Consultancy Research Assistant in Agribusiness, Responsible Sourcing & SASB

CIMMYT is a cutting-edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow’s problems today. It is entrusted with fostering improved quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops through applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South, through building strong partnerships. This combination enhances the livelihood trajectories and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers, while working towards a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries. CIMMYT is a core CGIAR Research Center, a global research partnership for a food-secure future, dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources.  For more information, visit cimmyt.org.

CIMMYT is seeking a organize, with attention to the detail, service-oriented professional and proactive person for the consultancy of Research Assistant in Agribusiness, Responsible Sourcing & Sustainability to be part of the SAS program.

The consultancy will be based at CIMMYT headquarters in Texcoco, State of Mexico, near Mexico City.

Please consider that the consultancy will have a duration of 5 months.

Specific duties:

Design research protocols and conduct data collection and analysis (both quantitative and qualitative) to evaluate the impact of CIMMYT's Responsible Sourcing Projects in Mexico.

Prepare comprehensive reports, scientific articles, and communication/dissemination materials based on the findings.

Explore innovative approaches for CIMMYT to support the agribusiness sector in developing and implementing comprehensive strategies that integrate environmental and social sustainability criteria within their ESG goals as well as managing agricultural risk in their entire supply chain.

Contribute to the ongoing development and dissemination of research knowledge and techniques within the Farmer-Market-Linkages Chapter. This includes keeping the Chapter informed of evolving methodologies and novel research findings related to inclusive value chains, entrepreneurial behavior, best business management practices, market trends, consumer behavior, and Responsible Sourcing.

Participate collaboratively in research activities and contribute to various stages of projects and initiatives undertaken by the Farmer-Market-Linkages Chapter.

Education: Master's or Doctoral degree in Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, Agronomy, Environmental Sciences, or a closely related field.

At least five years of experience applying quantitative and qualitative methods to conduct impact assessment studies of farmer-market linkage interventions.

Data Analysis and Management: Strong ability to analyze, compile, and manage datasets.

Proven experience in conducting market research and facilitating workshops and training sessions, demonstrating sensitivity to the social characteristics of the target group (a plus).

Demonstrated experience in participatory research methodologies and groundwork for data collection, management, and curation.

Excellent writing skills tailored to diverse audiences and their levels of complexity to effectively disseminate research results.

Proficient in standard Windows-based software for word processing (e.g., Microsoft Word), spreadsheets (e.g., Microsoft Excel), and presentations (e.g., Microsoft PowerPoint).

Intermediate or high level of fluency in English (written and spoken).

The successful candidate will possess and demonstrate the following core competencies: organization, critical thinking, teamwork, client orientation, problem-solving and decision-making, negotiation, and conflict resolution.

Willingness to travel as required by the position