Market Research and Insights Lead

Job Posting Organization:
CIMMYT is a cutting-edge, non-profit, international organization that was established to address the challenges of agricultural production systems, particularly focusing on basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, and millets. The organization operates primarily in the Global South and is dedicated to enhancing the livelihoods of resource-poor farmers by fostering improved agricultural practices through applied agricultural science. CIMMYT is a core CGIAR Research Center, which is a global research partnership aimed at achieving security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and reducing poverty. The organization emphasizes building strong partnerships to create a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system while adhering to planetary boundaries. Through its innovative approaches, CIMMYT aims to improve nutrition" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food and nutrition security and enhance natural resource management.

Job Overview:
The Market Research and Insights Lead position at CIMMYT is a pivotal role that involves leading, coordinating, and delivering high-quality market research and insights across the organization's agri-food systems portfolio. This role is essential for supporting multiple programs and projects by providing timely, decision-ready evidence that informs product development, value chain interventions, market engagement strategies, and investment decisions. The successful candidate will be responsible for implementing diverse market research studies, including concept testing, market diagnostics, value chain analysis, and processing opportunity assessments. The role requires a strategic mindset to develop and maintain standardized research frameworks and tools, ensuring quality and consistency across various projects and geographies. The candidate will also be expected to integrate innovative technologies, such as AI-assisted design, into the research process to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Market Research and Insights Lead include:

• Project & Portfolio Management: Leading the implementation of diverse market research studies, developing and maintaining standardized research frameworks, overseeing field workplans, budgets, and timelines, and managing project reviews and risks.
• Research Design, Data Quality & Standardization: Designing research using cost-effective quantitative and qualitative tools, integrating AI-assisted design and quality control tools.
• Coordination & Partner Management: Acting as the primary interface between CIMMYT programs, country teams, breeders, value chain actors, private sector partners, and research vendors, ensuring proper training and adherence to protocols among field partners.
• Analysis, Reporting & Insight Translation: Producing slide decks, dashboards, briefs, and decision-ready products, translating findings into clear recommendations tailored to various decision contexts.
• Strategic Development & Future Funding: Supporting proposal writing and strategic business development for CIMMYT’s market research function, engaging with new donors, and representing the project in external meetings and donor engagements.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an MBA/DBA, MSc, or PhD in market research, economics, marketing, or a related field. Additionally, candidates must have at least 7 years of experience running market research projects, preferably with a commercial background. A proven track record in managing large portfolios, experience in monitoring and evaluation, and multi-country coordination are essential. Strong skills in survey design, data quality management, and proficiency in software solutions such as Power BI, Stata, R, and Python are also required. Excellent relationship-building and communication skills are crucial for success in this role.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree such as an MBA, DBA, MSc, or PhD in market research, economics, marketing, or a similar field. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively lead market research initiatives and contribute to CIMMYT's objectives.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 7 years of experience in running market research projects, with a preference for those who have a commercial background. Experience in managing large portfolios, monitoring and evaluation, and coordinating projects across multiple countries is highly desirable. This level of experience is necessary to navigate the complexities of the role and to effectively manage diverse research initiatives.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the international nature of the organization and its operations. Additional languages relevant to the regions in which CIMMYT operates may be considered advantageous, enhancing communication with local partners and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is initially offered for a fixed term of three years, with the possibility of extension subject to performance and the continued availability of funds. CIMMYT offers an internationally competitive salary and benefits package that includes a housing allowance, comprehensive health and life insurance, assistance for children's education, paid vacation, annual airfare, contributions to a retirement plan, and generous support for relocation expenses.