Research Assistant (RA)

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by the Beijing Office of the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and the International Center for Agricultural and Rural Development (ICARD). IFPRI was established to provide research-based policy solutions to reduce poverty and end hunger and malnutrition. It operates in multiple countries, focusing on agricultural and food policy research. The organization aims 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, and it employs a diverse team of experts in various fields related to agriculture, economics, and social sciences.

Job Overview:
The Research Assistant (RA) position is designed to support the IFPRI China Program by providing research, capacity strengthening, and communications assistance. The RA will work closely with the IFPRI China Program Leader and will be involved in a variety of tasks that contribute to the overall objectives of the program. This role is crucial for the successful execution of research projects and the dissemination of findings to stakeholders. The incumbent will engage in data collection, analysis, and reporting, ensuring that the research outputs are of high quality and relevance to policy discussions. The position is a two-year, fixed-term appointment that may be renewed based on performance and funding availability.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The specific duties of the Research Assistant include performing data collection, maintenance, and analysis using statistical software and other computer programs. The RA will conduct literature reviews and synthesize findings to support research initiatives. Additionally, the RA will assist in preparing various documents such as background papers, discussion papers, project research reports, donor reports, policy briefs, and briefing notes for dissemination to relevant audiences. The role also involves assisting senior researchers with research projects funded by different sources, facilitating internal and external communication of research activities and outputs, and supporting the implementation of capacity strengthening activities, workshops, seminars, and conferences. Other duties may be assigned as needed to support the program's objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in Economic Development, Agricultural Economics, or a related field. They should have experience in preparing research reports for research teams and demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, along with knowledge of Access. Strong writing skills in both Chinese and English are essential, as well as self-motivation, an innovative spirit, and excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills. The ability to manage multiple tasks and deliver completed products on time is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor's degree in Economic Development, Agricultural Economics, or a closely related field. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of agricultural policies and economic development issues that the IFPRI addresses.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have experience in preparing research reports, which indicates a familiarity with research methodologies and the ability to communicate findings effectively. Experience in field surveys is preferred, as it would enhance the candidate's ability to gather and analyze data in real-world settings. Familiarity with econometric analysis and software packages such as GAMS and STATA is also advantageous, as these skills will support the data analysis tasks expected in this role.

Languages:
Strong proficiency in both Chinese and English is mandatory for this position, as the RA will be required to produce written materials and communicate effectively in both languages. Additional language skills may be considered a plus, but the primary requirement is fluency in these two languages to facilitate communication and research dissemination.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role with a fixed-term contract of two years, which may be renewable based on performance and funding. The work environment requires the incumbent to sit for extended periods and perform tasks that require close visual acuity, such as data analysis and extensive reading. The physical demands include the ability to lift between 0-10 pounds. The organization is committed to providing a supportive work environment that encourages professional growth and development.