Human Resources Office
Dalia Bldg. 2nd Floor,
Bashir El Kassar Street,
Verdun Area, next to Arab Bank
P.O. Box 114/5055
Postal Code 1108-2010
Beirut, Lebanon
Tel: +961-1-813303/843472
www.icarda.org
Agriculture Economist (Economic Modeling)
Position specification
International Recruited Staff
Reports to: Director Social, Economic and Policy Research Program
Location: Amman-Jordan
Closing date: 14 September 2013
Main purpose of the position
ICARDA seeks to recruit Agricultural Economist (Economic Modeling) as Global Futures
Fellow under the auspices of the Global Futures project, to work under the direct
supervision of the Director of the Socioeconomic and Policy Research Program (SEPRP), and
in close collaboration with the Agricultural Policy Specialist. The successful applicant will be
in charge of the strategic foresight and ex ante research evaluation capabilities of ICARDA’s
promising agricultural technologies and management systems. His/her work will include
working on a partial equilibrium model - IMPACT (International Model for Policy Analysis of
Agricultural Commodities and Trade), as well as delivering research, communications and
other relevant work as needed. The position is a two-year fixed-term appointment, based in
Amman – Jordan, and renewable depending on performance and need of the position.
About ICARDA
The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) is an
international autonomous, non-profit, research organization temporarily based in Beirut,
Lebanon supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research
(CGIAR). ICARDA is committed to the improvement of livelihoods of the resource-poor in
dry areas by enhancing food security and alleviating poverty through agricultural research,
and the equitable use of natural resources. For more details: www.icarda.org
Main responsibilities
Working in the frame of the Global Futures Project undertaking evaluations of promising
ICARDA’s agricultural technologies and management systems, the successful candidate will:
1. In a manner consistent with other Global Futures activities, apply the IMPACT model
(written in GAMS) which includes a portfolio of models of global agriculture. The
modeling effort includes the biophysical representation of technologies and climate
change, developing links to general equilibrium models, adding an explicit land use
modeling/accounting system and interactions with forestry, urban expansion, and
other non-agricultural land uses. This modeling takes into account changes in
population, income and key environmental factors, such as climate change and
natural resource degradation;
2. Work with ICARDA crop and animal scientist in developing genetic coefficients of the
promising ICARDA’s mandate crops. This includes quantifying the characteristics of
the potential new varieties and management technologies to improve productivity
growth and enhance sustainability;
3. Conduct agricultural policy analysis and prepare policy briefs as requested;
Human Resources Office
Dalia Bldg. 2nd Floor,
Bashir El Kassar Street,
Verdun Area, next to Arab Bank
P.O. Box 114/5055
Postal Code 1108-2010
Beirut, Lebanon
Tel: +961-1-813303/843472
www.icarda.org
4. Create linkages to possible external collaborators and research groups, when
possible, in order to expand the portfolio of analysis tools as well as to create
synergies with complementary modeling tools and methods;
5. Contribute to institutional activities including capacity building of NARS and
mentoring of junior scientists.
Education, qualifications and experience
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PhD or MSc Degree in Agricultural Economics, Applied Economics, Environmental
Systems, Natural Resource Management or other relevant fields. If MSc is hold, a
minimum of three years of relevant experience is required;
Experience and skills in computer programming, specifically GAMS modeling
expertise, including partial and general equilibrium modeling techniques;
Experience working with large datasets. Facility with processing and analyzing data
on climate, soils and water;
Willingness and ability to acquire new computational skills and adapt to novel
research techniques;
Knowledge of economics (experience with international trade, economic
development, and agricultural economics is particularly useful);
Ability to work with researchers from other sciences and backgrounds, and excellent
communication skills (both oral and written) in English;
Willingness to undertake international travel.
Terms of appointment, salary and benefits
The initial contract will be for 2 years, of which the first six months will be probationary
period. Subsequent employment is decided based on the merit and productivity of the staff
member, and continued need for the position. For more details on benefits: Terms of
Appointment IRS Level
How to apply
Please apply online at www.icarda.org/iea/ by 14 September 2013
We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from women.
Applications will be acknowledged, but only shortlisted candidates will be
contacted.