Background information about the job or company (e.g., role context, company overview)

The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) envision a more equitable world where trees in all landscapes, from drylands to the humid tropics, enhance the environment and well-being for all. CIFOR and ICRAF are non-profit science institutions that build and apply evidence to today’s most pressing challenges, including energy insecurity and the climate and biodiversity crises. Over a combined total of 65 years, we have built vast knowledge on forests and trees outside of forests in agricultural landscapes (agroforestry). Using a multidisciplinary approach, we seek to improve lives and to protect and restore ecosystems. Our work focuses on innovative research, partnering for impact, and engaging with stakeholders on policies and practices to benefit people and the planet. Founded in 1993 and 1978, CIFOR and ICRAF are members of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food secure future dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources.

Stockholm Environment Institute is an international non-profit research institute that tackles climate, environment and sustainable development challenges. We empower partners to meet these challenges through cutting-edge research, knowledge, tools and capacity building. Scientific quality and integrity are foundations of our work. Partnership is at the heart of our approach, leading to change that lasts.   Our work connects science to policy and practice, aiming to drive tangible impacts. It spans climate change, natural resources, water, air, and health, and addresses questions of governance, innovation, finance, poverty, gender equality and social equity. Through SEI’s HQ and seven centres around the world, we engage with policy, practice and development action for a sustainable, prosperous future for all. SEI Africa is based in Nairobi, Kenya, and is hosted by the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) based in Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya. We invite you to learn more about SEI and World Agroforestry by accessing our websites: www.sei.org and www.worldagroforestry.org

SEI is looking for a: Research Fellow, Agricultural Economist The Research Fellow will provide technical expertise in agricultural economics, policy analysis, market systems, and socio-economic research to support the design, implementation, and evaluation of agriculture, food systems, rural development, and climate-resilient development initiatives. The role involves conducting economic assessments, value chain analysis, policy research, and impact evaluations to inform evidence-based decision-making and sustainable agricultural transformation.

Responsibilities or duties

1. Economic and Policy Analysis

• Conduct economic assessments of agricultural systems, value chains, and rural livelihoods.
• Analyze agricultural policies, trade dynamics, subsidies, pricing systems, and market incentives.
• Support development of policy recommendations related to food security, climate adaptation, sustainable agriculture, and rural development.
• Assess the socio-economic implications of agricultural and environmental interventions.

2. Research and Data Analysis

• Design and implement quantitative and qualitative research studies.
• Collect, manage, and analyze agricultural, socio-economic, and market data.
• Conduct cost-benefit analysis, economic modelling, scenario analysis, and impact assessments.
• Develop indicators and analytical frameworks for monitoring adaptation and resilience building.

3. Stakeholder Engagement and Capacity Building

• Engage with government agencies, development partners, financial institutions, private sector actors, farmer organizations, and communities.
• Facilitate stakeholder consultations, workshops, and policy dialogues.
• Support training and capacity-building activities on agricultural economics and policy analysis.
• Promote knowledge sharing and collaborative learning.

4. Communication and outreach responsibilities

• In collaboration with the Communications team, undertake outreach activities that include presentations, dialogues and briefings, articles for specialist publications and interaction with the media as appropriate
• Support communication and outreach on Natural Resources and Ecosystems work at SEI, working closely with SEI staff located in other centres as well as external partners.
• Develop and maintain a contact network of researchers, decision-makers and partner organisations relevant to SEI’s work on energy and climate transition
• Represent SEI in conferences, workshops, and meetings as appropriate.

5. Business Development

• Contribute to the preparation of project concept notes, project proposal development and grant applications
• Work on existing and new projects as assigned and as per general tasks.

Qualifications or requirements (e.g., education, skills)

Education, knowledge and experience

• Preferably a PhD and 2 years post PhD work experience in agricultural economics, development economics, environmental economics, rural development, or a related field, or a Masters in the same, with at least 6 years of relevant professional experience in agricultural economics, development economics, environmental economics, rural development, food systems, or related areas.
• Strong analytical skills and experience with economic modelling, statistical analysis, and research methodologies.
• Experience working on agriculture, climate change, food security, natural resource management, or rural livelihoods projects.

Any other provided details (e.g., benefits, work environment, team info, or additional notes)

Terms and conditions

This is a Locally Recruited Position (LRS). CIFOR-ICRAF offers competitive remuneration in local currency commensurate with skills and experience.

The appointment will be for a period of two (2) years, inclusive of a six-month probationary period, with the possibility of extension contingent upon performance, continued relevance of the position and available resources.

The duty station will be in Nairobi, Kenya.

We will acknowledge all applications but will only contact short-listed candidates.

• Conduct economic assessments of agricultural systems, value chains, and rural livelihoods.
• Analyze agricultural policies, trade dynamics, subsidies, pricing systems, and market incentives.
• Support development of policy recommendations related to food security, climate adaptation, sustainable agriculture, and rural development.
• Assess the socio-economic implications of agricultural and environmental interventions.
• Design and implement quantitative and qualitative research studies.
• Collect, manage, and analyze agricultural, socio-economic, and market data.
• Conduct cost-benefit analysis, economic modelling, scenario analysis, and impact assessments.
• Develop indicators and analytical frameworks for monitoring adaptation and resilience building.
• Engage with government agencies, development partners, financial institutions, private sector actors, farmer organizations, and communities.
• Facilitate stakeholder consultations, workshops, and policy dialogues.
• Support training and capacity-building activities on agricultural economics and policy analysis.
• Promote knowledge sharing and collaborative learning.
• In collaboration with the Communications team, undertake outreach activities that include presentations, dialogues and briefings, articles for specialist publications and interaction with the media as appropriate
• Support communication and outreach on Natural Resources and Ecosystems work at SEI, working closely with SEI staff located in other centres as well as external partners.
• Develop and maintain a contact network of researchers, decision-makers and partner organisations relevant to SEI’s work on energy and climate transition
• Represent SEI in conferences, workshops, and meetings as appropriate.
• Contribute to the preparation of project concept notes, project proposal development and grant applications
• Work on existing and new projects as assigned and as per general tasks.

• Strong analytical skills
• Experience with economic modelling
• Statistical analysis
• Research methodologies

• Preferably a PhD and 2 years post PhD work experience in agricultural economics, development economics, environmental economics, rural development, or a related field, or a Masters in the same, with at least 6 years of relevant professional experience in agricultural economics, development economics, environmental economics, rural development, food systems, or related areas.
• Strong analytical skills and experience with economic modelling, statistical analysis, and research methodologies.
• Experience working on agriculture, climate change, food security, natural resource management, or rural livelihoods projects.