Analyst for African Food Systems

Job Posting Organization:
The organization is focused on analyzing and improving food systems in Africa, particularly in the context of climate change and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. It aims to provide comprehensive data and insights that can help in developing effective agricultural policies and practices. The organization is involved in various projects that require innovative approaches to data collection and analysis, emphasizing the importance of understanding the dynamics of food systems in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Job Overview:
The Analyst for African Food Systems will play a crucial role in supporting projects that investigate the changes in African food systems and the impact of climate on these systems. The position involves primary data collection and quantitative analysis, with a strong emphasis on utilizing artificial intelligence to enhance workflow efficiency. The analyst will be tasked with evaluating the effectiveness of large language models in digitizing crop production statistics, identifying when these tools may yield inaccurate or incomplete results. Additionally, the analyst will analyze subnational patterns of crop production and yield stagnation to gain insights into the evolving food systems in Africa. This role is vital for understanding the implications of crop production data on food insecurity and health outcomes, particularly in regions heavily reliant on agriculture.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct primary data collection related to African food systems and climate impacts.
• Utilize artificial intelligence tools to streamline workflows and improve data digitization processes.
• Evaluate the performance of large language models in processing crop production statistics.
• Analyze subnational crop production patterns and yield trends to understand changes in food systems.
• Develop research questions and perform literature reviews to support project objectives.
• Conduct econometric analyses on tabular data to derive meaningful insights.
• Collaborate with team members and stakeholders to ensure the accuracy and relevance of data collected.
• Prepare reports and presentations to communicate findings and recommendations effectively.

Required Qualifications:

• Strong understanding of food systems, statistical methods, and agricultural economics.
• Proficiency in using STATA and QGIS for data analysis and visualization.
• Experience with machine learning techniques and their application in agricultural data analysis.
• Familiarity with large language models and their use in digitizing crop production statistics.
• Ability to develop research questions and perform comprehensive literature reviews.
• Experience in conducting econometric analyses on tabular data.

Educational Background:
A degree in agricultural economics, statistics, environmental science, or a related field is required. Advanced degrees (Master's or PhD) are preferred, particularly for candidates with a focus on food systems or climate studies.

Experience:
Candidates should have a demonstrated background in working with food systems and agricultural data, with specific experience in statistical analysis and the use of relevant software tools. Experience in research settings, particularly related to climate change and food security, is highly desirable.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the regions of focus in Sub-Saharan Africa would be advantageous but not required.

Additional Notes:
The position may involve travel to various locations within Sub-Saharan Africa for data collection and collaboration with local stakeholders. The role is expected to be full-time, with a focus on both remote and on-site work depending on project needs. Compensation and benefits will be discussed during the interview process.