Job Description

POSITION: TEMPORARY RESEARCH ASSISTANTS

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE

MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY

BACKGROUND

The Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) with technical and financial assistance from the Michigan State University (MSU) is implementing the Policy Support for Agricultural Transformation (PoISAT) Project under a grant from the Foundation for a Smoke-Free World.

The PoISAT Project directly supports the Ministry and the agriculture sector to implement the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy (MGDS), the National Agriculture Policy (NAP) and the National Agriculture Investment Plan (NAIP) as well as related policy frameworks with a bearing on agriculture transformation.

The Project is embedded in the Department of Agriculture Planning Services (DAPS) and assists DAPS to identify and implement policies that will improve the investment climate, promote diversification, and promote increased commercialization within Malawi’s agricultural sector.

TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Project seeks two highly motivated individuals to join the team as Temporary Research Assistants. The position allows individuals to bring new perspectives, innovative ideas, and latest research experience into the PoISAT’s work and improve their skills while working with the PoISAT team on different assignments, at the same time, learning while gaining practical experience.

KEY TASKS SHALL INCLUDE:

• Conducting research and policy analysis on agricultural, natural resources management, and rural development policy issues;
• Contributing to knowledge management functions within the project;
• Providing support in planning, organizing and facilitating workshops, including all the required preparatory activities and the design of the agenda;
• Contributing to preparation of project reports, working papers, and policy briefs;
• Performing any other duties as may be assigned from time to time by the Project Coordinator.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Education:

• Minimum master-level degree in Economics, Agricultural Economics or Development Economics is required.

Experience:

• At least one year work experience in social research and/or policy analysis is necessary.

Computer and other Skills:

• Proficiency in statistical analysis of data especially using STATA is required.
• Good research and data management skills is desirable
• Demonstrated ability to provide quality policy notes and briefs on economic issues is desirable.

Language and other knowledge:

• Proficiency in English and working knowledge of at least one local language is required.
• A good understanding and familiarity with the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy III, National Agricultural Policy and other related policies, strategies, plans and programmes will be desirable.

Age:

• Must be between 25 and 35 years old

Research Assistants Requirements

• They will be recruited on temporary basis
• They are expected and must be available to work full time for a maximum period of three months
• Applicants should indicate which months they are available and when they complete their studies (if still enrolled).

LOCATION OF EMPLOYMENT

The Research Assistants will be expected to work at PoISAT Office located at MoA, in Lilongwe.

DURATION OF EMPLOYMENT

The contract will be for a maximum of 6 months, starting from the contract signing date with possibility of extension dependent on performance and business needs.

METHOD OF APPLICATION

All interested applicants should submit their curriculum vitae (CV) and covering letter not later than 27th October 2020 to the following address:

The Project Coordinator
Policy Support for Agricultural Transformation (PoISAT) Project
Ministry of Agriculture
P.O. Box 30134
Lilongwe 3.

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 01 789 033

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.