Z24124, 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.

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated candidate for the position of Research Associate to be based in Harare, Zimbabwe.

This is a nationally recruited position and is open to all Zimbabweans with excellent academic records and relevant experience. The position will support adoption and impact assessments on several projects being implemented in Southern Africa, with a particular focus on Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The successful candidate will initially work on the CGIAR Regional Initiative, Ukama Ustawi: Diversification in East and Southern Africa, and other on-going projects on a need basis. The incumbent will participate in designing, managing, and implementing household surveys, data management and analysis, organizing stakeholder workshops, drafting manuscripts, and reporting across various projects.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support research design processes and development of data collection tools, drawing on participatory research methodologies across fields in multiple countries.
• Support and lead qualitative and quantitative data collection in project countries, likely to include key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and farmer surveys.
• Contribute to data analysis, likely to include coding and qualitative analysis of interview data, basic statistics, cost-benefit and econometric analyses, business and financial analysis, and value chain analysis.
• Conduct literature reviews on relevant topics.
• Support manuscript and report writing and other reporting as required.
• Establish and maintain contacts with external collaborating organizations and partners.
• Organize logistics related to data collection, team travel, etc.
• Lead in organizing stakeholder meetings and workshops and oversee taking minutes and reporting.
• Other duties and miscellaneous tasks as required and as assigned by the supervisor.

• Master’s degree from a reputable university in relevant social science field (agricultural economics, development economics, environmental economics, natural resource management, sociology, geography, or related).

• Experience with fieldwork in Malawi, Zambia or Zimbabwe and familiarity with local languages, culture, customs, and norms. (At least 5 years’ experience conducting applied research).
• Class 4 Driver’s license is a requirement.
• Experience in planning and implementing mixed methods in data collection (e.g., key informant interviews, focus group discussions, farm and household surveys, and participatory research tools).
• Deep knowledge of adoption and impact assessment methods and tools.
• Experience with quantitative and qualitative data analysis using software such as Stata and NVIVO, respectively.
• Proficient and competent in designing and implementing surveys using computer-assisted personal interviewing (CAPI) software such as Survey Solutions, Census and Survey Processing Systems (CSPro) etc.
• Knowledge and familiarity with behavioral and experimental economics approaches will be an added advantage.
• Ability and willingness to travel domestically in Zimbabwe and internationally in the region.
• The selected candidate must be able to demonstrate the following competencies: People skills, Critical Thinking, Communication, Client Orientation, and ability to work in a multi-cultural environment.

Candidates must Apply online for Z24124, Research Associate.  

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.

This position will remain open until filled.

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.