The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) is seeking for an innovative national researcher to join its office in Attapeu, Laos.
The ideal candidate will be responsible for steering research on farmer field trials within the agroecology initiative in Attapeu S. Laos. This includes collaborating with farmers to plan, implement, monitor, and evaluate the performance of various projects such as Rice fish, wetland governance, and solar irrigation. Furthermore, the candidate will conduct a comprehensive performance analysis of agroecology innovations in the field using the HOLPA method, which has been developed by the initiative and is scheduled for testing in the near future.
Additionally, the candidate will be involved in scenario-based analysis and case study assessments under the Resilient Aquatic Foods Initiative (RAFqS) in Laos. The candidate will draw on lessons learned from South to South collaborations with Cambodia and Myanmar. Therefore, it is essential for the candidate to possess a strong network with local government officials and communities in the project areas, specifically in the sanamxai, saysetha, and Phouvong districts in Attapeu.
To be successful in this role, the candidate must be well-versed in community facilitation and farmer field school trials. They should also have extensive experience in rice field fisheries, conservation, and wetlands, with a particular focus on poverty alleviation. Additionally, proficiency in social and economic analysis, benefits assessments, and coordinating complex projects in the field is crucial. The candidate will also be responsible for mentoring field research assistants to ensure their growth and development.
Overall, the ideal candidate will possess a diverse skill set and be capable of leading research, conducting analysis, fostering relationships with local stakeholders, and coordinating complex projects in the field.
The successful candidate will be based primarily in Attapeu 80/20 and in the capital Vientiane for the remainder of the time.
Areas of expertise: Social Science, Wetlands governance, Fisheries, community development, conservation, and/or closely related fields
Duties amp; Responsibilities:
- Coordinate research on farmer field trials and conduct performance assessment and benefits valuation of integrated and agroecological food production systems. This includes understanding the distribution of benefits, their viability as alternatives to conventional practices, and their relevance in specific geographical and contextual conditions.
- Conduct scoping and suitability analysis for scaling up integrated rice and fish production systems.
- Take the lead in rice fish trials and assess the suitability of RAFS and ASEAN case study research.
- Collect secondary data, synthesize literature, conduct interviews, and engage in other research activities.
- Ensure that gender and inclusion are integral to the research process and facilitate effective participation of diverse stakeholders.
- Collaborate with farmers and stakeholders to co-design plans for field trials.
- Document research outputs by compiling and analyzing data, and contribute to scientific publications, policy briefs, research papers, case studies, reports, presentations, and other forms of dissemination aimed at both policy and public audiences.
- Provide mentorship and guidance to research assistants and interns involved in fieldwork.
- Fulfill other project and research-related responsibilities as necessary.
Requirements
Educational Qualifications amp; Experience:
- PhD or Master's degree in fisheries, social science, development studies, human geography, sociology, development economics, or a closely related field that is relevant to water resources management, agricultural development, and natural resource governance. Alternatively, a combination of educational qualifications and professional experience in these areas would be considered.
- Minimum of ten (10) years of work experience in a field closely related to the requirements of the position.
Knowledge, Skills amp; Abilities:
- Possess excellent skills in collecting socioeconomic research data and demonstrate the ability to conduct in-depth analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data, and effectively report the findings.
- Fluency in the Lao language and in-country experience in Attapeu, particularly with ethnic minorities, would be advantageous.
- Have experience in presenting research results to diverse audiences, and the ability to contribute to scientific publications would be highly valued.
- Demonstrate experience in conducting research both in the office and in the field, utilizing approaches that involve total economic valuation.
- Exhibit strong verbal and written communication skills in E