Senior Research Associate – Market Development and M & E

CIP; Montpellier; Sur place; EUR 40 000 - 60 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A leading agricultural organization based in Montpellier seeks an experienced professional to lead market development and monitoring & evaluation for root and tuber crops (RTCs). The ideal candidate will have a Master's degree and at least 8 years of experience in agriculture or project coordination. Responsibilities include market analysis, designing M&E systems, and collaborating with partners to enhance RTC market viability. The position offers a competitive compensation package and a collaborative work environment.

Prestations

Excellent working environment

Competitive compensation package

Equal and diverse workplace

Qualifications

• 8+ years of relevant work experience in an agricultural-related area.
• Strong understanding of MEL frameworks and methodologies.
• Proficiency in collecting and analyzing MEL data.

Responsabilités

• Lead market development interventions for RTCs.
• Design and implement M&E systems for projects.
• Conduct consumer and market research for RTC segments.

Connaissances

MEL principles

Data analysis

Project coordination

Market research

Communication

Formation

Master’s degree in an agricultural related field

Description du poste

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 an agricultural related field.
• At least 8 years of relevant work experience in an 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.