Research Associate

Research Associate (Locally Recruited Staff)

CIMMYT is a cutting edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow’s problems today. It is entrusted with fostering improved quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops through applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South, through building strong partnerships. This combination enhances the livelihood trajectories and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers, while working towards a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries. CIMMYT is a core CGIAR Research Center, a global research partnership for a food-secure future, dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security and improving natural resources.

For more information, visit cimmyt.org.

CIMMYT seeks to recruit young dynamic development professional as ‘Research Associate’ to be based in Kathmandu, Nepal.

More information about the project: https://www.cimmyt.org/projects/rupantar/ 

Reference No: N24242

Position Title: Research Associate

A.    DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.     Research and Development

Lead the development of qualitative and quantitative research instruments/protocols to understand the impact of project interventions of diversification pathways and scaling mechanisms on individuals, households, and communities in the Eastern Gangetic Plains in Koshi Province, Nepal.

2.     Data Collection and Analysis

• Under the supervision of the project lead, perform statistical analysis of the information collected through various field surveys and qualitative instruments and develop a database to present reports on the results achieved by the project activities.
• Lead the analysis of survey data as per the above and share findings with project partners to support implementation and scaling.

3.     Reporting and Publication

• Make regular reports and tables, allowing the project team to track the project activities.
• Participate and contribute to the publication of research results through annual reports, presentations, and publications.
• Assist and/or lead in writing manuscripts for international peer-reviewed journals.
• Contribute to developing communications outputs related to projects such as Semi-Annual/Annual reports, blogs, news articles, or policy briefs.
• Regularly participate in project meetings and provide updates.

4.     Coordination and Supervision

• Take the lead, coordinate with the project team and partners, and keep updated on new research techniques or processes.
• Coordinate with long-term consultant/s and Social/Socioeconomic Research Coordinator (Field-based position in Biratnagar).
• Assist with the overall implementation of project activities, including, but not limited to, the above.

5.     Field Work and Stakeholder Engagement

• Visit and supervise field activities and/or research fields of partners in research sites.
• Liaison and coordination of partners, particularly for project meetings and CIMMYT-led research activities.
• Lead project implementation activities and monitoring of study communities.
• Travel within the Rupantar study locations per the study objective (particularly Koshi province, Nepal).
• Assist the project lead in stakeholder engagement, outreach, reporting, and coordination with the project team effectively and timely.

6.     Monitoring and Evaluation

Assist in monitoring, evaluation, and reporting efforts by providing quality input and reports in a timely manner (as indicated by the project lead).

7.     Information Technology needed

Proficiency in using standard software at an advanced level, which may include some use of databases or research applications, knowledge of common ICTs, social media, and their use in agricultural research.

Data analysis and visualization using advanced Excel and statistical software such as STATA and/or R or any similar software.

B.     REQUIREMENTS:

B.1:     Educational and work experience Requirements:

• Masters in relevant social sciences or agriculturally related discipline (preferably agricultural extension, agricultural economics, development economics), rural development, or development studies with at least 8 years post-masters experience in agricultural field research, including livelihood, socioeconomics, gender, nutrition, and impact evaluation studies.
• Demonstrated experience in quantitative and qualitative research, implementing open-ended, semi-structured interviews. 
• Experience in publishing in peer-reviewed journals.
• Experience working with farming communities, civil society organizations, and government stakeholders.
• Fluency in English and Nepali (additional language skills with Bengali and or Hindi most preferred). 
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple priorities.
• Experience with training, evaluation and reporting.

B.2:     Required Skills:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Good facilitation skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
• Experience in managing project budgets and resources.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary and multicultural team.
• Experience in collaborating with local partners, government officials, and community stakeholders.

The position is for Nepali Nationals for an initial fixed-term contract of 1-year with 3 months probationary period, which further employment is subject to performance and the continued availability of funds. CIMMYT will provide a nationally competitive salary and benefits that include comprehensive health and life insurance, paid vacation, contributions to a retirement plan, and a range of other benefits as required by Nepal law.