The Institute for Market Analysis of the Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute, Federal Research Institute for Rural Areas, Forestry and Fisheries, in Braunschweig is offering a full-time position (39 hours/week) starting as soon as possible an limited for three years for a

research assistant (f/m/d)

(agricultural economics, development economics or a related subject)

with a focus on ‘The economic impacts of different cultivation methods on plantations in Central America’

for research work as part of the third-party funded project ‘Large-scale transformation towards biodiversity-friendly, climate resilient agriculture through risk finance solutions and enabling policy and trade frameworks’ (acronym: BioFinCas).

The BioFinCas project develops holistic solutions along the value chain to promote a scalable transformation towards biodiversity-friendly agriculture in the project countries of the Dominican Republic, Guatemala and Mexico. The transdisciplinary approach of the project includes the development of risk financing and policy instruments, the investigation and assessment of the impact on biodiversity and socioeconomics, the training of local stakeholders and the monitoring of the transformation process.

The advertised position includes the socio-economic analysis of biodiversity-friendly cultivation measures in banana, coffee and cocoa farming systems in the project countries, as well as the collection of relevant farm data in cooperation with the local project partners.

The position offers the opportunity for further academic qualification (doctorate).

Responsibilities:

• Collection and descriptive processing of socio-economic data from agricultural enterprises
• Conducting econometric analyses of the effect of biodiversity-friendly cultivation methods on socio-economic indicators
• Analysis of trade policy contracts and measures on biodiversity
• Cooperation with project partners (OroVerde, CIAT, CEDAE, Fundación Capital, FDN, etc.)
• Preparation of scientific publications
• Presentation of research results at national and international conferences

Professional requirements:

• University degree (university diploma or M.Sc.) in agricultural economics, development economics or a related subject
• Knowledge of agricultural value chains, sustainability standards or smallholder production systems in the tropics and subtropics is an advantage
• Knowledge of statistical and econometric methods and experience in using statistical programs (e.g. Stata, R)
• Experience in collecting quantitative and qualitative data is an advantage

Personal requirements:

• Willingness to pursue a doctorate
• Ability to analyse complex issues
• Ability to prepare issues for different target groups in an understandable way and to present them in writing and orally
• Aptitude for team-based work, strong ability to cooperate and high flexibility
• Ability to work in tropical conditions and willingness to spend extended periods of time in the project countries conducting field research
• Very good written and spoken Spanish and English language skills; knowledge of German is an advantage

We offer you the opportunity to work on socially highly relevant issues at the interface between science and practice in an active and stimulating research environment, and to make use of contacts with national and international research institutions and organisations. Because the professional and personal development of our employees is important to us, we offer a family-friendly working environment, flexible working hours and a wide range of professional training and development opportunities. Part-time employment is generally possible.

The employment relationship is based on the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD). Payment is made in accordance with salary group 13 of the TVöD, subject to the requirements of the collective agreement.

The Thünen Institute promotes professional equality for women and men and therefore expressly welcomes applications from women.

Severely disabled persons with the same qualifications will be given special consideration; only a minimum level of physical fitness is required of them.

Martin Banse (phone: +49 531 2570 1789 or martin.banse@thuenen.de) is available to answer technical questions.

Applications with a curriculum vitae in tabular form, a description of education and professional career, list of publications, addresses for two references and copies of certificates are requested by 13 December 2024, quoting the reference number 2024-253-MA, to be sent electronically (as a single PDF document) to

ma-bewerbung@thuenen.de

Prof. Dr. Martin Banse

Institute for Market Analysis

Bundesallee 63

38116 Braunschweig

Information in accordance with Article 13 DSGVO on the collection of personal data can be found at

www.thuenen.de/de/thuenen-institut/karriere.