Research Analyst I

Job Posting Organization:
The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) is a renowned research institution dedicated to providing evidence-based solutions to reduce poverty and end hunger. Established in 1975, IFPRI operates in over 40 countries and employs a diverse team of researchers and policy experts. The organization focuses on agricultural development, food systems, and resilience, working collaboratively with various stakeholders to influence policy and improve livelihoods globally. IFPRI's mission is to provide research-based policy solutions that promote sustainable security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and improve nutrition.

Job Overview:
The Research Analyst I position at IFPRI is an excellent opportunity for an early-career researcher to engage in impactful research within the Development Strategies and Governance Unit. The role is based in Khartoum, Sudan, and involves collaboration with senior researchers and global teams on various projects related to agriculture, food systems, and economic recovery. The successful candidate will be responsible for conducting large-scale data collection, performing advanced data analysis, and supporting impact evaluations, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The position requires strong analytical skills and the ability to thrive in a dynamic research environment, making it ideal for motivated individuals eager to contribute to policy-relevant research.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Research Analyst I include:

• Empirical Research and Data Work: Designing and implementing surveys for farmers, households, enterprises, and markets; supporting field supervision and enumerator training; ensuring data quality protocols are followed; cleaning complex datasets from various sources; conducting quantitative, qualitative, spatial, and satellite-based analyses.
• Impact Evaluation and Modeling: Supporting impact evaluations and RCTs; contributing to economywide modeling and policy simulations; undertaking political economy and market systems analysis.
• Social Protection and Resilience: Mapping and analyzing Sudan's social protection systems; supporting research on livelihood resilience, displacement, and conflict.
• Knowledge Products and Outreach: Assisting in drafting reports, policy briefs, research papers, and presentations; supporting capacity-building activities and partner engagement; organizing IFPRI events such as seminars and workshops; contributing to IFPRI Sudan's visibility through web content and media engagement.
• Coordination and Administrative Support: Coordinating with IFPRI colleagues, donors, and implementing partners; supporting project administration, logistics, and communication; representing IFPRI Sudan in meetings and stakeholder engagements.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Research Analyst I position include: A Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Agricultural Economics, Development Studies/Economics, Econometrics, Statistics, or a closely related field, along with two years of professional experience, or a Master’s degree. Candidates must possess a strong understanding of Sudan's socio-economic and agricultural context, including conflict and displacement dynamics. Excellent knowledge of micro/macro-economics and quantitative research methods is essential. Proficiency in STATA is required, while experience with GAMS, R, or Python is considered an advantage. Proven analytical and writing skills, fluency in English and Arabic (both written and spoken), strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to work in a multicultural, team-oriented environment are also necessary. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and maintain high accuracy, as well as the ability to work independently and proactively, with a willingness to travel within Sudan.

Educational Background:
Candidates for the Research Analyst I position must have a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Economics, Agricultural Economics, Development Studies/Economics, Econometrics, or Statistics. A Master’s degree in one of these fields is preferred and may substitute for the required professional experience. The educational background should provide a solid foundation in economic principles, research methodologies, and statistical analysis, which are critical for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of professional experience for candidates with a Bachelor’s degree, or relevant experience may be substituted by a Master’s degree. Preferred candidates will have at least three years of relevant experience in research, academia, development, data analysis, or impact evaluation. Experience with impact evaluations, social protection research, or humanitarian programs is highly desirable, as is familiarity with GIS/ARC-GIS, spatial analysis, remote sensing, or satellite imagery. Experience in policy communication, outreach, or managing web content will also be advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic is mandatory for this position, as both languages are essential for effective communication and collaboration within the multicultural team and with local partners. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered a plus, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to the research objectives.

Additional Notes:
This position is a one-year, renewable appointment based at IFPRI’s office in Khartoum, Sudan. The successful candidate will be contracted through IFPRI’s host institution in Sudan, the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development (AOAD), and will adhere to AOAD’s employment policies, benefits, and compensation structure. Interested applicants must have work authorization to work in Sudan. The role may require travel within Sudan, and candidates should be prepared for the physical demands of the job, including sitting for extended periods and performing tasks that require close visual acuity.