Job Description
Position: Senior Agricultural Economist
Company: African Development Bank
Location: Yambio, South Sudan
Experience: 8+ years
Education: Master’s degree in Agricultural Economics or related field
Employment Type: Full-time
Industry: Agriculture & Finance
Department: Economic Research and Analysis
Salary: SSP 30,000,000 – 45,000,000 per annum
Vacancies:1
Company Overview
The African Development Bank (AfDB) is a leading multilateral development finance institution dedicated to fostering sustainable economic growth and social progress across Africa. With a strong presence in South Sudan, AfDB supports critical sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, and finance to drive inclusive development. Our mission aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and we partner with governments, private sector entities, and civil society to create lasting impact. As part of our commitment to building resilient economies, we continuously seek top talent to enhance our research capabilities and deliver data‑driven solutions for the continent’s most pressing challenges. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to transformative projects that improve food security, increase farmer incomes, and strengthen financial inclusion in South Sudan.
Job Overview
The Senior Agricultural Economist will lead comprehensive economic analyses that inform AfDB’s investment strategies and policy recommendations within the agriculture and finance sectors of South Sudan. You will work closely with project teams, government officials, and international partners to assess market dynamics, evaluate financial instruments for agribusiness, and develop evidence‑based reports that guide funding decisions. This position plays a pivotal role in shaping AfDB’s portfolio, ensuring that projects deliver measurable outcomes for rural communities and contribute to the broader economic stability of the nation. For more information about our organization, visit our website at https://southsudanjobsearch.com/.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct macro‑ and micro‑economic research on agricultural value chains, market trends, and financing mechanisms in South Sudan.
- Develop financial models to assess the viability and impact of agribusiness investments and credit schemes.
- Prepare high‑quality policy briefs, technical reports, and presentations for senior management and external stakeholders.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to design and monitor project performance indicators.
- Provide strategic advice on risk mitigation, subsidy design, and public‑private partnership frameworks.
- Lead capacity‑building workshops for local institutions and farmer cooperatives.
- Stay abreast of regional and global best practices in agricultural economics and development finance.
Required Skills
- Advanced quantitative and qualitative analytical abilities.
- Proficiency in statistical software (e.g., STATA, R, Python) and financial modeling tools.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English; knowledge of Arabic or local languages is an advantage.
- Demonstrated experience in project design, monitoring, and evaluation.
- Ability to work independently and lead cross‑functional teams in challenging environments.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills.
Education
A Master’s degree in Agricultural Economics, Development Economics, Finance, or a closely related discipline is required. A Ph.D. is considered an asset, especially if focused on African agricultural markets or development finance.
Experience
Minimum of eight years of relevant professional experience, including at least three years in a senior analytical role within an international development organization, research institute, or financial institution. Experience working in South Sudan or comparable emerging markets is highly desirable.
Salary
The compensation package ranges from SSP 30,000,000 to SSP 45,000,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications. The package includes performance‑based incentives and comprehensive benefits.
Benefits
- Health insurance covering medical, dental, and vision care.
- Retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
- Paid annual leave and public holidays in accordance with South Sudan labor law.
- Professional development allowance for conferences, certifications, and training.
- Relocation assistance for candidates moving to Yambio.
Training
- On‑boarding program introducing AfDB’s policies, tools, and regional strategies.
- Continuous learning opportunities through AfDB’s internal academy and external partners.
- Mentorship from senior economists and sector specialists.
Working Environment
The role is based in our Yambio office, offering a collaborative and inclusive workspace equipped with modern IT infrastructure. Staff enjoy a supportive culture that values diversity, innovation, and impact‑driven results. Flexible working arrangements may be considered to accommodate field visits and remote analysis.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit an online application through the AfDB careers portal, attaching a detailed CV and a cover letter outlining relevant experience and motivation. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Equal Opportunity Statement
African Development Bank is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, or any other protected characteristic.