Scientist I – Economic Modeling

About IRRI

Job Purpose

The economic modeler leads the economic modeling and foresight group of the Transformative Policies and Investments unit to support decision-making on for the rice-based food systems transformation. S/he provides insights into rice markets and policy futures that are expected to be context, time and scale specific. Accordingly, the economic modeler has to conceptualize, plan, lead and conduct substantial research using partial equilibrium and/or general equilibrium economic modelling techniques to analyze possible future developments of the rice based agri-food systems globally and in various regional and national contexts. More precisely, the economic modeler carries out an analysis of major drivers that will affect rice-based food systems in the future at global, regional and national scales and in diverse contexts. The economic modeler also conducts ex-ante impact assessments of planned policy changes and ex-post evaluation of past policies. These products are intended to be critical inputs to the work of other units within IRRI and relevant initiatives under One CGIAR while also targeting policy makers or strategic partners outside IRRI. As part of her/his job, the economic modeler also contributes to the improvement and development of research tools, data collection, analysis and interpretation of results, scientific publication in international peer-reviewed journals as well as overall dissemination efforts through reports, and policy briefs, presentations in national/international workshops and conferences. As a senior specialist, the economic modeler is expected to supervise, coach and guide scholars, researchers, interns, prepare and provide trainings as needed.

This position will be based at the IRRI Headquarters, Los Baños, Philippines and is open for international applications.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of scientific research of multiple projects related to economic modeling, foresight and ex-ante analysis to support decision-making on policies and investments in the rice-based food system
• Interact with other researchers working on economic modeling for foresighting and policy analysis both within IRRI, CGIAR and other international and national institutions to deliver high quality foresight products and identify topical research issues
• Engage with national partners and policy makers to define credible and relevant policy scenarios on the future of the rice sector, identify the drivers of change
• Work in partnership with donors, national research institutions, governments and universities to maximize outreach of research product and uptake of results by decision makers and other stakeholders in the global rice sector
• Participate in the coordination and monitoring of activities in consultation with colleagues from the Department and on a regular basis to ensure the efficiency of the research process/operation
• Participate in the discussions with collaborators and seek guidance from Unit leader/project leaders on the scope of the economic modeling work for policy fore sighting as well as other specific research areas
• Provide support to the heads of the Transformative Policies and Investments Unit and Sustainable Impact Department in negotiations with external partners for funding and partnerships at project level
• Lead or co-lead research proposals and adapt frameworks, approaches and models related to socioeconomic modelling, foresight and ex-ante analysis
• Lead or co-lead project teams, including budget and time management and monitoring
• Supervise a team at project level, including learning and development and performance management
• Supervise PhD and MSc students

Qualifications

• PhD in Agricultural Economics, Economics, or related fields with at least at least three years post-PhD experience with socioeconomic modelling, foresight and ex-ante analysis

Skills Required

Mandatory

• Proven ability to perform in a multidisciplinary and multicultural environment
• Has extensive research management experience
• Has excellent analytical skills
• Has excellent organizational skills

Preferred

• Experience with rice; work experience in a developing country environment

IRRI offers a highly extensive employee benefits package inclusive of globally-covered medical insurance, retirement plan, life and accident insurance and other allowances.

Join our team and be part of our story!

Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
This position will remain open until filled.