Remote Agricultural Economist - Market Analysis & Policy Development

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement savings options

Home office stipend

Performance-based bonuses

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly skilled Agricultural Economist to join a fully remote research and policy advisory team. Lead market analysis, forecast trends, and advise on policy development to support sustainable agricultural growth.

Remote-first organization enabling global collaboration. The role requires a strong academic background in Agricultural Economics with substantial experience in quantitative analysis, econometrics, and policy evaluation, and the ability to work independently on

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Agricultural Economics or related quantitative field.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in agricultural economics, market analysis, or policy research.
• Proven expertise in quantitative analysis, econometrics, and statistical modeling software.
• Strong understanding of agricultural markets, commodity trading, and international trade principles.
• Experience in policy analysis and evaluation within the agricultural sector.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive market analysis for agricultural commodities, including supply, demand, price, and trade dynamics.
• Develop econometric models to forecast agricultural production, prices, and market trends.
• Analyze the impact of agricultural policies, trade agreements, and other external factors on the sector.
• Provide economic evaluations of agricultural development projects and investments.
• Research and advise on best practices for agricultural value chain development and market access.
• Prepare detailed economic reports, policy briefs, and presentations for diverse audiences.

Skills

Quantitative analysis

Econometrics

Statistical modeling

Economic forecasting

Data analysis

Education

Master's degree in Agricultural Economics

PhD in Agricultural Economics

Tools

Stata

R

EViews

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly skilled Agricultural Economist to join their fully remote research and policy advisory team. This role is crucial for conducting in-depth market analysis, forecasting agricultural commodity trends, and advising on policy development to support sustainable agricultural growth. As a remote-first organization, we foster an environment where expert analysis and strategic recommendations can be delivered globally without geographical constraints. You will analyze economic factors affecting agricultural production, consumption, and trade, providing insights to stakeholders ranging from government agencies to private enterprises. The ideal candidate possesses a strong academic background in Agricultural Economics, coupled with significant experience in quantitative analysis, econometrics, and policy evaluation. You will work independently, managing research projects and contributing to high-impact reports and policy briefs. This is an exciting opportunity to influence agricultural policy and market strategies from a remote setting, contributing to the resilience and profitability of the agricultural sector. Your expertise will guide decision-making in a rapidly evolving global market. We are committed to providing a collaborative virtual workspace and the resources necessary to conduct impactful research.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive market analysis for agricultural commodities, including supply, demand, price, and trade dynamics.
• Develop econometric models to forecast agricultural production, prices, and market trends.
• Analyze the impact of agricultural policies, trade agreements, and other external factors on the sector.
• Provide economic evaluations of agricultural development projects and investments.
• Research and advise on best practices for agricultural value chain development and market access.
• Prepare detailed economic reports, policy briefs, and presentations for diverse audiences.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to gather data and validate findings.
• Stay informed about global agricultural economic trends, policy changes, and emerging issues.
• Contribute to the development of strategic recommendations for governments and agricultural businesses.
• Manage multiple research projects simultaneously in a remote setting.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Agricultural Economics, Economics, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in agricultural economics, market analysis, or policy research.
• Proven expertise in quantitative analysis, econometrics, and statistical modeling software (e.g., Stata, R, EViews).
• Strong understanding of agricultural markets, commodity trading, and international trade principles.
• Experience in policy analysis and evaluation within the agricultural sector.
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage research projects effectively in a fully remote environment.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex economic information clearly.
• Familiarity with data sources relevant to agricultural markets globally.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa .

Benefits

• This fully remote position offers significant flexibility and autonomy.
• Our client provides a highly competitive salary and benefits package, including comprehensive health insurance and retirement savings options.
• Performance-based bonuses are awarded for outstanding contributions.
• Professional development opportunities are available through online courses, webinars, and virtual attendance at leading economic and agricultural conferences.
• A generous home office stipend ensures a comfortable and productive working environment.
• Our client fosters an innovative and collaborative virtual culture, valuing the intellectual contributions of its remote workforce.
• You will have the opportunity to shape policy and strategy in a critical global sector.