ASARI - Postdoctoral Position in Agricultural Economics

About UM6P:

Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) is an internationally oriented institution of higher education. Its educational system is based on the highest standards of teaching and research in fields related to the sustainable economic development of Morocco and Africa. With an innovative approach, UM6P places research and innovation at the heart of its educational project as a driving force of a business model. It focuses on applied research and innovation both in Morocco and Africa. 

The university is a platform for experimentation and a pool of opportunities, for students, professors, and staff. It offers a high-quality living and study environment thanks to its state-of-the-art infrastructure. 

About Entity (ASARI):

The African Sustainable Agriculture Research Institute (ASARI) is a component of the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P). It is located in Laayoune City, in south of Morocco. Its vision is targeting real Local, Regional, and African challenges in the fields of agricultural in dry lands and marginal environments, animal value chain, water and energy sustainability, biorefinery and bioenergy, cultivation and conversion of micro and macroalgae, and geology and mining.

Oriented towards Africa, ASARI acts in connection with a wide network of universities and research centers around the continent in order to link real field issues with up-to-date science. The institute has attracted multidisciplinary research teams composed of food engineers, agronomists, biochemists, biologists, … etc.

Description of the position:

• Develop and lead research projects related to agricultural economics, development plans, sustainability, etc.

• Conduct literature reviews, design and implement surveys, analyze qualitative and/or quantitative data

• Elaborate market analysis for agricultural products

• Elaborate economic and financial feasibility for agricultural projects

• Generate policy recommendations, and policy briefs.

• Present findings at regional and international meetings and conferences, as well as to stakeholder communities in the target countries. The position may involve regional and international travel.

• Conduct specific research that is needed to enhance the quality of the existing data to bring international publication levels.

• Assist the research team in developing technical reports, extension materials, and policy and communication briefs.

• Run simulations using agro-economic models

• Assist and develop training programs.

• Assist in the internal and external services of the department.

• Help maintain all field and laboratory equipment, order supplies as needed, and help maintain research plot records and. 

• Responsibilities also involve frequent travelling to different areas in Morocco and Africa.

  • Economics of agricultural production

  • Cost-benefice analysis

  • Market analysis

  • Gender and rural development

  • Valuation of water for agriculture

  • Vulnerability assessments, resilience, and adaptation to climate change in rural areas

Education

• Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics/Economics

Requirement

• Confirmed experience if the field

• Expertise in one of the following areas (please indicate in covering letter):

• Good publications record in peer-reviewed journals

• Fluency in written and spoken English. French and Arabic will be a plus

• Experience in working as a member of a multi-disciplinary team

• Ability to initiate, conduct, and publish research in a scientific manner and to obtain external grant funding

• Working knowledge of statistics and database management

• Well-developed oral and written communication skills 

• A high degree of flexibility is expected from the candidate.

• Capabilities in developing research proposals for external funding