Social Scientist, Qualitative Methods (19-117 )

International Potato Center POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Ref.: 19-117 SSQM/GRS/SSA

Social Scientist

(Qualitative Methods)

The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking a dynamic, innovative and ambitious researcher to bring the powerofqualitativesocial science to impactful research and development programs thatcan address major global challenges of poverty, malnutrition and climate change. This is a great opportunity to contributetotheeffortsofinternationalagriculturalresearchtosupportthetransformationoftheworld’s agri-food systems into more inclusive, gender equitable, sustainable and profitable sectors. About CIP’s program:

CIP, a global CGIAR research center, works with partners to improve diets and incomes of poor people in Africa, Asia and Latin America through scientific research, innovation, and capacity strengthening. Focusing on potato and sweetpotato as the entry point, CIP’s programs seek to strengthen broader agri- food systems to generate economic, social and nutritional benefits for farmers, enterprises and consumers emphasizing the priorities of women and youth in particular. CIP emphasizes the synergies between of social and bio-physical sciences as a core strategy for making breakthroughs in our understandingofcomplexdevelopmentchallengesinfoodandagricultureandforourabilitytoovercome these. Within this pluralistic strategy, qualitative social science has a central place for explaining human and institutional behavior and assessing benefits and risks for human development from agro-ecological, technological and economic changes. CIP’s workis embedded in broader global CGIAR research programs encompassing the world’s main agro-food systems and priority development challenges. About the position:

The Social Associate Scientist will ensure that CIP’s ongoing and evolving research and development programs will apply methodologies and insight from qualitative social science, including gender research, so that they can contribute effectively to global development challenges. Secondly, the Social Scientist will ensure that this research is carried out at excellent standards, results in impactful publications, and can influence future research and policy design. The position will be part of CIP’s global Social and Nutrition Sciences Division and will work closely with scientists across disciplines and countries and with the CGIAR gender platform. The position at least initially has a focus on research programs in Africa and South Asia but is relevant for all of CIP’s programs. The position will report to one of CIP’s global program leaders and will be based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide science leadership across CIP’s program portfolio for the application of qualitative social sciencetoaddressingstrategicresearchquestionsrelatedtohumanandinstitutionalbehaviorchange in the context of dietary, nutrition and agri-food systems transformation.

• Work closely with scientists and project teams to identify key social science research priorities in current and evolving projects and develop research strategies and plans for addressing these.• Specifically, design and implement research on gender and social inclusion within the context of new and expanding technology development and delivery projects for sweetpotato and related agri-food

systems and contribute significantly to the CGIAR gender platform.

• Produce peer-reviewed publications as lead author and contributing author in high quality journals,

based on this research.

• Develop and manage productive research partnerships with universities and research institutes of

international stature.

• Contribute to program reporting and communications with development partners to ensure that

findings from qualitative social research help strengthen CIP’s credibility and influence.

Who are we looking for?

• PhD in a relevant social science discipline with a strong focus on qualitative methodologies.

• Excellent and up-to-date understanding of qualitative research methods pertinent to the study of

behavior change, gender, social inclusiveness, youth, risks and benefits from technology change, and

institutional transformation.

• At least 5 years’ experience of leading qualitative social research in an international program

environment, preferably within the agriculture, food or rural development sector.

• Strong understanding of the social, cultural and economic context of poverty, food insecurity,

malnutrition, and social marginalization in Africa and South Asia.

• Excellent skills in research design, coordination of research teams, timely analysis, writing and

presentation.

• Excellent track record of original research and peer-reviewed publications based on qualitative social

science methodologies.

• Excellent leadership skills to promote effective collaboration within research teams and across

research partnerships.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English. Proficiency in French or Spanish is an

advantage.

• Willingness and ability to travel internationally and work in resource-poor, rural areas.

What are we offering?

• Exciting career opportunity in an international organization.

• Internationally competitive salary, paid in US dollars, and commensurate with experience.

• Comprehensive international insurance coverage.

• Attractive retirement plan.

• Three-year term contract with the possibility of renewal.

• Work in an equal and diverse workplace.

How to apply?

Visit the following link: http://cipotato.org/open-vacancies/ and submit your cover letter and a full C.V.

with your references. Screening of applications will begin on November 23, 2019 and will continue until

the post is filled. All applications will be acknowledged; however only short-listed candidates will be

contacted.

Learn more about CIP by accessing our web site at http://www.cipotato.org

CIP is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified women and professionals from developing countries are particularly

encouraged to apply.