Consultant

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 enhance security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. Established in 1975, IFPRI operates in over 40 countries and employs a diverse team of experts in various fields related to food policy, agriculture, and nutrition. The organization aims to improve the understanding of food systems and their impact on global food security, with a strong focus on research and policy analysis. IFPRI collaborates with governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders to implement effective agricultural policies and programs that support sustainable development and food security.

Job Overview:
The Consultant position at IFPRI is focused on providing research assistance within the Markets, Trade, and Institutions (MTI) unit, specifically for a project funded by the European Union (EU). The project aims to develop a geographic prioritization tool for agricultural investments in Madagascar, utilizing stochastic frontier analysis to assess the agricultural potential of various micro-regions in the country. The consultant will be responsible for conducting spatial analysis tasks, managing GIS data, and supporting the EU in program due diligence, research, and analysis. This role is critical in helping to prioritize investments in agriculture and related sectors, ultimately contributing to improved food security and economic development in Madagascar.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake several key responsibilities, including:

• Preparing GIS data to align with household survey data specific to Madagascar, ensuring accurate and relevant data integration.
• Constructing market accessibility models that analyze travel time across Madagascar, which will aid in understanding the logistical challenges faced by agricultural producers and consumers.
• Generating stochastic frontier analysis typology maps for Madagascar, utilizing estimates provided by the IFPRI research team to visualize agricultural potential and investment opportunities.
• Simulating and mapping the potential impacts of various investments in Madagascar, providing insights into how these investments could enhance agricultural productivity and food security in the region.

Required Qualifications:
To be considered for this consultant position, candidates must possess the following qualifications:

• A Master’s degree in Geography or a related field, demonstrating a strong academic foundation in spatial analysis and geographic information systems.
• A minimum of 12 years of relevant experience in fields related to GIS, spatial analysis, or agricultural research, showcasing a deep understanding of the complexities involved in agricultural investments and rural development.
• Proficiency in ArcGIS software, which is essential for managing and analyzing geographic data effectively.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a Master’s degree in Geography or a closely related field. This educational background is crucial as it provides the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge required for conducting advanced spatial analysis and managing GIS data effectively in the context of agricultural investments.

Experience:
The position requires a substantial level of experience, specifically a minimum of 12 years in relevant fields. This extensive experience should encompass work in GIS, spatial analysis, agricultural economics, rural development, or related areas, ensuring that the consultant is well-equipped to handle the complexities of the project and contribute valuable insights to the research team.

Languages:
While the job posting does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential for effective communication within the international team and for understanding project documentation. Knowledge of French may also be beneficial, given the context of working in Madagascar and collaborating with EU stakeholders, as it is one of the official languages of the country.

Additional Notes:
The consultant position is expected to be a contract role, with a deadline for applications set for November 27, 202

• The role may involve working remotely or in multiple locations, depending on the consultant's arrangements and the project's requirements. This position is likely to be full-time, and candidates should be prepared to engage in a collaborative research environment that may involve international stakeholders and diverse teams.