Overview
The post holder will report to Sustainable Farm Economics Programme Lead. The main duties of the post will be:
To lead and support research projects contributing to a programme of research in areas related to agricultural, environmental, and rural policy challenges.
- To undertake applied economic research to support policy development and/or evaluation
- To manage research projects driven by the policy requirements of DAERA, other government departments and external funding bodies, and other research commissioning bodies
- To apply economic concepts and cutting-edge techniques to the analysis of primary and secondary datasets in order to provide evidence to policymakers and other stakeholders
To secure funding and work with funders.
- To contribute to writing applications to secure research funding from government (such as DAERA, DAFM, DEFRA), EU, industry funders, and other funders, as appropriate, and to help establish and maintain good relationships with these funders
- To manage research projects and contracts. To ensure that allocated budgets are handled in a fully auditable manner, compliant with AFBI procedures, and to supply appropriate financial data to project funders when required.
To establish and maintain linkages with other research groups.
- To foster, establish and build strategic alliances within and outside AFBI to ensure that, where possible, research is carried out collaboratively and that AFBI’s research is internationally recognised.
To undertake data interpretation, the publication of results and report writing.
- To lead on the delivery of reports (e.g. press articles and other material) as required to ensure effective technology transfer of relevant results, and to meet the contractual requirements of research projects
- To publish and present outputs in appropriate formats including, research reports, policy briefs and stakeholder presentations. This will necessitate the job holder to have a high standard of skills in both writing and verbal communication
- To communicate research results and findings to peers by participating in international conferences, publishing in peer reviewed academic journals, and delivering internal and external invited seminars and presentations
To manage staff, resources and facilities.
- To provide leadership and manage research economists and other staff as appropriate, in compliance with all relevant AFBI health and safety and staff management practices
- To contribute to the management of resources, ensuring they are utilised to greatest effect and properly maintained
- To provide technical, professional and practical support and mentoring to colleagues within the Economics Research Branch
To undertake continuous professional development.
- To maintain an up-to-date knowledge of relevant economic literature and demonstrate personal development in all relevant areas of research management
- To follow current issues impacting on the agriculture, the natural environment and regional economies
Application
Completed application forms must be submitted no later than 12:00 noon (UK time) on Friday 5th September 2025.
ALL APPLICATIONS FOR EMPLOYMENT ARE CONSIDERED STRICTLY ON THE BASIS OF MERIT
