Senior Research Associate – Market Development and M & E

Market Development (50%)

• Lead the design, implementation, and monitoring of strategic market development interventions across project partners and value chains.
• Design and deliver capacity-building initiatives for project beneficiaries and partners focused on marketing and value chain development for root and tuber crops (RTCs).
• Conduct consumer and market research to identify key RTC market segments and to characterize and estimate demand in both domestic and export markets.
• Lead ex-ante and ex-post economic analyses to assess returns on investment in commercial RTC production in Malawi.
• Collaborate with project partners to design inclusive business models, marketing strategies, and supply chain frameworks that effectively link large-scale farmers and producer organizations (e.g., cooperatives, farmer groups, associations) to structured markets.
• Support project partners in strengthening the capacity of producer organizations and SMEs in areas such as group management, leadership, collective marketing, contract farming, and business and financial management.
• Generate and disseminate evidence on the commercial viability of RTC-based enterprises through market analysis, consumer insights, and the development of knowledge products that inform and engage stakeholders and attract investment in the RTC subsector.

Monitoring and Evaluation (50%)

• Lead the design and implementation of a comprehensive project-level Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) system, including the development of data collection tools, partner training, and the establishment of a centralized database for tracking and archiving project results.
• Analyze and consolidate M&E data from project partners to inform technical and donor reporting, support adaptive project management, and guide evidence-based decision-making and learning.
• Establish a coordinated M&E and project management framework across partners, while also developing and disseminating strategic communication and knowledge products to enhance project visibility and support the scaling of successful outcomes.
• Design and implement operational qualitative and quantitative studies, including baseline, mid-term, and endline surveys, as well as impact evaluations.
• Contribute to resource mobilization efforts to grow the country portfolio, supporting innovation and strategic priorities of the Program and Country Manager.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in agricultural related field.
• At least 8 years of relevant work experience in agricultural related area or project coordination.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of MEL principles, frameworks, methodologies and software
• Proficiency and timeliness in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data relevant to MEL
• Ability to create clear, concise, and informative reports, presentations, and other communications related to MEL findings.
• Ability to work effectively with partners and contribute to a positive work environment
• Experience in conducting RTC market research and analysis to evaluate production and price trends, gross margins etc to attract investors in the sector

Benefits

• Excellent working environment.
• Competitive compensation package commensurate with experience.
• Initial fixed-term contract through April 30, 2026, with the possibility of extension.
• Work in an equal and diverse workplace.

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