ASARI - Professor in Agricultural Economics

ABOUT UM6P LAAYOUNE

Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) is an internationally oriented institution of higher learning, that is committed to an educational system based on the highest standards of teaching and research in fields related to the sustainable economic development of Morocco and Africa. UM6P is an institution oriented towards applied research and innovation. On a specific focus on Africa, UM6P aims to position these fields as the forefront and become a university of international standing.  

More than just a traditional academic institution, UM6P is a platform for experimentation and a pool of opportunities, for students, professors and staff. It offers a high-quality living and study environment thanks to its state-of-the-art infrastructure. With an innovative approach, UM6P places research and innovation at the heart of its educational project as a driving force of a business model.

In its research approach, the UM6P promotes transdisciplinary, entrepreneurship spirit and collaboration with external institutions for developing up to date science and at continent level in order to address real challenges.

All our programs run as start-ups and can be self-organized when they reach a critical mass. Thus, academic liberty is promoted as far as funding is developed by research teams.

The research programs are integrated from long-term research to short-term applications in linkage with incubation and start-up ecosystems.

ABOUT ASARI

The African Sustainable Agriculture Research Institute (ASARI) is a component of the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P). It is located in Laayoune City and constitutes a structure of practical-based research with a vision of solving real Local, Regional, and African agriculture challenges leveraging up-to-date science and technology.

Oriented towards Africa, ASARI acts in connection with a wide network of universities and research centers around the continent in order to link real field issues with up-to-date science. The institute consists of a multidisciplinary team of agronomists, biochemists, molecular biologists, bioprocess specialists, animal scientist, etc to respond to regional challenges affecting marginal environments.

ASARI is composed of three main research programs:

• AgriBioTechnology program leverages up to date technologies in the service of the Southern Moroccan and Sub-Saharan agriculture challenges. Its ambition is to conduct relevant and cutting-edge research on plant/crop improvement, biosaline agriculture, valorization of local agricultural and marine resources, and animal nutrition and reproduction with a positive impact on the African agriculture.
• Water treatment and management program which is oriented towards the development of cost-effective desalinization processes for agriculture use and water treatment, management and analysis.
• Renewable energy program that is aiming to develop new approaches for the production of clean energy to address real local and regional challenges.

JOB SUMMARY

ASARI is seeking a professor holding a PhD in agricultural economics to join our team of agronomists and participate in the development of our projects dealing with desert and arid land agriculture. The candidate will conduct research, prepare proposals, write reports and scientific papers to address the social and economic issues associated with agricultural and livestock production and sustainable use of water and soil as well as Market questions.  As such, the candidate will analyze economic and financial data, and other statistical data using relevant economic methods and techniques. The candidate will conduct where needed surveys on related research questions and collect data from the field. It is also expected from the candidate to run simulation using agro-economic models.

The candidate is expected to contribute to the social and economic analysis where needed in the ongoing projects at UM6P Laayoune, African Sustainable Agriculture Research Institute. Field work will be conducted to reach the farmers, particularly the marginal groups. The value chain of the agricultural production from farm to fork with focus on marketing will be the main activities.

JOB RESPONSABILITIES

• Develop and lead research project related to agricultural economics, development plans, sustainability, etc
• Conduct literature reviews, design and implement surveys, and qualitative and/or quantitative data analysis
• Elaborate market analysis for agricultural products
• Elaborate economic and financial feasibility for agricultural projects
• Generate policy recommendations, and policy briefs
• Present findings at regional and international meetings and conferences, as well as to stakeholder communities in the target countries
• Conduct specific research that is needed to enhance the quality of the existing data to bring international publication levels
• Assist the research team in developing technical reports, extension materials, and policy and communication briefs.
• Run simulations using agro-economic models
• Assist and develop training programs
• Assist in the internal and external services of the department
• A high degree of flexibility is expected from the candidate
• Research proposal writing for external funding
• Report writing for research project
• Manuscript writing and publication in referee journal

This position may involve regional and international travel. The candidate will also be expected to help maintain all field and laboratory equipment, order supplies as needed, and help maintain research plot records and. Responsibilities also involve frequent travelling to different areas in Morocco and Africa.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics/Economics
• A recognized experience in the field
• Expertise in one of the following areas (please indicate in covering letter):
  • Economics of agricultural production
  • Cost-benefice analysis
  • Market analysis
  • Gender and rural development
  • Valuation of water for agriculture
  • Vulnerability assessments, resilience, and adaptation to climate change in rural areas
• Good publications record in refereed journals
• Fluency in written and spoken English. French and Arabic will be a plus
• Experience in working as a member of a multi-disciplinary team
• Ability to initiate, conduct, and publish research in a scientific manner and to obtain external grant funding
• Well-developed oral and written communication skills
• Working knowledge of statistics and database management
• Additional language skills, Arabic and French are desirable
• Supervisory experience  

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Applications must be sent using a single electronic zipped folder with the mention of the job title.

The folder must contain:

• A detailed CV
• A synthetic presentation of the background, research works, projects and activities, publications, key achievements
• A research and teaching plan, entrepreneurial ideas and concepts, and services for UM6P community: max 3-4 pages
• 3 references letters