Consultant for Agribusiness Export Analysis

Job Posting Organization:
The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) is a renowned research organization dedicated to providing evidence-based solutions to reduce poverty and end hunger and malnutrition. Established in 1975, IFPRI operates in over 40 countries and employs a diverse team of experts in various fields related to food policy and agricultural development. The organization focuses on generating research that informs policy decisions and promotes sustainable agricultural practices, thereby contributing to global security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and economic development.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in supporting IFPRI's mission to enhance Malawi's agricultural transformation by conducting a comprehensive analysis of the constraints faced by agribusiness export firms. This position involves collaborating with the IFPRI research team to design and implement structured interviews with approximately 20-30 agribusiness export companies. The consultant will be responsible for refining the existing draft questionnaire, managing fieldwork, and ensuring accurate data management and documentation. The ultimate goal is to provide actionable recommendations to the Government of Malawi to improve the policy environment for private sector exporters and strengthen the country's export performance.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Survey Design and Instrument Development: Refine the existing draft questionnaire and organize piloting of the questionnaire to ensure its effectiveness and relevance.
• Technical Inputs and Expert Engagement: Identify and engage relevant national and international experts, managing a series of technical consultations or meetings to gather expert inputs into the survey design.
• Sampling and Fieldwork Implementation: Collaborate with the IFPRI team to create a comprehensive list of enterprises that align with the study objectives, ensuring a representative sampling frame.
• Interviews: Set up and manage fieldwork logistics, including scheduling and conducting both face-to-face and virtual interviews with selected enterprises.
• Data Management and Documentation: Ensure all collected data is accurately captured, digitized, cleaned, and prepared for analysis. Produce a detailed document outlining the survey design, sampling strategy, data collection procedures, and any limitations encountered.
• Analytical Inputs: Document key insights from the survey that address the main research questions regarding export constraints.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Identify and engage potential research and implementation partners, such as the Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI), to validate results and foster collaboration.

Required Qualifications:
The consultant must possess a Master's degree in Economics, Public Administration, Public Finance, Development Policy, or Agricultural Policy, along with a minimum of 15 years of professional experience in these fields. The candidate should demonstrate proficiency in conducting semi-structured interviews and possess strong knowledge of agricultural and economic policies in Malawi. Excellent relationships and expertise in engaging with Malawi's private sector community are essential, as well as outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, particularly in high-level interactions with policymakers.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in a relevant field such as Economics, Public Administration, Public Finance, Development Policy, or Agricultural Policy is required. This advanced education should be complemented by extensive professional experience in related areas, ensuring the consultant has a deep understanding of the complexities involved in agricultural policy and economic development.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 15 years of professional experience in fields related to economics, public administration, or agricultural policy. This experience should include a demonstrated ability to conduct semi-structured interviews and engage effectively with stakeholders in the agricultural sector. Familiarity with the private sector landscape in Malawi is highly desirable, as is experience in public sector policymaking.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, as the consultant will need to communicate effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders, including policymakers and agribusiness representatives. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Malawi would be advantageous but is not a strict requirement.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration is expected to extend until the completion of the project, with key deliverables due on specific dates throughout the engagement. The consultant will be expected to work full-time during the project period, and the position may involve both national and international collaboration. Compensation details will be discussed during the hiring process, and benefits may include opportunities for professional development and networking within the agricultural policy community.