Climate Change impacts rice production through exacerbated and more frequent climate extremes. At the same time rice fields are a large emitter of greenhouse gases. Technologies that reduce the carbon footprint of rice exist but uptake of such technologies is slow. Working with various national and international partners in different projects, IRRI develops strategies to increase the level of adoption of climate-smart technologies in rice production. This task needs a concerted approach of an inter-disciplinary team of experts.

Under the minimal supervision of the IRRI Representative in Thailand, the Agricultural Economist will be responsible for leading assessments and evaluations of socio-economic factors affecting the uptake and use of agricultural practices and technologies, and provide technical, operational and strategic support for the implementation of IRRI’s agricultural and climate change projects in Thailand. S_he will further provide analyses of data and information to build the economic evidence base, assess business cases and gather basic socio-economic data to support scaling of climate-smart technologies in rice-based systems. The Economist will lead specific tasks of a project that aims to facilitate a transformational change in the Thai rice sector by empowering vulnerable smallholder farmers to make improved decisions in the face of climate change and enable access to innovative farming practices and advancing climate-smart rice farming. This encompasses rigorous studies and
testing of improved agronomic practices, for example the valorization and use of rice residue, but also evidence-based support for planning of enabling policies and scaling strategies.

The successful applicant should have demonstrated experience and a proven track record of conducting similar research or projects related to low-emission rice farming systems, sustainable agriculture, climate-resilient farming technologies and practices, etc. Apart from research, the position also requires close collaboration with Thai government partners, most important departments and research institutes under the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (MOAC), International partners, private sectors, and stakeholders of other national projects. Moreover, this position will require analytical skills to interpret and publish results from adaptive research and support the Thailand office, namely within the context of developing funding proposals.

This position will be based at the IRRI Bangkok Office in Thailand and may only be filled by permanent citizens of Thailand.

• Work with IRRI scientists to implement agricultural socio-economic research for development activities in Thailand
• Lead baseline assessment, end-line assessment, adoption assessment, ESG assessment, economic analysis, surveys, interviews and analyzing relevant data
• Analyze data and trends related to agriculture, food security, and resource management to inform policy recommendations and provide insights that guide policy, business decisions, and sustainable practices in rice-based system
• Support the implementation and delivery of other activities such as pilot testing and assessment of application of innovative technologies and practices in rice based systems, economic feasibility towards business model development, behavioral economics study, economic impacts, market trends, rice value-chain analysis, policy recommendations, market-based instruments and regulation, etc.
• Support the preparation of project narrative and progress reports as well as other documents as needed
• Support the recruitment and supervision of short-term consultants
• Engage national partners, e.g. MOAC especially the Thai Rice Department, Office of Agricultural Economics, private sector companies, research institutes, consultants, contractors and smallholder farmers in project implementation
• Initiate and maintain productive engagement with the partners, clients and stakeholders on strategic development and provide crucial evidence on policy issues relevant to the low-emission and climate-resilient farming technologies and practices in rice-based systems
• Collaborate with other IRRI scientists to produce required deliverables
• Maintain active communication with other IRRI teams in the Thailand Office, other country offices and HQ to effectively align activities
• Provide significant contributions to the writing of reports, scientific papers, articles, etc.
• Provide input to the development of research products for private and public decision-makers in view of sustainable agricultural development of the rice sector
• Contribute to training of national research and extension service partners and other beneficiaries on relevant skills
  and knowledge
• Contribute to the organization of regional exchange events, high-level policy dialogues/forums
• Contribute to proposal development and implementation by introducing ideas and methodologies on agribusiness, agri-food value chain, agriculture policies, regulations and strategies
• Stay updated on the latest trends, challenges, and policies in agricultural economics
• Communicate research results and new ideas in a broad array of outlets, including peer-reviewed journals, mass media, policy fora as well as national and international scientific fora

• Master’s Degree in Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, Economics, Applied Economics, Economic Development or in a relevant economic development discipline and min. 3 years relevant work experience
• Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, Economics, Applied Economics, Economic Development or in a relevant economic development discipline and min. 1 year of relevant work experience
• Experience working in the field of agricultural economics research, economic
  analysis project, agriculture and development projects/programs and/or in international organizations
• Experience in working with government institutions, preferably MOAC

Mandatory

• Has demonstrated research experience and analytical skills, particularly economic analysis on the impact of agricultural policies
• Strong analytical skills to assess data and draw actionable insights
• Excellent oral and written skills in English including scientific writing as well as interpersonal skills
• A pro-active and independent way of working

Preferred

• Proficiency in both quantitative and qualitative evaluation methods, including designing surveys, conducting interviews and analyzing data
• Experience in collaborating with diverse stakeholders, interacting with public, private, and civil society stakeholders.
• Proven evidence of delivering analytical work on critical issues of relevance for sustainable agricultural systems such as: smallholder agriculture, agri/water productivity, agrifood value chains, behavioral economics, risk management, agriculture insurances, etc.
• Knowledge of agri-food value chain approach/processes

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.