The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is dedicated to reducing poverty and hunger through rice science; improving the health and welfare of rice farmers and consumers; and protecting the rice-growing environment for future generations. IRRI is an independent, nonprofit, research and educational institute, founded in 1960 by the Ford and Rockefeller foundations with support from the Philippine government. The institute, headquartered in Los Baños, Philippines, has offices in 17 rice-growing countries in Asia and Africa, and over 1,000 staff.
Working with in-country partners, IRRI develops advanced rice varieties that yield more grain and better withstand pests and disease as well as flooding, drought, and other harmful effects of climate change.
Climate Change impacts rice production through exacerbated and more frequent climate extremes. At the same time rice fields are a large emitter of greenhouse gases. Technologies that reduce the carbon footprint of rice exist but uptake of such technologies is slow. Working with various national and international partners in different projects, IRRI develops strategies to increase the level of adoption of climate-smart technologies in rice production. This task needs a concerted approach of an inter-disciplinary team of experts.
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. The Economist will lead specific tasks of a project that aims to facilitate a transformational change in the Thai rice sector by empowering vulnerable smallholder farmers to make improved decisions in the face of climate change and enable access to innovative farming practices and advancing climate-smart rice farming. This encompasses rigorous studies and
testing of improved agronomic practices, for example the valorization and use of rice residue, but also evidence-based support for planning of enabling policies and scaling strategies.
The successful applicant should have demonstrated experience and a proven track record of conducting similar research or projects related to low-emission rice farming systems, sustainable agriculture, climate-resilient farming technologies and practices, etc. Apart from research, the position also requires close collaboration with Thai government partners, most important departments and research institutes under the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (MOAC), International partners, private sectors, and stakeholders of other national projects. Moreover, this position will require analytical skills to interpret and publish results from adaptive research and support the Thailand office, namely within the context of developing funding proposals.
This position will be based at the IRRI Bangkok Office in Thailand and may only be filled by permanent citizens of Thailand.
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
Qualifications :
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
Skills Required:
Mandatory :
Has demonstrated research experience and analytical skills, particularly economic analysis on the impact of agricultural policies
Strong analytical skills to assess data and draw actionable insights
Excellent oral and written skills in English including scientific writing as well as interpersonal skills
