications of the consultant / survey team leader

• Masters’s degree plus two years of relevant professional experience in agricultural economics, international development, or other relevant discipline
• Excellent drafting skills and analytical mind.
• Excellent econometric skills for cross-section and panel data analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to perform in-depth statistical analysis and report the results.
• Experienced in conducting literature reviews of academic publications, research reports, etc.
• Demonstrated fluency in written and spoken English
• Excellent interpersonal skills for work in a team-oriented multi-cultural environment
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task as needed, consistently meet deadlines and manage time well
• Demonstrated professional level of attention to detail and accuracy of work.
• Ability to work independently, with initiative and minimal supervision.
• Ability to travel.
• Familiarity with popular software packages & Internet based systems.
• Familiarity with Latin America and the Caribbean
• Proficiency in Spanish

Preferred Qualifications:

• Skilled in programming in STATA and/or R and in managing household databases.
• Strong background in microeconomics

Application Deadline: March 7, 2025