V A C A N C Y    A N N O U N C E M E N T

INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH IN THE DRY AREAS
P.O. Box 5466, Aleppo, Syria
Phone: (963-21) 2213433, 2213477, 2225112, 2225012
Fax: (963-21) 2213490, 2225105;
E-mail: ICARDA-JOBS@CGIAR.ORG
Website: www.icarda.cgiar.org

AGRICULTURAL POLICY SPECIALIST
Aleppo, Syria
Organization
ICARDA is a non-profit international agricultural research center in a worldwide consortium of 15 centers supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). The CGIAR is co-sponsored by the World Bank, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). With a staff of over 400 scientists and support personnel, representing more than 45 nationalities, ICARDA addresses two key areas of agricultural research: germplasm improvement (cereals and legumes) and natural resource management. The Center has a global mandate for barley, lentil and faba bean improvement, and a regional mandate for the improvement of wheat, chickpea and forage and pasture legumes. A major emphasis is placed on the conservation and management of land and water, and improved productivity of small ruminants in integrated farming systems in the dry areas. The Center's research and training programs are implemented in partnership with national programs and, in most cases, with other CGIAR centers as well as advanced research institutions in both developing and industrialized countries.

The Position
ICARDA has an immediate vacancy for the position of an Agricultural Policy Specialist (P-level) under its MegaProject on Poverty-Livelihoods Analysis and Impact Assessment. The post holder will be based at ICARDA's headquarters in Aleppo, Syria. He/she will be involved in planning and implementing research programs, and assessing agricultural and natural resources policies in dry areas. The specific responsibilities are as follows:
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 Initiating, implementing, and coordinating research programs to analyze agricultural and natural resources policies related to ICARDA's research programs and the regional and global policy environments
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 Analyzing the uptake of improved technologies and practices, including the effectiveness of existing and alternative agricultural and natural resources policies in enhancing rural livelihoods, improving food security, and optimizing and sustaining natural resources use. This will involve welfare analyses and rigorous quantitative modeling.
•
 Identifying, testing, and validating policy and institutional options for improved water use efficiency and irrigation water demand management.
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 Analyzing the role of land tenure and property rights and agricultural policies in land degradation and developing improved policy options for sustainable management of land resources.
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 Assessing the competitiveness of agriculture in the dry areas and its implications for trade.
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 Identifying, testing, and validating improved policy and institutional options for developing enabling environment to enhance public and private investments in dry areas to improve rural livelihoods.
•
 Enhancing collaborative linkages with various partners, including the advanced research institutions, other CG centers, national programs, etc.
•
 Contributing to capacity building programs in policy research for collaborating NARS.
•
 Effectively communicating research outputs to the stakeholders, including policymakers.
•
 Contributing to fundraising for research projects.
•
 Producing high quality scientific research publications.

Qualifications and Skills Required
The successful candidate must have:
•
 PhD degree in agricultural economics with at least 10 years (including 5 years post-PhD) experience in international agriculture.
•
 Experience in quantitative analysis and economic modeling in policy research. Experience in welfare economics and analysis of natural resources policies is highly desirable.
•
 Familiarity with community-based and participatory approaches to research, and experience of working with rural communities, NARS, NGOs, the private sector, advanced research institutions, and international organizations.
•
 Demonstrated ability to produce high quality scientific publications on the economics of agricultural policy or water demand management within the changing context of agriculture and increased water scarcity in the dry areas.
•
 Experience in working with multi-institutional and multidisciplinary teams and a demonstrated ability to communicate effectively at all levels and in multicultural settings.
•
 The willingness to travel.
•
 An ability to communicate fluently in English. A working knowledge of Arabic or French is desirable.
•
 Experience in applied micro-economics in the fields of producers and consumers economics will be an advantage.

Terms of Appointment
The appointment will be for an initial period of two years, renewable thereafter annually. The salary is paid in US dollars. Starting salary will depend on relevant qualifications and experience. Benefits include housing allowance, paid home leave travel, a pension scheme, life and health insurance package, vehicle for business and personal use, and free enrollment of dependent children in the ICARDA-administered international school (KG to Grade 12).

Living in Syria
ICARDA's headquarters is situated 30 km south of Aleppo, Syria's second largest city. In addition to the internationally-accredited school, ICARDA runs a sports and social club for the staff. Syria has many historical and archaeological sites, some a short drive from Aleppo. There are four distinct seasons and the terrain varies from desert to mountains and fertile fruit orchards. Major international airlines fly into Damascus and Aleppo.

Method of Application
Qualified applicants may download and complete the ICARDA employment application form (MS Word or PDF), and send with a recent photograph and any other relevant supporting documents (non-returnable) to:
  Personnel Services
ICARDA, P.O. Box 5466, Aleppo, Syria
Telephone: (963-21) 2213477, 2225112, or 2225012
Fax: (963-21) 2213490, 2225105, or 5744622
E-mail: ICARDA-JOBS@CGIAR.ORG
Website: http://www.icarda.org

NOTE: 1. If sending by e-mail, please do not include graphics or other large file attachments.
           2. Quote reference INT-P/0636/06 on application (or in subject line if applying by e-mail).

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications must be received by 15 November 2006.

ICARDA is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women.

Applications will be acknowledged, but only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Posted on 1 October 2006  
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