Position: Research Fellow

MwAPATA Institute is an independent policy think tank in Malawi, established to inform and guide national policy issues related to agriculture, natural resources, and rural transformation. The mission of the MwAPATA Institute is to conduct independent, objective, empirical research aimed at providing innovative and practical recommendations to inform agricultural sector policies in Malawi. The aim of the Institute is to accelerate the adoption of effective Malawian-led policies and programs to drive broad-based agricultural transformation, diversification, and improved smallholder incomes and nutrition in Malawi. The Institute plays a leading role in identifying strategies that will improve the investment climate, and promote agricultural productivity, diversification, and commercialization. The Institute is affiliated with the National Planning Commission (NPC) and the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) and is currently receiving technical and institutional development support from Michigan State University.

The MwAPATA Institute wishes to recruit highly motivated, proactive service-oriented, and energetic individuals to fill the position of Research Fellow. Based in Lilongwe, and reporting to the Research Director.

2. Key tasks shall include

• Conducting research and policy analysis on agricultural, natural resources management, and rural development policy issues.
• Preparing research reports, working papers, policy briefs, and publishable journal manuscripts.
• Writing of research proposals and contributing to the Institute’s fundraising efforts.
• Translating research into concrete policy guidance and support for implementation.
• Identifying opportunities for private investment and entry into key agricultural commodity value
• chains with the potential to drive agricultural transformation in Malawi.
• Organizing and participating in workshops, seminars, and conferences for dissemination of research outputs and outcomes.
• Preparing research project budgets.
• Peer reviewing research work by other researchers.
• Collaborating with other local, regional, and international research institutions on policy analysis issues.
• Coordination and collaboration with Government Ministries and Departments.
• Performing other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

3. Qualifications and Skills

• A Doctorate degree in Development Economics, Agricultural Economics, Economics, Policy Management, or any related field
• Proficiency in quantitative research methods, the analysis of household survey data, and the use of STATA, SPSSS or similar statistical analysis software packages.
• Demonstrated potential to publish in peer-reviewed journals with at least one (1) article published in a high impact journal.
• Demonstrated ability to write research reports, working papers, policy briefs, etc.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively design and implement survey data collection activities. Strong interpersonal skills, ability and experience in managing internal and external relationships with project teams, donors, and collaborators.
• Should have a minimum of 1 year in policy and/or economic research experience in at least two of the following areas: climate change, livestock policy, agricultural finance and Investment, and data science.

4. Mode of Application
Please email detailed curriculum vitae and cover letter to:
Email: recruitment@mwapata.mw
Stating the position being applied for in the subject line.
All applications should be submitted by Wednesday, 25th April 2024