Job description
To feed its growing population amid climate change and other challenges, the developing world needs a flourishing food system that is nutrition-sensitive, efficient, safe, healthy, and environmentally sustainable. This requires bringing modern technologies to local communities, helping stakeholders to acquire the relevant technical know-how, and building strong partnerships and institutions. Developed countries around the world can play important roles in these efforts and Japan is one of them. We explore how Japan can lend its expertise to address food and nutrition challenges in the developing world by examining the transferability of Japan’s advanced technologies, know-how and institutional innovations to the developing world.
IFPRI seeks a qualified consultant who is based in Japan to work with IFPRI between May 2026 and December 2026 with possibility of extension.
Scope of work
Represent IFPRI to closely communicate with the Government of Japan and parliament members
Advocate for IFPRI in Japan, i.e., increase IFPRI’s visibility and support IFPRI’s activities in Japan
Assist IFPRI team in designing research projects to fit into broader development agenda
Collaborate with Japanese private sector to support the formulation of new projects
Work with IFPRI team to increase the visibility of Japan-funded projects both completed and current
Manage the IFPRI representative office in Tokyo and work with collaborators in Japan to organize joint activities such as policy seminar, training, and so on
Link IFPRI with potential donors and collaborators in Japan
Deliverables
Two activity reports, due in September and December, about work to enhance partnership between Japanese organizations (public and private) and IFPRI.
Required qualifications of the consultant
PhD degree in economics or a related field plus ten years of relevant professional experiences preferably in the Government of Japan either before or after Ph.D.
Demonstrated professional expertise on food and nutrition within the Government of Japan, Japanese development agencies such as JICA, and significant involvement in the area of health, nutrition and food system improvement in developing countries
Demonstrated an excellent network within the Government of Japan, i.e., parliament members
Demonstrated knowledge of current and recent global development agenda of the Government of Japan
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Proficiency in Japanese and English
Preferred qualifications
Demonstrated experience in the close involvement with the initiatives by the Government of Japan, such as IFNA
Experience in agriculture, rural development, nutrition, and/or food security field
Experience in working with IFPRI in recent years
Can communicate regularly with IFPRI and if necessary, travel to IFPRI Headquarter in Washington DC, USA
Application Deadline
May 16, 2026
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