Economist

acancy Number: ECON/IBLI/08/12
Department: Index-based livestock insurance program (IBLI)
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Duration: 2 years with the possibility of renewal

Total salary & benefits package circa USD 90,000 (tax free*) Base salary from USD 45,000 per annum plus benefits. (dependent on qualifications and experience)

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) works at the crossroads of livestock and poverty, bringing high-quality livestock science, communications and capacity building to bear on poverty reduction and sustainable development. ILRI is one of 15 centres supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). ILRI has campuses in Kenya (headquarters) and Ethiopia, with other offices located in other regions of Africa (Mali, Mozambique, Nigeria) as well as in South Asia (India, Sri Lanka), Southeast Asia (Laos, Thailand, Vietnam) and East Asia (China).

The index-based livestock insurance program seeks to recruit an economist. This position would be part of the team developing, piloting, assessing the impact of, and scaling-up index-based livestock insurance (IBLI) products (see www.ilri.org/ibli).  A comprehensive pilot has already been commercially launched in Marsabit District of Northern Kenya and a second phase involving scaling out across Northern Kenya, implementing in Southern Ethiopia and broadening the research agenda to include the identification of complementary risk-management tools and the general study of drivers of change among pastoralist populations is underway.  With this position we seek someone to help spearhead studies into the socioeconomic, behavioural and environmental impacts of IBLI.  The successful candidate would be expected to also contribute to the expansion of the Research and Development Agenda into complementary activities aimed at understanding the key vulnerabilities faced by pastoral and agro-pastoral populations, identifying the suite of opportunities that would enhance their livelihoods and improve their capacity to manage risk, and designing the relevant interventions.

Responsibilities

• Analyze IBLI panel household survey data and write publishable research papers relating to IBLI impacts and other related topics.

• Develop research proposals centered on the socioeconomic development of pastoral and agro-pastoral households and contribute to expanding ILRI’s research portfolio in the drylands.

• Lead the design and implementation of the IBLI panel surveys, and developed other related household (or otherwise) surveys to generate relevant data for impact assessments, hypothesis-testing, participatory engagement, and other analysis required for supporting, refining or expanding the agenda.

• Communicate and disseminate research findings related to IBLI

• Assist in implementing IBLI in Northern Kenya and Southern Ethiopia

• Assist in building industry’s capacity to implement IBLI or similar pilots by communicating and disseminating IBLI’s experience and know-how and contributing to the development of training programs where necessary.

• Contribute to strengthening existing partnerships and building new and innovative partnerships for research and development.

Requirements

• A PhD in Agricultural Economics, Development Economics or any related field indicated a high degree of skill in quantitative analysis.
• At least 3 years of post-doctoral experience in a development research setting.
• A record of publications that demonstrates strong analytical, empirical and writing skills and shows promise and high capacity.
• Ability to work in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams and a strong and effective communicator.
• Knowledge and experience of designing and implementing large household surveys in rural development settings.

Post location: The position is based at ILRI’s Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya.

Terms of appointment: These positions are on a fixed term appointment for three years. ILRI offers a competitive international remuneration and benefits package which includes: *Pensions Medical insurance *Life insurance and allowance for:  *Education *Housing *Security *Disturbance *Relocation *Home leave; 15% pension contribution. Annual holiday entitlement of 30 days + 11 public holidays.*Benefits are tax free subject to compliance with tax regulations of country of citizenship.

Applicants should send a cover letter explaining their interest in the position, what they can bring to the job and indicating earliest availability, curriculum vitae and the names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to email: ilri-iblieconomist@cgiar.org by 30 September, 2012.

The position title and reference number “ECON/IBLI/08/12” should be clearly marked on the subject line of the email applications. Due to the high volume of applications that we receive, we regret but only online applications will be considered and only short listed candidates will be contacted.

To find more about ILRI, visit our Website at www.ilri.org
To find out more about working at ILRI visit our website at http://www.ilri.org/ilricrowd/