World Vegetable Center (WorldVeg) is a non-profit, autonomous international agricultural research center with headquarters in Taiwan and five regional offices around the globe. WorldVeg conducts research and development programs that contribute to realizing the potential of vegetables for healthier lives and more resilient livelihoods. For more information, please visit our website: worldveg.org.

The job: 

The Social Scientist will conduct high quality research in the areas of impact evaluation, food systems research, and value chains with a focus on vegetables. One of the projects supporting this position is conducting impact evaluations of vegetable interventions to help people affected by emergencies (civil conflict, natural disaster). Another project is conducting research on vegetable production in urban areas and the potential of vegetables to improve urban diets.

The applicant will be based at the Center’s regional office for East and Southeast Asia (ESEA) in Bangkok, Thailand and join a team of three other social scientists based there. This is a nationally recruited early/mid-career position that will report to the Flagship Program Leader for Enabling Impact.

Key responsibilities:

• Contribute to the design of study plans, development of questionnaires or other data collection instruments, and implementation of studies.
• Conduct statistical analysis of primary and secondary data, including household surveys.
• Contribute to qualitative data collection (e.g. focus groups, interviews) and analysis (e.g. coding).
• Conduct literature reviews and synthesis on topics relevant to the Center’s projects.
• Contribute to the preparation of research reports, academic journal articles and other documents.
• Prepare presentations and communications materials.
• Liaise with local Thai partners including the government and universities.
• Perform any other duties as required by the needs of the Center and as directed by the supervisor.

Position requirements:

• At least an MSc or MA degree in Social Science, Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness Management, Development Economics, Development Studies, or other relevant disciplines.
• Demonstrated skills in quantitative and qualitative research methods, data collection and analysis.
• Strong understanding of social and economic development issues, agriculture and rural development, scaling of technologies, and/or nutrition.
• Strong analytical skills, communication and writing abilities; fluency in written and oral English.
• Experience with data analysis software (e.g. STATA, Excel, NVIVO) and digital data collection software such as Kobo Toolbox, SurveyCTO, ODK.
• Result-focused and ability to multitask and work under tight deadlines.

The Reward:

This is a Nationally Recruited Staff position with a basic salary of THB 35,000-50,000 depending on qualifications and experience plus benefits (life insurance, health insurance for self and family, social security, retirement fund). The initial appointment is for the remaining months of 2023, renewed annually subject to satisfactory performance evaluation and availability of funds. The position is available with immediate effect.

How to Apply:

Applicants are invited to submit a letter of application explaining their suitability for and interest in the position along with a curriculum vitae, names and addresses (including telephone/ e-mail) of three referees, and date of availability. Please send applications stating the job title “Social Scientist” by e-mail to kanokwan.rattanamung@worldveg.org by the closing date on 31 March 2023. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Contact : kanokwan.rattanamung@worldveg.org