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 and increase the resilience of rice-based systems exist, but uptake of such technologies is often 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 Senior Scientist II and IRRI Representative in Thailand, the Postdoctoral Fellow for Agricultural Economics will be supporting 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. This will involve assessing incentive mechanisms, business cases and reviewing basic socio-economic data to support scaling of climate-smart technologies in rice-based systems and analyzing data and information to build the economic evidence base support for planning of enabling policies and scaling strategies.

We are looking for an independent and dedicated postdoctoral fellow with experience and willingness to work across different cultural context with a focus on Thailand with opportunities to contribute to growing and working in other countries and global programs.

This position will be based at the IRRI Thailand Office, Bangkok, Thailand, and is open for international applications.

• Implement agricultural socio-economic research together with IRRI scientists for development activities in Thailand
• Lead assessments of project baseline and end-line as well as assessments of technology adoption and technology impact across environmental and social dimensions
• Analyze data and trends related to agriculture, food security, and resource management to inform policy recommendations and provide insights that guide policy and regulations, business decisions, and sustainable practices in rice-based systems
• Support the implementation and delivery of other activities such as pilot testing and assessment of the application of innovative technologies and practices in rice-based systems, economic feasibility assessments towards business model development, behavioral economics studies, and analyses of economic impact, market trends and the rice value-chain
• Contribute to the design and development of frameworks and procedures for standardizing the data collection and data analysis
• Regularly develop and submit new research proposals for funding together with other scientists
• Analyze data, interpret results and publish findings in peer-reviewed journals, digests, and other relevant publications highlighting research findings
• Support the preparation of project narrative and progress reports as well as other documents as needed.
• Engage national and international partner institutions and private sector companies, research institutes and consultants 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 and researchers 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 by introducing ideas and methodologies in agricultural economics (agribusiness and agri-food value chain development, agriculture policies, regulations and strategies, etc.)
• Stay updated on the latest trends and findings 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.
• Perform any other relevant duties as assigned by the supervisor from time to time

• 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 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.

Mandatory

• Excellent understanding of agricultural systems, particularly rice production
• Analytical skills in economic analysis on the impact of agricultural policies to draw actionable insights.
• Proficient in both quantitative and qualitative evaluation methods, including designing surveys, conducting interviews and analyzing data
• Excellent oral and written skills in English including scientific writing as well as interpersonal skills

Preferred

• Demonstrated ability to work on a multicultural and multidisciplinary team
• A pro-active and independent way of working

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