Gender Research Economist, Nairobi, Kenya

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit a Gender Research Economist to address gender dynamics, using quantitative data and the application of relevant economic and statistical models in developing regions of Asia and Africa. S/he will also be required to contribute to assessing strategies that stimulate the catalysing role of livestock in gender equality and to inform policy design and policy reform with gender equality outcomes.

ILRI works to improve food and nutritional security and reduce poverty in developing countries through research for efficient, safe and sustainable use of livestock. It is the only one of 15 CGIAR research centres dedicated entirely to animal agriculture research for the developing world. Co-hosted by Kenya and Ethiopia, it has regional or country offices and projects in East, South and Southeast Asia as well as Central, East, Southern and West Africa.

Responsibilities

Research development and support

• Develop and support a research portfolio based on future and ongoing projects examining gender dynamics at household and farm levels. Topics of research include, but are not limited to (a) reducing the gender gap in asset ownership through livestock and its linkages with poverty reduction; (b) intra-household decision-making and resource-sharing around livestock and its linkages with household outcomes; (c) trade-offs between labour, income and benefits as women engage in livestock activities; (d) gender-disaggregated effects of livestock programs; and (e) links to women’s empowerment.
• Contribute to the gender integration of national Livestock Management Plans.
• Carry out a systematic inventory of gender disaggregated livestock databases and develop a strategy for the improvement of gender metrics across the ILRI research portfolio.
• Contribute to assessing strategies to stimulate the catalysing role of livestock in gender equality and to inform policy design and policy reform through a gender lens.
• Ensure gender research outputs are high quality, meet international standards and are impact oriented.
• Contribute and lead preparation of submissions for research proposals.
• Coordinate and supervise research assistants and consultants working on these topics.

Outreach

• Publish scientific papers and communicate with the scientific community.
• Use multimedia and social media for outreach to the general public.
• Participate in national and global events related to gender and livestock.
• Work with ILRI’s communications team to communicate new knowledge developed.

​​​​​​​Requirements

• A PhD in economics (e.g. development economics or agricultural economics), public policy, geography or related field.
• At least at least two years of post-PhD experience in the agriculture and gender, and ideally in livestock-related research, and a record of peer-reviewed publications that demonstrate relevant research ability.
• An ability to conduct analysis using primary data in projects across ILRI’s work programs by working with project leaders.
• Ability to work with disciplinary research and with interdisciplinary research projects involving experts on gender, animal breeding, animal health, feeds and a range of other expertise.
• Familiarity with herd models and other aspects of livestock economics is desirable.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and experience with working in multidisciplinary and multicultural environments in relevant geographies.
• Experience applying one or more relevant economic modelling tools and techniques (e.g. econometric analysis, experimental economics, multi-sector models or system dynamics techniques).
• A track record of peer-reviewed publications.
• Ability to work collaboratively and undertake field work.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.
• On-the-ground experience in South Asia, sub-Saharan African and/or Southeast Asia.
• Networks in research, including at the grassroots level in Africa and/or Asia.
• Experience in fundraising.
• Working knowledge or better in French, Swahili, Hindi or other local languages where ILRI conducts research.

Candidates who are adept in implementing and managing large-scale surveys, including designing, testing, conducting micro-econometric data analysis, using R, STAT or Stella, and interpreting for policy purposes, are especially encouraged to apply.

Post location

The position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya

Terms of Appointment

This is position is at job level HG 18 and it is open to both national and international applicants. The position is a 3-year contract, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funding. ILRI offers a competitive salary and benefits package which includes; pension, medical and other insurances

How to apply

Details of how to apply can be found here.