National Researcher – Development Economist and Quantitative Analysis

National Researcher – Development Economist and Quantitative Analysis

Kathmandu, Bagmati Province, Nepal

Description

We are looking for a talented and independent self-starter with proven experience in providing social science technical expertise, especially socio-economic and quantitative analysis, in different research projects to deliver science and innovation that advances the transformation of food, land and water systems in a climate crisis in Nepal to join the team in IWMI Nepal as a National Researcher. You will lead socio-economic analysis of scaling innovation related to sustainable intensification of the hill mixed farming system initiative, and support to capacity building and multi-stakeholder processes for scaling climate resilient, gender and socially inclusive mixed farming and water management systems in Nepal. You will also provide support to strengthen public and private sector interventions for scaling climate and inclusive farming system.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinate and lead the field implementation of the Sustainable Intensification of Mixed Farming System initiative in Nepal.
• Lead socioeconomic analysis, and provide technical expertise in the designing methods and tools for piloting and scaling sustainable intensification of mixed farming system in Nepal in collaboration with key sectors and stakeholders across national and subnational levels.
• Ensure that project-specific deliverables and deadlines are met and manage project budgets and work closely with the Country Representative – Nepal, relevant Research Group Leaders, project leaders, internal and external research teams, and partners to ensure timely delivery of outputs.
• Coordinate and liaise with IWMI’s partners for co-creation, implementation, and impact assessment of R4D initiative. Partners include local, provincial and federal governments, research/academic institutions, NGOs, INGOs, private sector and civil society and networks of agriculture, water and natural resources in Nepal.
• Contribute to relevant research conducted under the One CGIAR Integrated Regional Initiatives in which IWMI is participating.
• Engage, mentor, and guide early career researchers at IWMI and partner organizations to conduct participatory action research in climate smart agriculture for empowering youths, women and marginalized groups.
• Plan, design and implement technical trainings, workshops, knowledge forums, meetings with the aim of transferring knowledge and building capacity of rights-holders, duty bearers, students, development professionals, and national and international partners using participatory methodologies and approaches.
• Prepare research reports, journal articles and other evidence-informed knowledge products (e.g., policy guidelines, policy briefs, blogs, photo stories, digital tools, etc.) for dissemination and uptake of research results.
• Support the IWMI Nepal office in implementing its country road map in alignment with the priorities and plans of the Government of Nepal and One CGIAR.
• Represent IWMI in policy, science and development-related knowledge forums and meetings at national, regional and global levels.

Requirements

The successful candidate will possess the following:

• A PhD in a social science discipline, including sociology, agricultural economics, human geography, anthropology, development studies and/or PhD in water resources or environmental science with specialization in agriculture or natural resources or rural livelihoods.
• At least 3 years post-PhD experience working in research for development projects in Nepal or other regions, particularly in climate resilient agriculture, water resources and agriculture development.
• Proven experience in applying social science research approaches to design and implement research and capacity building activities in agricultural water management, irrigated value chains, and public and private sector partnership in irrigation and agriculture development.
• Skills and experiences of qualitative and quantitative research approaches and methodologies.
• Knowledge of cropping and farming systems of Nepal.
• Experience in preparing scientific publications and/or leading the preparation of research reports meeting the requirements of clients or partner organizations.
• A sound understanding of gender and social inclusion issues in Nepal, and the water and natural resource management sectors, in particular.
• Knowledge of participatory action research in farming system.
• Experience in writing blogs, research reports, policy briefs, technical notes, workshops and training reports, and success stories.
• Knowledge of and experience in project management, along with collaborating with multiple partners and stakeholders to deliver project results.
• Skills and experience in translating research results into knowledge products, including communication in national and global knowledge forums, and platforms such as social media.
• Experience in developing concept notes and research proposals in water, food, energy, and land resources using a social science lens, including gender and social inclusion.
• Highly self-motivated individual who is proactive, takes initiative, and is passionate about research for development initiatives in tackling poverty, inequalities, food insecurity, water and environmental challenges.
• Strong interpersonal skills, adaptable, flexible, including experience in working with interdisciplinary and multi-cultural research teams.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.

DESIRABLES:

• Familiarity with the implementation of development interventions and the new institutional landscapes under the federal structure of Nepal.

Benefits

What we are offering:

This is a nationally recruited position and only candidates who are eligible to work in Nepal will be considered. IWMI offers a competitive salary and benefits package, inclusive of health insurance, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, and long-term disability coverage. The duration of the contract will initially be for a period of three years with the possibility of extension.

HOW TO APPLY: Apply for the position by following the application instructions at www.iwmi.org/jobs. We will be accepting applications through 24:00 (IST) June 26, 2022 (applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis). Receipt of all applications will be acknowledged, but only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

IWMI believes that diversity powers our innovation, contributes to our excellence, and is critical for our mission. We offer a multi-cultural, multi-color, multi-generational and multi-disciplinary working environment. We are consciously creating an inclusive organization that reflects our global character and our commitment to gender equity. We, therefore, encourage applicants from all cultures, races, ethnicities, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientations, and gender identities.

Closing Date: June 26, 2022