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Expert in food systems in developing countries


Vacancy details

Context

Future organization

CIRAD, the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development, works with its partners in southern countries to generate and pass on new knowledge to support agricultural development and innovation.

It has one main objective: to build sustainable farming systems for tropical and Mediterranean regions capable of feeding ten billion human beings by 2050 while preserving the environment.

Find out more : www.cirad.fr/en  

Reference

HP-ES-CIRED-2025-10-CDI PROJET-12618  

Publication end date

16/11/2025

Position description

Category

Science - Economic and management science

Contract

Fixed-term contract

Job title

Expert in food systems in developing countries

Begining date

05/01/2026

Ending date

30/11/2027

Job description

Do you share the values of interculturality, knowledge-sharing and environmental protection? Then come and join our team!

 

Background:

The post 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 endeavour 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.

 

Main task of the position:

You 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.

 

Main responsibilities:

- To write clear, well-reasoned briefing notes tailored to the needs of EU delegations.

- To conduct documentary research and forward-looking analyses of food systems in developing countries.

- To explore and analyse 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

• developing the bioeconomy

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

Desired profiled

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 for mobilising the experts concerned.

The ability to read a large volume of literature and summarise 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.

 

Details of location : Montpellier, travel within Europe to be expected

Position constraints


Screen work in excess of 4 hours
Frequent travel in France and abroad

Socio-professional category

Managers

France base salary, excluding expatriation allowances if applicable

à partir de 31k€ selon expérience

Contractual hours

35h

Information

Job location

France

Location

Montpellier, déplacements en Europe à prévoir

Description future location

Location

Métropole

Information

Hiring Manager first name

Jessica

Hiring Manager last name

CLEMENT

Hiring Manager email

jessica.clement@cirad.fr