South Kensington Campus
Applications are invited for a Research Associate position to support the work and research of the Malabo Montpellier Panel.
South Kensington Campus
Applications are invited for a Research Associate position to support the work and research of the Malabo Montpellier Panel.
The Malabo Montpellier Panel is a group of African and European experts in the areas of food security and agricultural development. Over the past years, the Panel has worked to disseminate its findings publicly and in particular to convey its messages and recommendations to European and African decision makers through high-level dialogue events, meetings with policymakers, and media outreach. In 2017, the Panel entered a new phase and has expanded its reach in Africa to enhance its bridging and guidance role in direction of high level policy makers on both sides. During the next five-year period, the Panel plans to deepen its interactions with African policymakers and other agenda setting stakeholders, working in particular in conjunction with ongoing Africa-wide efforts (CAADP, Malabo Declaration), to inform and organise high-level dialogue about key current and future strategic issues relating to agricultural transformation, growth, and food and nutrition security, based on sound evidence. The coordination and management of the Panel is based out of Dakar, Senegal, where it is hosted by the West and Central Africa Office of the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
The Panels operations are supported, alongside IFPRI, by the Centre for Development Research of the University of Bonn (ZEF) in Germany and the Centre for Environmental Policy within Imperial College London. The Centre for Environmental Policy at Imperial College London focuses on ground-breaking, internationally-recognised research and teaching that addresses key environmental and global policy challenges through the interdisciplinary study of science, technology and innovation.
You will work closely with Professor Gordon Conway, former Chair and Senior Adviser to the Panel, the two Co-Chairs of the Panel, the Program Leader and other Researchers to develop high quality policy reports and technical briefs and to support the wider evidence-based advocacy work of the Panel. The primary task of the Research Associate will include writing easily accessible policy-oriented research outputs (papers, reports, briefing papers, presentations and blogs) on food, nutrition, agriculture, climate, environmental and development policy in Africa.
You must have masters degree in a relevant field and a PhD degree (or equivalent) in agriculture economics, international development, public policy, food and nutrition security or a related field. . Experience in applied research and policy analysis is essential. You will also have experience in drafting reports and briefing papers for non-expert audiences, and a good understanding of international policies and policies relevant to Africa on agricultural development, food and nutrition security and climate change. Strong analytical skills with the ability to produce high-quality research analyses, excellent IT skills, and knowledge of development databases are essential. A working knowledge of French would be an advantage.
You must have excellent verbal and written communication skills, and be able to write clearly and succinctly for publication. You must be able to deal with a wide range of people and to work as part of a team as well as independently. The ability to develop and apply new concepts and have a creative approach to problem-solving is also essential. The ability to organise your own work with minimal supervision, prioritise in response to deadlines and to set and attain research objectives in a multidisciplinary team are also essential.
This is a fixed term appointment available for up to two years, with a possibility of extension subject to funding.