Senior Research Coordinator – International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)

Job Description

The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) seeks a qualified candidate to fill the position of Senior Research Coordinator for a 2-year, exempt appointment. This position will be based at IFPRI’s office in Lilongwe, Malawi.

The Senior Research Coordinator will play a leading role in developing and implementing policy research and engagement strategies, as well as capacity strengthening.

Essential Duties:

Specific duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Policy engagement/influence and capacity strengthening

• Lead efforts of IFPRI to promote evidence-based policy planning and implementation in Malawi, including the promotion of policy dialogue and mutual learning.
• Engage with other relevant continental and regional processes to seek opportunities for influencing and strengthening policy processes in Malawi.
• Strengthen leadership and develop policymaking capacity in Malawi.
• Develop and strengthen links between IFPRI and Malawi’s relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
• Represent IFPRI in regional meetings and interactions.
• Develop new partnerships with strategic partners, as and when appropriate.
• Engage at international level with relevant platforms and processes.

Research development, facilitation and management

• Develop, implement and manage programs of research at IFPRI in Malawi.
• Liaise with IFPRI partner organizations to ensure the policy workstream is responsive and complementary to other work streams.
• Identify funding opportunities for proposals for policy-relevant research.
• Develop new policy-relevant research to address knowledge gaps/research needs that exist, or emerge.
• Link with platforms and initiatives to harmonize and strengthen research plans and outputs.
• Link to and collaborate with (as appropriate) other external partners and stakeholders.
• Support the dissemination and publication of research results in policy briefs and other targeted publications.
• Support the Malawi Country Program Leader in internal and external (including donor) reporting and proposal development.

Required Qualifications:

• PhD plus 5 years’ experience in public policy, economics, political science or quantitative social science. Strong track record of policy research and engagement, and a strong understanding of development policies and practice. Specific experience in Malawi is an advantage.
• Experience in cross-sectoral policy engagement on agricultural commercialization, urbanization and rural transformation.
• Demonstrated leadership and experience in effective interactions in a multicultural and international development setting with other researchers and with policymakers, donors, and civil society in Africa, and preferably in Malawi, facilitating impact of research and capacity strengthening. Experience with CGIAR institutions is desirable.
• Experience with development of capacity strengthening strategies and programs in Africa, and preferably in Malawi.
• Major external recognition within peer professional network
• Willingness to travel extensively as required
• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills with demonstrated excellence in written and oral presentations. Knowledge of Chichewa is an advantage.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and strong experience in working in and influencing development institutions.
• Demonstrated ability to critically assess own and others’ research

Physical Demand & Work environment:

• Employee will sit in an upright position for a long period of time with little opportunity to move/stretch
• Employee will lift between 0-10pounds
• 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

Salary Range: The expected salary range for this job requisition is between $115,800 – $144,800. In determining your salary, we will consider your experience and other job-related factors.

Benefits: IFPRI is committed to providing our staff members with valuable and competitive benefits, as it is a core part of providing a strong overall employee experience. This position is eligible for health insurance coverage and a summary of our benefits can be found on our website. Please note that the listed benefits are generally available to active, non-temporary, full-time and part-time US-based employees who work at least 25 hours per week.

The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) is an equal employment opportunity employer – F/M/Disability/Vet/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.