Consultant to manage and monitor field data collection activities

Evaluation of CropIn platform services in Maharashtra, India project

Background

With support from the Gates Foundation, the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) is undertaking a study to evaluate the use of CropIn platform services by a large soybean processor in Maharashtra, India, that works with organic, sustainable and conventional farmers of soybean in Latur, Osmanabad, Bid districts and surrounding areas of Maharashtra. Two digital smartphone-based platforms will be deployed in specified treatment areas for use by the soybean processor’s field extension agents and by farmers linked to the processors respectively. These platforms will support the delivery of general technical extension advice, market, and price information to soybean farmers by extension agents. At the same time, they will enable two-way communication so that farmers can raise queries and request support or advice on issues specific to their plots.

Statement of Work

IFPRI will study the impact of the introduction of these digital platforms on a range of outcomes of interest to the stakeholders. We are currently conducting a baseline survey for 4500 farmers to measure metrics which include (but are not limited to) cost of cultivation, agricultural yields and profits, marketing, relationship with the processor, information seeking behavior and use of organic and sustainable practices in farming. The baseline will be followed by digitization of farmer plots, a round of high frequency data collection, a business case analysis, focused group discussions with farmers and interviews of extension workers, and an endline. We also plan to do some experiments with the farmers to understand their storage behaviour, their perceptions of land size, and case studies on organic and sustainable farming.

We are looking for a highly experienced Consultant who will be stationed in Latur, Maharashtra for 11 months consultancy contract, who will manage and monitor the various data collection rounds and experiments while maintaining relationships with the farmers, the data collection firm, the processor in question, and government officials.

The consultant is expected to carry out the following tasks:

·Collaborate closely with the IFPRI team to plan field data collection activities

·Assist in the design and field-testing of survey instruments (paper and digital) and develop and implement appropriate structures and systems for a larger randomized intervention, including (but not limited to) the procurement of supplies; development and oversight of field and quality control protocols; recruitment, training, and leading of field staff; and coordination with local partners

·Oversee the day-to-day implementation of field-based research – including the management of field personnel, and reporting for the project

·Share daily reports of field activities with the IFPRI team

·Support in ensuring all field and data activities are in compliance with IRB and field safety protocols and identify and manage threats to the research design or data quality with support from the IFPRI team

·Assist the IFPRI team in designing and executing field experiments and monitoring their implementation

·Seek out and collect administrative data from policy partners and government agencies

·Perform basic data checks as guided by the IFPRI team on appropriate statistical software.

·Support the IFPRI team in managing day-to-day relationships with national, state, and district/block/gram panchayat government officials and other potential partners (academics, policy organizations, NGOs, etc.) as requested

·Facilitate and accompany the IFPRI team on field visits

·Throughout this period, remain responsive to requests from and communicative with the IFPRI team.

·Others, as required

Required qualifications

·Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in economics, social sciences, social work, public policy, agriculture, rural development, or related fields

·Excellent management and organizational skills with at least 3 years of management experience

·Clear communication skills (verbal and written) in English and Marathi, and familiarity with Hindi

·Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Microsoft Excel

·Ability to work and maintain relationships with various stakeholders such as farmers, private companies, government officials, survey firms, etc.

·Strong familiarity with setting up and monitoring primary data collection exercises

·Flexible, self-motivating, able to manage multiple tasks efficiently, and team player with a positive attitude

·Ability to work independently and in rural field locations.

Preferred qualifications

·Prior field experience in Maharashtra, especially the Latur, Osmanabad, Bid areas

·Knowledge of agriculture and experience conducting or managing agricultural surveys

·Prior experience managing and implementing field experiments

·Proficiency in STATA

Application: Please submit a resume and cover letter highlighting qualifications and experience mentioned above. Materials should be submitted in English.