Are you a development economist with a passion for climate adaptation and food security in sub-Saharan Africa? This post-doctoral position presents a rare opportunity to contribute to a policy-relevant research program at the intersection of agricultural development and environmental sustainability.

About the Company

Wageningen University & Research (WUR) is a leading institution in life sciences, dedicated to exploring nature's potential to improve quality of life. With a diverse international community, WUR fosters collaboration across disciplines to address critical global challenges.

The Role

You will be part of an international, interdisciplinary consortium, working closely with economists, soil scientists, agronomists, and local partners. Your role will involve leading a work package that develops, implements, analyzes, and communicates findings from pilots and randomized control trials (RCTs) across Niger, Mali, and Nigeria.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate research activities across consortium partners at WUR, ICRISAT, the University of Diffa, and the Ministry of Environment.
• Design and oversee data management protocols for large-scale survey datasets from approximately 600 villages and 10,000 households in Niger.
• Analyze RCT results, estimating treatment effects on rainwater harvesting adoption, soil quality, agricultural production, and farmer revenues.
• Compile and analyze results from pilot interventions and RCTs, producing comparative analyses to identify effective strategies.
• Mentor and supervise PhD and MSc students, and participate in capacity-building workshops for local stakeholders.
• Prepare peer-reviewed publications and policy briefs, and present findings at workshops with governments, NGOs, and communities.

Requirements

• PhD in economics or agricultural economics.
• Work experience in Sub-Saharan Africa, preferably West Africa.
• Excellent spoken and written command of French and English (C1 level).

What We Offer

• Competitive gross salary between €3,546 and €5,538 for a full-time position.
• Sabbatical leave, study leave, and partially paid parental leave.
• Flexible working hours to support work-life balance.
• Access to sports facilities on campus.
• A fixed year-end bonus of 8.3% and an excellent pension scheme.

This position is initially offered for one year with the possibility of extension based on performance. You will be based in Wageningen, Netherlands, with frequent travel to Niger, Mali, and Nigeria. We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and are committed to creating an inclusive work environment.

Ready to apply? Submit your application through our website by 25 July 2026. For more information, contact Jenny Aker at jenny.aker@wur.nl. We look forward to your application!