Expert in food systems in developing countries

Cirad is looking for an expert in food systems in developing countries. The position is part of the SASI-SPI project, whose purpose is to support the European Union’s Directorate-General for International Partnership (DG-INTPA) by providing useful, solid, reliable scientific information on a variety of issues connected with the transformation of sustainable agrifood systems. The project will help to provide answers to emerging questions in the short term and produce new analyses and reference frameworks regarding food system transformations, and will endeavor to support decision-makers in a policy dialogue concerning the challenges of food systems and in the co-design/adoption of effective transitions towards more sustainable, more inclusive food systems.

Responsibilities

• The ideal candidate will contribute to strategic thinking and write briefing notes on food systems and their development for European Union (EU) delegations in developing countries. These notes will draw on the knowledge of experts from Agrinatura institutions, whom you will identify and consult to provide useful insights for the delegations’ decision-making.

• Write clear, well-reasoned briefing notes tailored to the needs of EU delegations.

• Conduct documentary research and forward-looking analyses of food systems in developing countries.

• Explore and analyze emerging themes, including the future of aquaculture in Africa, the future of pastoralism in Africa, the Convergence Initiative, access to climate funds for developing countries, the economic levers of agroecology in dry zones, and developing the bioeconomy.

• Support project-related activities: joint deliverables or events connected with international conferences (Nutrition for Growth, UNFSS+4, Climate-smart agriculture, etc.)

Qualifications

• PhD in economics, agricultural economics, political science, agronomy, or food science, and at least 2 years’ relevant professional experience.

• Proven scientific skills and publications on the analysis of food systems in developing countries.

• Communication skills for interacting with Agrinatura institutions, informing them of SASI-SPI’s mission and objectives, and mobilizing the experts concerned.

• The ability to read a large volume of literature and summarize it into short, insightful notes. Experience in writing technical notes and reports would be an advantage.

• Good understanding of African contexts. Professional experience in Africa would be a plus.

• Good command of written and spoken English. A good command of written and spoken French would be an advantage.

• Travel in Europe is to be expected.

Location: Montpellier, France

Deadline: 16 November 2025

To get more information and apply