Post Doctoral Scientist - Agricultural Economist

AI summary

ILRI is hiring a Post Doctoral Scientist - Agricultural Economist in Nairobi to lead research on climate and non-climate risk management for vulnerable livestock-dependent communities. The role focuses on designing studies, building partnerships, and developing scalable resilience solutions within the Livestock Climate and Environment Program. The position is a fellowship-style postdoctoral role with frequent travel and mentoring responsibilities.

• Postdoctoral research role focused on agricultural risk management and resilience
• Based in Nairobi with work targeting vulnerable communities in Africa and Asia
• Requires PhD in Agricultural, Development, or Environmental Economics
• 2–4 years post-PhD experience and strong quantitative/econometric skills required
• Application deadline is October 04, 2026

Original source description

Post Doctoral Scientist - Agricultural Economist | ILRI - International Livestock Research Institute Post Doctoral Scientist - Agricultural Economist ILRI - International Livestock Research Institute Nairobi HG16 level Speaks English, French Application deadline: October 04, 2026 (29 days) Apply Summary by Impactpool The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) is seeking a Post Doctoral Scientist - Agricultural Economist to enhance risk management for vulnerable populations within the Livestock Climate and Environment Program. The role involves leading research on climate and non-climate risk modeling, designing studies to assess risk management solutions, and building partnerships with various stakeholders. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of scalable solutions for improving resilience in agricultural systems, particularly for vulnerable communities in Africa and Asia. This position requires a proactive individual with strong analytical skills and a commitment to capacity building. Candidate Requirements: PhD in Agricultural Economics, Development Economics, or Environmental Economics 2-4 years post-PhD experience: Advanced quantitative analytical techniques and econometric skills Experience: in agricultural risk assessment and analysis Knowledge of fragile ecosystems and vulnerable communities Strong background in risk management tools Track record of publishing in reputable journals Strong written and oral communication skills in English Ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams Willingness to mentor junior researchers Willingness to travel frequently Experience: with resource mobilization Programming skills in R/Python/Stata Familiarity with CGIAR research programs Fluency in French is a plus The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit a Post Doctoral Scientist -Agricultural Economist to contribute to ILRI’s assignment under the Risk Management for Vulnerable Populations thematic area of the Livestock Climate and Environment Program. ILRI is an international organisation working for better lives and better planet through livestock. ILRI’s mission emphasises the interconnections between people, animals, and the environment, aiming to improve the lives of more than 300 million people in low- and middle-income countries through livestock science that supports equitable and resilient livestock systems, ultimately contributing to food systems transformation with climate and environmental benefits. This mission is delivered through two core strategic objectives: co-designing and deploying sustainable, science-based livestock solutions, and leveraging science to inform and influence policy and investment decisions. ILRI is a member of the CGIAR, a global research alliance that works to transform food, land and water systems in a climate crisis and is the only CGIAR centre dedicated to addressing multiple development challenges through sustainable livestock solutions. About the position: Livestock keepers and value chains increasingly face multiple interacting risks including climatic, pests and diseases, market instability, land degradation, and conflict. These risks remain a persistent barrier to inclusive development. Building productive and risk-resilient systems requires an evidence-based approach that integrates innovative financing mechanisms, inclusive information systems, early warning and anticipatory action, and market systems resilience. This fellowship will lead research, co-designing, and co-implementation of practical, scalable solutions for de-risking systems, increasing financial inclusion, reducing exposure and sensitivity to shocks, improving productivity and commercialization, and enhancing adaptive capacity for vulnerable populations across intensive, semi-intensive, and extensive livestock systems. In addition, the fellowship will contribute to ILRI’s assignment under the Accelerating Financial Resilience & Insurance for Young African Women in Agrifood Systems (AFIYA) project Key Responsibilities: This position requires a proactive, collaborative, and impact-driven individual with the skills to advance ILRI’s thematic area on risk management for vulnerable populations and contribute to overarching goal of leveraging de-risking and risk management solutions for the resilience of communities in Africa and Asia. Research Leadership Lead climate and non-climate risk modelling in complex crop and livestock systems and value chains using a systems approach. Lead the design and implementation of experimental, quasi-experimental, and non-experimental studies to assess uptake, adoption, and impacts of de-risking and risk management solutions. Lead and support risk and vulnerability assessments. Lead quantitative analysis of trade-offs and synergies associated with adoption of de-risking and risk management solutions. Lead or contribute to peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, policy briefs, toolkits, and donor reports. Contribute to the project’s activities on related aspects/ themes under the guidance of the supervisor. Identifying evidence-based business models for effective de-risking mechanisms. Partnerships and Stakeholder engagement Build and manage strategic partnerships with CGIAR Centers, universities, governments, donors, private sector actors, and civil society organizations. Convene stakeholder dialogues, technical workshops, learning events, and capacity-strengthening initiatives at global, regional, and national levels. Collaborate with communications teams to translate research into accessible knowledge products, campaigns, and influence strategies. Capacity Development and Knowledge Management In conjunction with the senior scientist, plan, survey and coordinate the materials and resources required to meet the research objectives of the group. Collect, store and curate data generated from the analytics. Review existing course of actions and support in the development of proposals, milestones and implementation of research. Prepare and assure quality of project reports and papers for presentation. Support fund generation activities by contributing to proposal writing and creating new opportunities. Capacity building for local communities and government institutions, for example county governments on risk assessment and management, climate preparedness, and anticipatory action. Requirements: PhD in Agricultural Economics, Development Economics, or Environmental Economics with demonstrable experience: of working in complex crop and livestock systems. Candidates must be within Two to Four years of PhD Completion Advanced quantitative analytical techniques and econometric skills with experience: in impact evaluation, experimental design, and data analytics. Proficiency in at least one of the following statistical software/languages: Stata, R, or Python. Experience: in agricultural risk assessment and analysis, with a proven ability to assess risks across different agricultural value chains and design innovative risk management solutions. Experience: working in and/or knowledge of fragile ecosystems and with vulnerable communities. Strong background in risk management, including familiarity with tools such as index-based livestock insurance, information systems, impact-based anticipatory action, climate-smart agriculture, and market systems development. Experience: with crop index insurance and mixed-agricultural production systems is an added advantage. A track record of publishing high-quality work in reputable journals. Strong written and oral communication skills in English with the ability to communicate with diverse audiences. Proven ability to work in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams with minimal supervision, and experience: working across disciplines and different cultural backgrounds. Willingness to mentor junior researchers and graduate fellows. Willingness to travel frequently to rural and remote areas of project sites in different countries. Experience: with resource mobilization and contributing to project proposals would be an asset. Communication skills for peer reviewed publications Programmming skills using R/ Python/ Stata Familiarity with CGIAR research programs, platforms, innovation accelerators, or global partnerships. Fluency in French would be an added advantage. Post location : Nairobi, Kenya Terms of Appointment: This position is at job level HG16, and it is open to both national and international applicants. The position is a two (2) year contract, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funding. ILRI offers a competitive international salary and benefits: package which includes pension, medical insurance, life insurance and allowances for: education, housing, security, relocation, and home leave. Applications : Applicants should send a cover letter and CV expressing their interest in the position, what they can bring to the role, and the names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about their professional qualifications and work experience. The applications will be addressed to the Head of People and Culture by clicking Apply Now on or before 4 October 2026. The position title and reference number: REF: PD-LCE/2304-09/2026 should be clearly marked on the subject line of the cover letter. ILRI does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, or training). ILRI also does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts. ILRI is an equal opportunity employer. More ILRI jobs Subscribe by email to ILRI jobs alert At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead. Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements: for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager. Summary by Impactpool The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) is seeking a Post Doctoral Scientist - Agricultural Economist to enhance risk management for vulnerable populations within the Livestock Climate and Environment Program. The role involves leading research on climate and non-climate risk modeling, designing studies to assess risk management solutions, and building partnerships with various stakeholders. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of scalable solutions for improving resilience in agricultural systems, particularly for vulnerable communities in Africa and Asia. This position requires a proactive individual with strong analytical skills and a commitment to capacity building. Candidate Requirements: PhD in Agricultural Economics, Development Economics, or Environmental Economics 2-4 years post-PhD experience: Advanced quantitative analytical techniques and econometric skills Experience: in agricultural risk assessment and analysis Knowledge of fragile ecosystems and vulnerable communities Strong background in risk management tools Track record of publishing in reputable journals Strong written and oral communication skills in English Ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams Willingness to mentor junior researchers Willingness to travel frequently Experience: with resource mobilization Programming skills in R/Python/Stata Familiarity with CGIAR research programs Fluency in French is a plus Fellowship Master the recruitment process of the impact sector! Become a fellow and gain access to Impactpool's premium material that will boost your career in the impact sector Explore fellowship Show ILRI - International Livestock Research Institute that you are interested in them Recruiters from the organization will be able to view your profile, contact you for current & future vacancies and engage you on opportunities that match your skills and interest. Connect with organization Post Doctoral Scientist - Agricultural Economist ILRI - International Livestock Research Institute Nairobi HG16 level Speaks English, French Apply