Job Summary:
The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) seeks a qualified candidate to serve as a Senior Research Analyst I within the Development Strategies and Governance Unit (DSG). This is a one-year, renewable appointment based at IFPRI-Nigeria, Abuja. The Senior Research Analyst will contribute to the research activities (field works, analytics, writings, publications, coordination, and engagement with stakeholders and local research partners/collaborators, and capacity strengthening on agricultural value chains, policy research, and post-harvest food-loss management. Interested applicants must have work authorization to work in Nigeria.
Essential Duties:
Specific duties include but are not limited to:
Project & Partner Coordination
Manage and support technical components of projects/programs.
Interact with, coordinate, and when appropriate manage the work of collaborators and project partners.
Provide technical support to the Country Program Leader, Project Leaders of bilateral projects, and Area/Work Package Leaders in CGIAR Science Programs.
Engage with implementing partners, beneficiaries, funding agencies, and donors to support ongoing and prospective research activities.
Present and discuss research proposals and project findings with government counterparts, NGOs, research organizations, and other stakeholders.
Help organize and manage technical workshops and stakeholder engagements at national (Abuja), state (LGAs), and field levels.
Research Design, Fieldwork & Implementation
Contribute to design, sampling, and development of household surveys and other data-collection instruments.
Lead and support field implementation – including enumerator training, supervision, monitoring, and quality control.
Coordinate and manage randomized controlled trials, especially the solar dryer study in Kano State and the cool transportation study in Jos Plateau and Gombe States.
Develop data documentation manuals, field protocols, and learning materials as needed.
Data Management and Analysis & Writing and Reporting of Knowledge Products
Conduct data cleaning, management, statistical analysis, and econometric analysis.
Lead and support literature reviews and synthesis of evidence.
Respond to internal and external data requests as required.
Co-author research reports and peer-reviewed publications.
Prepare discussion papers, donor reports, and technical documents.
Support development of research proposals under the guidance of supervisors.
Perform other duties assigned to support project success and program objectives.
Required Qualifications:
Master’s degree in Economics, Agricultural Economics, Statistics, Public Policy or a related field and five years of relevant professional experience post-master’s.
Experience in coordinating field-based projects (e.g., cool transportation, cold storage, solar dryers, and other postharvest loss-reduction interventions).
Experience organizing and managing large-scale field surveys and data collection activities in Africa.
Strong foundation in quantitative and qualitative research methods.
Proficiency in econometrics, including cross-sectional and panel data analysis.
Demonstrated ability to conduct statistical analysis, manage datasets, and synthesize literature.
Experience developing survey instruments, sampling strategies, and analytical tools.
Experience coordinating with collaborators, implementing partners, government agencies, NGOs, and research institutions.
Ability to develop and manage MOUs, TORs, proposals, and research agreements.
Experience in proposal development, project management, and engagement with funding agencies.
Proven ability to organize and facilitate technical workshops and trainings.
Excellent writing, drafting, and presentation skills, with demonstrated ability to produce high-quality reports and research outputs.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a team-oriented, multicultural environment.
Fluency in written and spoken English.
Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
High attention to detail and accuracy.
Willingness and ability to travel for fieldwork and project coordination.
Familiarity with widely used analytical software and online platforms.
Preferred Qualifications:
Strong programming skills in Stata, and experience with statistical software such as SPSS, SAS, and/or R; familiarity with GAMS and management of large household databases.
Solid background in microeconomics and, preferably, industrial organization.
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, including organizing consultations, workshops, and policy dialogues.
Experience engaging closely and constructively with federal government counterparts.
Field experiences managing postharvest food loss reduction interventions, including cool transportation, cold storage, and solar dryer activities.
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.
