Junior Professional - Agroeconomist

About PCNS
The Policy Center for the New South (PCNS) pleads for an open, accountable, and enterprising "new South" that defines its own narratives and mental maps around the Mediterranean and South Atlantic basins, as part of a forward-looking relationship with the rest of the world. Through its analytical endeavors, the think tank aims to support the development of public policies in Africa and to give the floor to experts from the South. This stance is focused on dialogue and partnership, and aims to cultivate African expertise and excellence needed for the accurate analysis of African and global challenges and the suggestion of appropriate evidence-based public policies.

About the field
The Agricultural Economics field seeks to strengthen the Policy Center’s expertise on issues related to agriculture, agro-industry, and rural development, with a particular focus on Morocco and Africa. The field has a cross-cutting dimension, as it endeavors to understand the interactions between agricultural policies, food security, rural livelihoods, and economic transformation. Topics of interest include sustainable agricultural practices, rural development strategies, agro-industrial value chains, food systems resilience, land and water management, and agricultural trade policies. The overarching objective is to raise awareness and provide concrete policy recommendations and evidence to decision makers and stakeholders to foster inclusive and sustainable rural development.

About the candidate
The Economics Research Department is looking for a highly motivated Junior Economist with a strong interest in agricultural economics and rural development, particularly in the context of developing countries, Africa, and the South Atlantic. The successful candidate is curious, eager to learn, and capable of working in a team with other economists, while reporting to the Head of Department. The role involves close interaction with Economists and Senior Economists, Senior Fellows, experts, policymakers, and the broader research community.

Missions
- The Junior Professional will contribute to a variety of PCNS research operations and analytical activities, including conducting economic analysis related to agriculture and rural development. Specific assignments will be determined in dialogue with the Research Department Manager, based on priority needs.
- As part of advancing analytical work on agriculture and rural development, the Junior Professional will undertake some of the following tasks:
- Collect, review, and analyze agricultural and rural development data from various sources, including databases, surveys, and field studies.
- Conduct literature reviews on topics related to agricultural economics, food security, and rural development.
- Contribute to policy dialogue on agricultural productivity, food systems resilience, land and water resource management, rural employment, and inclusive development strategies.
- Use quantitative tools such as statistical analysis and econometric modeling.
- Gather, analyze, and summarize governmental and institutional research on agricultural and rural development issues.
- Contribute to the development and implementation of public policies relevant to agricultural economics and rural development strategies.
- Keep abreast of emerging knowledge and practices in the field of agricultural economics.
- Conduct research and strategic intelligence on agricultural trends, value chains, and food security challenges.
- Represent the PCNS at events, workshops, and conferences on agriculture and rural development when needed.
- Produce research outputs including reports, briefs, and policy papers.
- As part of contributing to the overall functioning of PCNS activities, the Junior Profefssional will also:
- Engage, facilitate, and maintain effective communication with staff and external partners on projects relevant to agricultural economics.
- Contribute to other operational activities of the PCNS, in collaboration with other departments.
- Benefit from mentoring by Senior Economists within the department.

Candidate’s profile
- Academic Background: Bachelor or master degree in agricultural economics or a related field, with a strong foundation in quantitative analysis and rural development.
- Analytical Skills: Knowledge and proficiency in statistical and econometric software (e.g., STATA, R, …), with the ability to manage and ensure the reliability of complex datasets and models.
- Drafting and Communication Skills: Excellent drafting skills and proven ability to produce high-quality reports under tight deadlines. Strong communication skills, with the ability to present findings clearly.
- Sectoral Knowledge: Good understanding of agricultural policies, food systems, and global rural development challenges.
- Interpersonal Skills: Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment, maintaining harmonious relations with colleagues at all levels.
- Organizational Skills: Strong sense of priorities, ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines.
- Languages: Excellent command of one of the three working languages of the organization (English – French – Arabic).

Given the number of applications received, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.