Job Summary

The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) seeks an Associate Research Fellow or Research Fellow to join an established research team for a two-year, renewable appointment in its Poverty Gender, and Inclusion (PGI) Unit. This position is based at the IFPRI Country Office in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The selected candidate will conduct policy-relevant, applied microeconomics research with a primary focus on Bangladesh. This research will address important topics related to the impact and delivery of social protection programs and other programs to promote poverty reduction; factors shaping gender equality and social inclusion; household resilience to climate change; interventions to improve agricultural development; and the impact of large-scale maternal and child health and nutrition programs. Researchers are expected to maintain an outstanding publication record and to contribute to the office’s role in providing policy advice and high-quality research communication to Ministries in the Government of Bangladesh, as well as implementing partners, donors, and other stakeholders.

Please note that Associate Research Fellow appointments at IFPRI have a maximum term of three (3) years, inclusive of any approved appointment extensions. After the maximum appointment term, Associate Research Fellows are typically considered for promotion to Research Fellow based on peer-reviewed publications and other contributions to projects and the Institute.

The final grade level (ARF or RF) for this position will be determined by demonstrated experience and track record of publications.

Essential Duties:

Specific duties include but are not limited to:

• Conduct innovative research on social protection and poverty reduction; gender equality and social inclusion; household resilience to climate change; agricultural development; maternal and child health and nutrition programs; and other topics relevant to the research agenda of the Unit and the Institute.
• Conduct empirical analysis using rigorous econometric methods and publish research findings in high-quality peer-reviewed journals.
• Manage survey field work activities, working closely with senior researchers, local collaborators, and research support staff and liaising with program implementing partners and donors.
• Oversee and mentor research analysts on survey fieldwork, coding, data analysis, and other tasks.
• Play a leading role in coordinating IFPRI’s outreach activities, with a special focus on fostering and maintaining IFPRI’s relationship with the Bangladesh Ministry of Agriculture and relevant line agencies, including the Agricultural Policy Support Unit (APSU) and the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC).
• Communicate research findings to policymakers, donors, implementing partners, and the academic community at national, regional, and international levels.
• Maintain relationships with research programs’ implementing partners, donors, and other stakeholders.
• Facilitate the seamless execution and delivery of policy research initiatives within the Country Office, including active involvement in the oversight and management of research portfolio.

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in Economics, Agricultural/Applied Economics, Public Policy, or related field
• Demonstrated training and experience in econometric techniques used in microeconomic analysis and in designing and conducting rigorous impact evaluations (e.g., randomized controlled trials, difference-in-difference, regression discontinuity, etc.)
• Prior research on applied microeconomics topics of relevance to the Unit’s research agenda, including on social protection and poverty reduction; gender equality and social inclusion; household resilience to climate change; agricultural development; and maternal and child health and nutrition programs.
• Experience working in multicultural teams.
• Excellent communication skills in written and spoken English.
• Willingness and ability to travel within Bangladesh and overseas.

At the Research Fellow level, the candidate must meet the above required qualifications, as well as:

• Excellent publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
• 3+ years of post-PhD experience relevant to the job and demonstrated fundraising experience.
• Major external recognition within peer professional network due to publications and other leadership activities.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and strong experience building and managing teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to effectively design and supervise survey data collection.
• Field experience in collecting quantitative household survey data in low- and lower-middle-income countries, especially in South Asia or Africa.
• Ability and experience in managing internal and external relationships with project teams, donors, policymakers, and collaborators.
• Experience working with researchers from other disciplines including nutrition and health.
• Fluency in Bangla is an asset.

Physical Demand & Work environment:

• Employee will sit in an upright position for a long period of time.
• Employee will lift between 0-10 pounds.
• Employee is required to have close visual acuity to perform activities such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing computer terminal; extensive reading.

To apply, please complete the online application at www.ifpri.org under “Jobs.” Provide a complete job market paper, curriculum vitae, a cover letter describing your interest in IFPRI and experience in the Unit’s research topics, and three letters of reference. IFPRI will begin conducting online interviews on or about January 3, 2024, in accordance with the AEA guidelines.

The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) is an equal employment opportunity employer – F/M/Disability/Vet/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.