Consultant for Assessing Domestic Trade Costs and Agri-Food Enterprises

Job Posting Organization:
The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) is a research center that aims to provide evidence-based solutions to reduce poverty and end hunger and malnutrition. Established in 1975, IFPRI operates in over 40 countries and employs more than 300 staff members, including researchers, policy analysts, and support staff. The organization focuses on agricultural research and policy analysis, with a mission to improve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and nutrition through innovative research and partnerships.

Job Overview:
The position involves conducting a comprehensive study to assess domestic trade costs and the role of agri-food enterprises in Nepal's agricultural transformation. The consultant will be responsible for diagnosing key constraints in agricultural trade logistics and analyzing how agri-food enterprises contribute to agricultural transformation. The work will include estimating domestic trade time and costs, mapping market relationships, and analyzing the role of women in agri-food enterprises. The findings will support evidence-based decision-making for the Government of Nepal and contribute to regional dialogue within the BIMSTEC Secretariat.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Collect secondary data on agricultural production zones and markets, including coordinates and road network data.
• Utilize the Open-Source Routing Machine (OSRM) to generate optimal travel times and distances between selected points.
• Develop a cost model to estimate domestic trade costs based on OSRM outputs and secondary data.
• Analyze data from the Nepal Living Standard Survey (NLSS) and the Nepal Industrial Survey (NIS) to track changes in food enterprises and women's participation.
• Synthesize findings to formulate evidence-based policy insights.
• Prepare and submit deliverables, including reports and data analysis, within specified timelines.
• Collaborate with IFPRI’s team and participate in regular progress meetings.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum 15 years of experience in economic, agricultural, spatial, or value-chain research.
• Proven expertise in trade, logistics, agriculture, or rural enterprise analysis.
• Experience with national statistical datasets such as NLSS and NIS.
• Familiarity with GIS and routing/mobility analysis is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience working with CGIAR centers or similar international research organizations.
• Proven track record of collaboration with government stakeholders in Nepal.
• The institution or firm must be based in Nepal and legally registered with relevant authorities.

Educational Background:
A relevant degree in economics, agricultural sciences, social sciences, or a related field is required. Advanced degrees (Master's or PhD) are preferred, particularly in areas related to agricultural economics, development studies, or logistics.

Experience:
The consultant must have extensive experience (minimum 15 years) in conducting research related to agriculture, trade, and logistics. Experience in analyzing agricultural value chains and working with government entities in Nepal is essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both written and spoken. Proficiency in Nepali is preferred but not required. Knowledge of other local languages may be beneficial.

Additional Notes:
The contract period for this assignment is from December 15, 2025, to September 30, 202

• The position is full-time, and the selected institution or firm will work closely with IFPRI’s team under the ATMI-II project. All deliverables will undergo a technical review, and regular virtual meetings will be scheduled for progress updates. The institution must submit a technical proposal, financial proposal, and legal documents as part of the application process.