Assistant Scientist - Economic Modeling and Food Policy Research

The Assistant Scientist under the Transformative Policies and Investments (TPI) Unit will be part of the economic modeling and foresight sub-unit. The successful applicant will assist in economic modeling and foresight to support decision-making on policies and investments relevant to rice trade and rice-based food systems transformation. S/he will be asked to assist in conducting research on rice markets and policy and their drivers using partial equilibrium and/or general equilibrium economic modeling techniques at the global, regional and national scales. Additionally, s/he will assist in conducting ex-ante impact assessment of planned policy changes and ex-post evaluation of past policies. The candidate will also assist in the improvement and development of research tools, data collection, analysis and interpretation of results, scientific publication in international peer-reviewed journals and overall dissemination efforts through reports, policy briefs, and presentations in national/international workshops and conferences.

This position will be based at the IRRI Headquarters, Los Baños, Philippines and may only be filled by permanent citizens of the Philippines.

• Assist in the conceptualization of research through rice and other commodity modeling techniques;
• Assist in the improvement of the IRRI Global Rice Model and build capacity in other global analytical tools;
• Assist in the demand-led policy research leading to policy advice, and develop country-specific scenarios;
• Assist in the implementation of research studies;
• Assist in consolidating, evaluating, verifying and analyzing data related to research studies.
• Exchange conceptual ideas with collaborating partners (national/international) and seek feedback;
• Assist the coordination with collaborating partners on their research requirements
• Assist in coordinating with collaborators within the unit and seek guidance from supervisors leaders on the conduct of economic modeling and foresight work for policy analysis other specific research areas;
• Assist in in conducting workshops within and outside IRRI, whenever necessary.
• Contribute to the development of research proposals including reviewing related literature and providing logistical support;
• Contribute to the improvement, management and maintaining the IRRI Global Rice Model;
• Coordinate and monitor activities on a regular basis to ensure the efficiency of the research
• Summarize research findings, assist in drafting manuscripts for publication in refereed journals and provide inputs to project reports;
• Prepare posters and papers for presentation at local and international conferences

• Master of Science in Economics or Agricultural Economics and one to three years of relevant work experience in policy-oriented research

Mandatory

• Has proven technical proficiency in using quantitative techniques for economic  odeling and econometric analysis
• Has strong oral and written communication skills
• Has strong analytical skill
• Has good presentation skills
• Has excellent computer skills
• Is able to work independently with very minimal supervision

Preferred

• Experience and familiarity in maintaining and updating the IGRM,
• Experience in analyzing data and performing econometric analysis in Eviews, STATA and conducting surveys.

IRRI offers a highly extensive employee benefits package inclusive of globally-covered medical insurance, retirement plan, life and accident insurance and other allowances.

Join our team and be part of our story!

Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
This position will remain open until filled.