The Food Security and Vulnerability Analyst (Internal Title: Research Food and Agriculture Specialist 2) will provide significant contributions and support to the development and expansion of an RTI-wide strategic initiative in food security and agriculture, with a goal to expand RTI’s portfolio domestically and internationally. This position is a unique opportunity for a mid-level professional seeking an opportunity to contribute to strategic portfolio growth, design, and implementation for food security and agriculture. This role offers global exposure as a technical specialist combined with substantial opportunity for program management, research and development, and professional development leading to future career growth.
The Food Security and Vulnerability Analyst will sit within the International Development Group (IDG) and will support business development efforts and the proposal development process on specific opportunities through research, business development, and technical tool and methods development, ensuring efficient management of the process while working collaboratively with staff across the Institute. Candidates should be strategic thinkers, with experience/interest in resilience and/or vulnerability analysis, who have a proven track record supporting business development efforts for major international programs, competing successfully for funding from the U.S. Government and other donors.
The position requires travel (both international and domestic) of up to 25% of time and will preferably be based in Washington, DC (subject to negotiation).
Essential Duties:
- Provide thought leadership on food security analytics.
- Write and/or lead the development of proposals, concept notes, and expressions of interest.
- Lead other business development activities which may include capture, partner identification and development, and other related tasks.
- Develop and manage relationships with key sector partners, donors, consultants, host country counterparts and stakeholders.
- Collaborate with colleagues across RTI on technical, administrative, and strategic planning initiatives.
- Collaborate with colleagues across RTI on food security dynamics and analytics, including research pertaining to root causes of chronic food insecurity and pathways for building resilience.
- Contribute to the development of decision support tools for climate change adaptation and mitigation policies related to agriculture.
- Mentor and/or supervise staff, as required.
- Author and publish technical articles, papers, reports and lead presentations, seminars and workshops on international food security topics.
- Lead presentations, seminars and workshops on topics relevant to the global food and agriculture sector.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree in economics, agricultural/resource economics or related field with 10 years of relevant work experience, including business development; or Master’s Degree in economics, agricultural/resource economics, or related field, with 6 years of relevant work experience, including business development.
- Knowledge and experience working in food security analysis.
- Understanding of statistical econometric methods and/or modeling techniques, including data science and/or predictive analytics, as applied to food security risk assessment and vulnerability analysis. Knowledge of modeling techniques used in the analysis of climate change adaption and mitigation strategies in relation to agriculture and land use a plus.
- Solid understanding of and/or experience in resilience efforts related to chronic food insecurity and vulnerability at all levels (household, community, systems).
- Familiarity with data sources available for food security analysis; Experience layering multiple datasets, including geospatial. Understanding of food systems in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Knowledge and experience providing technical and management leadership to complex projects that connect research and analysis with project implementation
- Knowledge and experience managing USAID, DFID-funded projects or other key donors in international development sector.
- Ability to lead development of technical proposals and reports.
- Familiarity with international food assistance, emergency response, and humanitarian assistance policies a plus. Understanding of stakeholder needs for research and analytics in such contexts preferred.
- International field experience in developing countries.
- Excellent knowledge of MS Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally sensitive and respectful.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines under pressure.
- Ability to multi-task and work independently and within matrix project and program teams.
- Attention to detail and accuracy.
- Proficiency in French, Spanish and/or Arabic preferred.
- Experience in evaluation preferred.
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