Under the minimal supervision of the IRRI Representative in Thailand, the Agricultural Economist will be responsible for leading assessments and evaluations of socio-economic factors affecting the uptake and use of agricultural practices and technologies, and provide technical, operational and strategic support for the implementation of IRRI’s agricultural and climate change projects in Thailand. S_he will further provide analyses of data and information to build the economic evidence base, assess business cases and gather basic socio-economic data to support scaling of climate-smart technologies in rice-based systems.
Responsibilities:
Work with IRRI scientists to implement agricultural socio-economic research for development activities in Thailand.
Lead baseline assessment, end-line assessment, adoption assessment, ESG assessment, economic analysis, surveys, interviews and analyzing relevant data.
Analyze data and trends related to agriculture, food security, and resource management to inform policy recommendations and provide insights that guide policy, business decisions, and sustainable practices in rice-based system.
Support the implementation and delivery of other activities such as pilot testing and assessment of application of innovative technologies and practices in rice based systems, economic feasibility towards business model development, behavioral economics study, economic impacts, market trends, rice value-chain analysis, policy recommendations, market-based instruments and regulation, etc.
Support the preparation of project narrative and progress reports as well as other documents as needed.
Support the recruitment and supervision of short-term consultants.
Engage national partners, e.g. MOAC especially the Thai Rice Department, Office of Agricultural Economics, private sector companies, research institutes, consultants, contractors and smallholder farmers in project implementation.
Initiate and maintain productive engagement with the partners, clients and stakeholders on strategic development and provide crucial evidence on policy issues relevant to the low-emission and climate-resilient farming technologies and practices in rice-based systems.
Collaborate with other IRRI scientists to produce required deliverables.
Maintain active communication with other IRRI teams in the Thailand Office, other country offices and HQ to effectively align activities.
Provide significant contributions to the writing of reports, scientific papers, articles, etc.
Provide input to the development of research products for private and public decision-makers in view of sustainable agricultural development of the rice sector.
Contribute to training of national research and extension service partners and other beneficiaries on relevant skills
and knowledge.
Contribute to the organization of regional exchange events, high-level policy dialogues/forums.
Contribute to proposal development and implementation by introducing ideas and methodologies on agribusiness, agri-food value chain, agriculture policies, regulations and strategies.
Stay updated on the latest trends, challenges, and policies in agricultural economics.
Communicate research results and new ideas in a broad array of outlets, including peer-reviewed journals, mass media, policy fora as well as national and international scientific fora.
Requirements:
Master’s Degree in Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, Economics, Applied Economics, Economic Development or in a relevant economic development discipline and min. 3 years relevant work experience
Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, Economics, Applied Economics, Economic Development or in a relevant economic development discipline and min. 1 year of relevant work experience
Experience working in the field of agricultural economics research, economic
analysis project, agriculture and development projects/programs and/or in international organizations
Experience in working with government institutions, preferably MOAC
