CIMMYT is a cutting-edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow\u2019s problems today. It is entrusted with fostering improved quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops through applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South, through building strong partnerships. This combination enhances the livelihood trajectories and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers, while working towards a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries. CIMMYT is a core CGIAR Research Center, a global research partnership for a food-secure future, dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources.
We are looking for a professional who can lead, coordinate, and deliver high-quality market research and insight generation across CIMMYT\u2019s agri-food systems portfolio. The role supports multiple programs and projects by providing timely, decision-ready evidence to inform product development, value chain interventions, market engagement strategies, and investment decisions.
- Key Responsibilities
Project & Portfolio Management:
Lead implementation of diverse market research studies, including concept testing, market diagnostics, value chain analysis, processing opportunity assessments, and analytical activities across programs, geographies, and thematic areas, Develop, adapt, and maintain standardized research frameworks, protocols, SOPs, and tools to ensure quality, consistency, and scalability, Oversee field workplans, budgets, and timelines across regions, Manage project reviews, risks, and progress tracking.
Research Design, Data Quality & Standardization:
Lead research design using cost-effective and standardized quantitative and qualitative tools appropriate for different market research objectives, Integrate AI-assisted design, prompting, and quality control tools.
Coordination & Partner Management:
Primary interface between CIMMYT programs, country teams, breeders, value chain actors, private sector partners, and research vendors, Coordinate field partners, ensuring proper training and adherence to protocols, maintain strong communication and feedback loops to ensure market insights and evidence effectively inform program design, investment decisions, innovation pathways, and scaling strategies across CIMMYT\u2019s work.
Analysis, Reporting & Insight Translation:
Produce slide decks, dashboards, briefs, and decision-ready products, translate findings into clear recommendations tailored to different decision contexts, including breeding prioritization, value chain upgrading, market engagement, and program design.
Strategic Development & Future Funding:
Support proposal writing and strategic business development for CIMMYT\u2019s market research and insights function, including engagement with new donors and programs beyond breeding, represent the project in external meetings and donor engagements.
Requirements
- MBA/DBA, MSc, or PhD in market research, economics, marketing, or similar.
- 7+ years experience running market research projects (commercial background preferred).
- Proven track record managing large portfolios, experience in monitoring and evaluation, and multi-country coordination.
Behavioral Competencies
Highly organized and operationally strong.Strong communicator and relationship builder.Clear, pragmatic decision-maker.Benefits
The position is for an initial fixed term of three (3) years, after which further employment is subject to performance and the continued availability of funds. CIMMYT\u2019s internationally competitive salary and benefits include housing allowance, comprehensive health and life insurance, assistance for children\u2019s education, paid vacation, annual airfare, contribution to a retirement plan, and generous assistance with relocation shipment.