Senior Research Associate Market Development and M&E (N-MAL-26-04)

The International Potato Center (CIP) is looking for an experienced Senior Research Associate in Market Development and Monitoring & Evaluation to drive the implementation of these two core components of the project in Lilongwe, Malawi.

About CIP: CIP is part of the CGIAR global research partnership committed to transforming food, land, and water systems in a climate crisis. CIP’s mission is to develop and share science-based innovations in potato, sweetpotato, and other root and tuber crops. CIP partners with organizations in over 20 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America to strengthen agri-food systems and provide economic, social, and nutritional benefits, especially for women and youth. We integrate social and biophysical sciences to address complex challenges in food and agriculture. For more information, please visit https://cipotato.org/about/.

About the Initiative: CIP is implementing a four-year project on Market-led Transformation of the Root and Tuber Crops Subsector in Malawi (RTC MARKET) program, 2023 – 2027. The goal of the project is to sustainably increase the contribution of the RTC subsector to the national economy, food and nutrition security, incomes, and employment creation through commercialization of the subsector. It aims to transform and commercialize the RTC subsector by increasing private sector participation in the RTC value chains. The RTC-Market Project plans to reach at least 60,000 value chain actors with market-led interventions by end of the four years. The project will be implemented in the following districts: Nsanje, Mulanje, Blantyre, Lilongwe, Zomba, Mangochi and Salima for OFSP; Dedza, Ntcheu, Lilongwe, Blantyre, Mzimba, Mchinji, Dowa and Ntchisi for potato; and Mzimba, Lilongwe, Kasungu, Blantyre, Salima, Zomba, Nkhota-kota and Nkhata-Bay for cassava.

About the role: This position will Drive the implementation of Market Development and Monitoring & Evaluation activities within the project. This position reports to the Project Manager & Crop Management Specialist and will be based on Lilongwe, Malawi.

Key responsibilities:

·       Market Development 50%

o   Lead the design, implementation, and monitoring of strategic market development interventions across project partners and value chains.

o   Design and deliver capacity-building initiatives for project beneficiaries and partners focused on marketing and value chain development for root and tuber crops (RTCs).

o   Conduct consumer and market research to identify key RTC market segments and to characterize and estimate demand in both domestic and export markets.

o   Lead ex-ante and ex-post economic analyses to assess returns on investment   in commercial RTC production in Malawi.

o   Collaborate with project partners to design inclusive business models, marketing strategies, and supply chain frameworks that effectively link large-scale farmers and producer organizations (e.g., cooperatives, farmer groups, associations) to structured markets.

o   Support project partners in strengthening the capacity of producer organizations and SMEs in areas such as group management, leadership, collective marketing, contract farming, and business and financial management.

o   Generate and disseminate evidence on the commercial viability of RTC-based enterprises through market analysis, consumer insights, and the development of knowledge products that inform and engage stakeholders and attract investment in the RTC subsector.

·       Monitoring and Evaluation 50%

o   Lead the design and implementation of a comprehensive project-level Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) system, including the development of data collection tools, partner training, and the establishment of a centralized database for tracking and archiving project results.

o   Analyze and consolidate M&E data from project partners to inform technical and donor reporting, support adaptive project management, and guide evidence-based decision-making and learning.

o   Establish a coordinated M&E and project management framework across partners, while also developing and disseminating strategic communication and knowledge products to enhance project visibility and support the scaling of successful outcomes.

o   Design and implement operational qualitative and quantitative studies, including baseline, mid-term, and endline surveys, as well as impact evaluations.

o   Contribute to resource mobilization efforts to grow the country portfolio, supporting innovation and strategic priorities of the Program and Country Manager.

·       Comply with applicable health and safety CIP policies and procedures.

What are we looking for?

·       Master’s degree in agricultural economics and related field.

·       At least 8 years of relevant work experience in agricultural related areas or project coordination.

·       Demonstrate a strong understanding of MEL principles, frameworks, methodologies and software

·       Proficiency and timeliness in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data relevant to MEL

·       Ability to create clear, concise, and informative reports, presentations, and other communications related to MEL findings.

·       Ability to work effectively with partners and contribute to a positive work environment

·       Experience in conducting RTC market research and analysis to evaluate production and price trends, gross margins to attract investors in the sector.

·       Languages: Advanced written and oral communication skills in English.

·       Core Competencies: Accountability, teamwork, integrity, innovation.

Why should you consider this opportunity?

·       CIP is a global and reputable international organization that has a strong, state-of-the-art R&D background. 

·       CIP is dedicated to achieving food security, improving nutrition and well-being, and gender equity for poor people in roots, tubers farming and food systems in the developing world.

·       CIP is a member of the CGIAR, a global partnership that unites international organizations engaged in research about food security. CGIAR research aims to reduce rural poverty, increase food security, improve human health and nutrition, and sustainable management of natural resources.

What are we offering?

·       One-year fixed term contract with possibility of renewal.

·       Competitive compensation package commensurate with experience.

·       Excellent working environment.

·       Work in an equal and diverse workplace.