Research job with Fintrac

Fintrac is an international consulting firm implementing agricultural
projects in Africa, Asia and Latin America for USAID and other donors.
Fintrac has worked for over 20 years to increase incomes and improve
livelihoods for the world’s most vulnerable farm families, while also
building sustainable commercial value-chains. We have an immediate
need for a Research Analyst to support a USAID/Food For Peace project.

About the Bellmon Estimation Studies for Title II (BEST) Project
As a result of changes mandated in the 2008 Farm Bill, the USAID
Office of Food for Peace is implementing a new approach to meeting
requirements of food aid legislation. Fintrac Inc. is now tasked,
under the auspices of the USAID/ Bellmon Estimation Studies for Title
II (BEST) project, with conducting the data collection, field visits,
and analyses required to assess the potential impact of Title II food
aid on local production and markets. The BEST project team provides
independent, third-party analysis to inform programming decisions
regarding distributed and monetized food aid, and regarding local and
regional procurement (including cash and vouchers).

About the Position

Fintrac is seeking a Research Analyst to provide technical and
administrative support to home and field office operations. This
position is based in our Washington, DC office, with up to 20%
international travel anticipated.

Technical:
• Assist senior staff to conduct market research on staple food
commodities and data collection, both in the office and in field
locations overseas
• Contribute to technical report preparation, writing, and editing
• As needed, assist in conducting interviews with local market
stakeholders (producers, traders, wholesalers, retailers, Ministry of
Agriculture, food aid donors and implementing partners, etc.) in study
countries
Administrative:
• Provide logistical and managerial support to deploy short-term
consultants for country studies, including coordination of
communication with field-based teams
• Provide organizational support for the project
• Organize, with other team members, periodic workshops on findings/
best practices

About the Candidate
The successful candidate will have:
• A degree (preferably a Masters) in agricultural economics,
agribusiness, statistics, international relations, or related field is
strongly preferred.
• French, Spanish, or Portuguese language skills (French preferred).
• Strong quantitative analysis and research skills required;
preferably, familiarity with international trade data.
• At least three years of experience working in international
development, preferably with substantial experience working and/or
living in developing countries, especially sub-Saharan Africa.
• Knowledge of food aid programs and general food security issues;
familiarity with FEWS NET food security products a plus.
• Administrative experience: project administration (preferably
USAID), monitoring budget and expenditure, recruiting consulting
teams, arranging travel, and providing support to field teams.
• Familiarity with GIS (i.e., ESRI ArcMap), database design and
management (i.e., MS Access), and graphic design programs (Photoshop,
Illustrator, InDesign) a plus.
• Demonstrated self-motivation, attention to detail, team-building,
and communication skills.

Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States, and be
able to travel abroad. To apply, please submit CV to
bestrecruit@fintrac.com.