Experienced economists and agricultural researchers have an opportunity to contribute to research shaping Africa’s agricultural markets and regional trade policies. The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) is seeking a Research Fellow I/II in Markets, Trade and Institutions, offering annual salaries of up to US$144,800, depending on grade and experience. The position focuses on agricultural trade across Africa, including trade costs, storage policies and the impact of trade corridor investments on agricultural markets. The successful candidate will use econometric analysis, spatial modelling and policy research to help governments and development partners improve trade efficiency, strengthen regional integration and expand agricultural trade opportunities. The role may be based in Africa, with Senegal, Kenya or Ethiopia preferred, or in Washington, DC, United States. The opportunity is advertised as full-time or part-time, with two professional grades available. The application deadline provided in the vacancy announcement is 20 October 2026. IFPRI Research Fellow I/II 2026: Opportunity Overview Organisation: International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) Position: Research Fellow I/II, Markets, Trade and Institutions Location: Africa, preferably Senegal, Kenya or Ethiopia, or Washington, DC Employment Type: Full-time or part-time Grades: 22R and 23R Required Qualification: PhD in Economics, Agricultural Economics or a closely related field Experience: At least three years post-PhD for Grade 22R and five years for Grade 23R Salary: US$99,300–US$124,100 for Grade 22R; US$115,800–US$144,800 for Grade 23R Application Deadline: 20 October 2026, according to the supplied announcement About the Research Fellowship IFPRI is an international research institute that develops evidence-based policy solutions to reduce poverty, hunger and malnutrition. Its work covers agricultural transformation, food systems, markets, trade, resilience and institutional development. The successful Research Fellow will join the Markets, Trade and Institutions Unit, contributing to research designed to improve understanding of how agricultural markets function across Africa. The research portfolio examines how transport and trade costs affect agricultural commerce, how storage policies influence markets, and how investments in trade corridors can create opportunities for farmers, traders and other market participants. By combining quantitative research with engagement involving governments and other stakeholders, the programme seeks to generate practical evidence that can inform agricultural policy and regional economic integration. Key Responsibilities The Research Fellow will conduct independent and collaborative research, manage projects and communicate findings to academic and policy audiences. Key responsibilities include: 1. Conduct agricultural trade research The Fellow will investigate trade and market issues across Africa, focusing on spatial trade costs, storage policies and trade corridor investments. The research will use econometric analysis, spatial methods and modelling. 2. Collect and analyse data The role involves assembling agricultural trade cost and price data from primary and secondary sources, conducting statistical analysis and undertaking policy simulations to explore potential outcomes. 3. Publish high-quality research The successful candidate will produce research for peer-reviewed academic journals and develop evidence-based policy recommendations relevant to African agricultural markets. 4. Manage research programmes Responsibilities include preparing work plans, coordinating research activities, developing project ideas and overseeing research projects, budgets and reporting. 5. Mobilise research funding The Fellow will identify funding opportunities, develop research proposals, prepare donor reports and maintain relationships with donors and senior government stakeholders. Greater leadership in proposal development and funding strategy is expected at Grade 23R. 6. Strengthen partnerships and research capacity The position involves collaborating with researchers, policymakers, civil society and local partners, supervising research support staff, and designing capacity-strengthening activities. Eligibility Requirements This is an experienced research position rather than an entry-level fellowship. Applicants must demonstrate strong academic credentials, quantitative research expertise and a record of contributing to policy-relevant research. Education Candidates must hold a PhD in Economics, Agricultural Economics or a closely related discipline. Professional experience The experience requirements depend on the grade: Research Fellow I, Grade 22R: At least three years of relevant post-PhD experience. Research Fellow II, Grade 23R: At least five years of relevant post-PhD experience. Applicants should have demonstrated experience in policy analysis, policy recommendations, applied microeconomics, impact evaluation and household surveys. Experience with randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and other causal inference methods is particularly relevant. Additional requirements include an excellent peer-reviewed publication record, strong analytical skills, experience leading or managing teams, and the ability to work effectively with international research and policy partners. Candidates should also demonstrate experience developing research proposals, identifying funding prospects, managing project budgets and supervising research support staff. Technical and language skills Applicants must be proficient in quantitative economic and statistical analysis software and demonstrate strong computer literacy. Experience with Stata, R or similar tools is relevant to household survey analysis and applied research. The announcement also identifies proficiency with artificial intelligence tools, such as Claude, as a preferred qualification. Knowledge of another UN language, particularly French or Spanish, is an advantage. Field experience collecting quantitative data in developing countries is also desirable. Candidates must have excellent written and spoken English and be willing to travel extensively when required. Salary and Benefits IFPRI advertises competitive annual salary ranges for both grades. PositionAnnual salaryResearch Fellow I, Grade 22RUS$99,300–US$124,100Research Fellow II, Grade 23RUS$115,800–US$144,800 Salary placement depends on experience and other job-related factors. The position is eligible for health insurance coverage. The vacancy notes that benefits generally apply to active, non-temporary employees based in the United States who work at least 25 hours per week, subject to the stated eligibility conditions. For positions based at IFPRI in Washington, DC, the advertised working arrangement is hybrid, with at least two days in the office and three days working remotely. Applicants considering an Africa-based location should confirm the applicable work arrangement and benefits with IFPRI. How to Apply Interested candidates should review the official vacancy details and follow the recruitment instructions. The announcement specifies that internal candidates should email their cover letter and résumé to Elisabeth Gavin. It also states that the role will be posted externally if no internal candidates are identified. Consequently, external applicants should verify whether an external application route is available before submitting an application. Visit the official IFPRI website. Search for the Research Fellow I/II vacancy in the Markets, Trade and Institutions Unit. Review the full job description and confirm the relevant grade requirements. Prepare a tailored résumé or CV and cover letter highlighting research publications, quantitative methods, policy impact and relevant African agricultural trade experience. Follow the official application instructions and confirm the closing date. Application Deadline The supplied announcement gives 20 October 2026 as the application deadline. Applicants should confirm the date and external application arrangements through IFPRI’s official recruitment channels. This opportunity is particularly suited to experienced economists and agricultural researchers seeking to influence evidence-based policies on trade, food systems and agricultural development across Africa. Candidates with a strong publication record, advanced quantitative skills and experience engaging with policymakers and donors may find the position especially relevant. APPLY HERE For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. All opportunities are sourced from official announcements and external sources for informational purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to verify all details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements from the official source before applying. Opportunities may be updated or changed by the providing organisations.