Vacancy At International Potato Center

The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking a Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Specialist for a three-year project in West Africa entitled Jumpstarting Orange-fleshed Sweetpotato (OFSP) in West Africa through Diversified Markets. The position will be based in Osogbo, Nigeria.

Job Title: Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist

Ref: 14-25 MES/IRS/SSA
Job Location: Osogbo

Job Description

The Project: The introduction of vitamin A rich OFSP in West Africa has been on a much smaller scale to date than in Eastern and Southern Africa. Drawing on lessons learned from those experiences, the Jumpstarting OFSP in West Africa project seeks to demonstrate that by starting with a value chain approach to introducing OFSP, more commercially oriented seed systems will emerge, as markets for the roots will drive demand for quality planting materials. The project is predicated on the hypothesis that it is possible to simultaneously develop value chains for OFSP and maximize nutritional benefits to vulnerable populations. The project will pilot test four separate value chains in Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Nigeria. The M&E specialist will be part of a multi-disciplinary team that includes a breeder, a seed system specialist, and a nutritionist and a number of private sector, government, and non-governmental organization partners.

The Center: CIP is a not-for-profit international agricultural research for development with a focus on potatoes, sweetpotatoes, and Andean roots and tubers. Its vision is to emphasize the use of roots and tubers to improve the lives of the poor. CIP is dedicated to achieving food security, improved well-being, and gender equality for poor people in root and tuber farming and food systems of the developing world. CIP works with partners to contribute high quality science, technology, and capacity strengthening for sustainable science-based solutions. CIP is headquartered in Lima, Peru with staff and activities over 30 locations across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. CIP is a member of the CGIAR Consortium, a network of 15 research centers that are mostly located in the developing world and supported by more than 50 donor members.

The Position: The scientist will be leading the socio-economic research components of four value chain pilot efforts with nutrition or income outcomes, focused on measuring adoption and impact on incomes, food security, and diet quality. In addition, the scientist will be responsible for design a monitoring system to track dissemination and uptake partner countries, as well as conduct periodic qualitative assessments among project beneficiaries and partners. The scientist will manage data related to project milestones; work with stakeholders to develop impact pathways and collect relevant indicators to monitor progress towards achieving agreed upon milestones and final outcomes. The scientist should be committed to using research for development in a complex cooperative environment of research and development partners, and will be required to travel extensively within the three target countries, with occasional travel to other regions of the world.

Requirements
The successful candidate will have:

• PhD in Economics or Agricultural Economics or relevant applied economics discipline;
• At least two years’ research experience in the design and implementation of baseline surveys, sampling design, adoption studies, impact evaluation, economic analysis of production systems and/or policy related economic research;
• Proven skills in applying econometric and quantitative approaches;
• Demonstrated success in working with multi-disciplinary teams and partnerships in collaborative research for development implementation;
• A good publication record consistent with post-doctoral experience;
• Experience with survey data management preferred;
• Experience with implementing value chains for specific crops preferred;
• Prior working experience in Africa;
• Excellent social skills and a collaborative style;
• Proactive, innovative and creative attitudes;
• Willingness to travel extensively within the region;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English are required. Good working knowledge of French is required.

Conditions:
The employment contract will be for an initial three-year term (with a three month probation period) with possibility of renewal, subject to availability of funding. Salary will be internationally competitive, paid in US dollars, and commensurate with experience. CIP prides itself on its collegial and supportive working environment, which allows space for personal and professional growth.


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Closing Date: 23rd May, 2014