The SASI-SPI initiative aims to support the European Union's Directorate General for International Partnership (DG-INTPA) by providing scientific evidence on a variety of issues related to the transformation of sustainable agri-food systems. The project contributes to providing answers to emerging questions, producing new analyses of food system transformations, and strives to support decision-makers in a policy dialogue informed by scientific knowledge.

Replacing a researcher who has been carrying out this activity since June 2014, you will be responsible for writing notes and briefs on topical issues related to food systems (agriculture, diets, climate, environment, food security...), in response to requests from DG INTPA.

These notes and briefs are based on the knowledge of experts from Agrinatura's institutions, whom you will identify and consult. This involves the following activities:

You will identify among Agrinatura researchers the experts’ skills in the key dimensions of food systems and feed the database of Agrinatura experts and their willingness to take part in the science/policy dialogue.

You will receive requests from DG INTPA, identify the relevant experts for each request and mobilize them to contribute to these requests, either in the form of quick notes designed to formulate the terms of the debate, or in the form of in-depth notes fed by discussion groups that you will organize.

You will contribute to the development of a generic method for evaluating European Union intervention projects in developing countries in terms of their contribution to the sustainability of food systems.

You will work closely with the project leader and co-leader on all science/policy interface activities with DG INTPA.

PhD in economics, political economy or political science.

Demonstrated scientific competence and publications in the fields of interest of the SASI-SPI project.

Communication skills to interact with Agrinatura institutions, informing them of SASI-SPI's objectives and mission, and to mobilize relevant experts.

Ability to read and synthesize abundant literature and write short, reliable and relevant notes. Experience in writing technical notes and reports will be an advantage.

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

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