Researcher (Analysis of the Philippine Agriculture Industry)

Terms of reference

Position: Researcher (Analysis of the Philippine Agriculture Industry)

Period of engagement: 3 months, subject to extension

Mode of payment: Level of Effort

Level of effort needed: 45 LOE days spread in 3 months

BACKGROUND OF THE ASIA FOUNDATION

The Asia Foundation is a nonprofit international development organization committed to improving lives across a dynamic and developing Asia.

BACKGROUND OF THE ASSIGNMENT – RESEARCH ON THE AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY IN THE PHILIPPINES

The main research questions that we would like to answer are the following:

1. What are the binding constraints that cause our country’s agricultural productivity to go down in the past years?
2. What are the critical issues surrounding agriculture that a policy reform should be able to address?
3. What are potential solutions to address these binding constraints/issues?

Please note that the applicant must be able to attend both online meetings and face-to-face meetings in Manila.

Scope of work

• Support the team in engaging with key informants to identify issues in agriculture and recommend proposed solutions
• Analyze government budget items related to agriculture spending
• Provide matrices that compare past and present policies related to agriculture
• Gather and analyze data and related literature in relation to the agriculture sector
• Provide analysis, highlights, and updates on meetings with key informants
• With the team, help prepare position papers, action plans and technical papers on the issue
• Contribute to evolving project strategies
• Reports to team leader and program officer-in-charge

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bachelor’s degree in relevant discipline (e.g Political Science, Public Administration, Development Studies, Economics, Urban and Regional Planning, etc.)
2. Preferably with a minimum of three (3) years professional experience in policy research and development particularly in economic policy.
3. Working knowledge of broader and recent development issues in agriculture in the Philippines, including economic and social development issues.
4. Working experience in adaptive management teams and development entrepreneurship preferred.
5. Effective written and verbal communication skills in both English and Filipino
6. Demonstrated experience working in adaptive programs and development entrepreneurship would be an advantage.
7. Experience in policy reform related to agriculture is also an advantage