Changing Course in Global Agriculture (CCGA) Modeler/Policy Analyst –
Kenya
CCGA Initiative Background
Over 850 million people worldwide – and one child out of five – still go hungry in a world
where we already produce enough food today to feed the 9 billion people projected to be
living in the world in 2050. Current food systems are characterized by food production
surpluses; however prevalent food waste, unsustainable agricultural practices, and
marginalization of smallholder farmers are contributing to severe environmental and social
problems such as climate change, loss of biodiversity, soil degradation, unemployment,
increasing poverty and food insecurity. These interrelated factors were prominently
highlighted in the International Assessment of Agricultural Knowledge, Science, and
Technology for Development (IAASTD, 2008).
A world free from hunger and malnutrition can be achieved through a shift to ecological,
resilient, diverse and productive sustainable agriculture and food systems. Such a shift is
essential for sustainable development, poverty eradication, and realizing the right to
adequate food and healthy nutrition. Sustainable agriculture is also key to preserving
landscapes from ondue development pressure, thus allowing these landscapes to provide
the essential ecosystem services upon which all life on earth depends.
The Changing Course in Global Agriculture (CCGA) initiative aims to strengthen the policy
support for sustainable agriculture and food systems at the national and international
levels. The initiative implements three core activity lines on policy coherence, governance,
and multi-stakeholder strengthening. Currently operational in Ethiopia, Kenya, and
Senegal, the initiative supports national authorities in defining national policies and
strategies that allow for sustainable agricultural development. The initiative is a
partnership between the Biovision Foundation and the Millennium Institute to support
governments to broaden bases for effective decision making in national development plans.
Position Summary
The CCGA Modeler/Policy Analyst will support the Government of Kenya to develop and
support tools for effective agriculture, food security, and nutrition policies through multistakeholder mechanisms. The successful candidate will collaborate extensively with the
Kenya national Threshold 21 (T21) model core team and train and build capacity of the
team to develop System Dynamics-based simulation models for policy analysis, collect and
analyze data and information to be used for policy analysis, design and simulate alternative
policy scenarios, produce policy reports based on simulation results and support
monitoring and evaluation of policy decisions implemented by the government
departments. In fulfilling the requirements of this position, the Modeler/Policy Analyst will
also collaborate with experts from other national sectors in ensuring that their capacity is
developed to conduct these tasks on their own.
The position is based on a Fixed Term Contract, renewable annually subject to funding.
Key Responsibilities
1. Support and build capacity of the national T21 core team and other related sector
experts in the use of the T21 model.
2. Support scenario/policy analysis using the T21 model to simulate policies that
create impact in close consultations with the national and sector stakeholders.
3. Lead the core team in the identification of the core data needed for the model.
4. Support and train team members to gather quality data and information from
various sources, including download from online sources, directly from relevant
ministries and organizations, and through interviews and surveys.
5. Conduct secondary research and literature review on problems and issues related to
agriculture, food security, and nutrition and the current policy background to
support model development and policy application.
6. Support multi-stakeholder discussions to understand key issues and problems
related to policymaking, decision-making and actions taken to focus modeling
efforts. Elicit ideas from stakeholders on policies, both existing and suggested, to
deal with these issues and problems.
7. Regular model updating and sector development to accommodate new information,
client needs, and to explore new policy options.
8. Assist with trainings and act as an SD resource person to build in-country SD
modeling capacity.
9. Facilitation of workshops and events. This to involve supporting workshop and
event organizers to ensure smooth functioning, answering participants’ questions,
and event management.
10. Prepare documentation for and from workshops, events, or seminars.
11. Lead the team in the production of CCGA and T21 reports.
12. In collaboration with the Techncial Advisory Group (TAG) and the CCGA core team,
organize meetings, training workshops, stakeholder workshops, awareness building
seminars, etc. This to include identifying and making contacts with potential
participants, drafting invitation letters, arranging venues, accommodations,
transportation and other necessities.
Other Responsibilities
1. Production of monthly progress reports on the model activities.
2. Support preparation , work plans, budgets and communication strategy for the
CCGA initiative.
3. Support the effective implementation of the CCGA initiative in Kenya by closely
working with Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries and Ministry of
Planning and Devolution. ..
4. Help identify new opportunities with government agencies, private sector entities,
international consultants and donor agencies.
5. As experience grows, represent the CCGA initiative to government and other
stakeholders.
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Qualifications
Core Requirements:
 At least a Master’s degree in system dynamics and experience in agroecology,
agricultural economics, development economics, political science, environmental
studies or related fields preferred;
 Knowledge of System Dynamics (SD) modeling and Vensim;
 Experience in modeling agriculture and national development issues using SD;
 Experience in data collection, indicator formulation, data management and analysis;
 Experience with teaching and didactical skills
 Stakeholder participation, dialog, and similar group-management skills
 Experience with sharing best practices/learning
 Knowledge of and experience with government policy planning and development
processes
 Excellent English language proficiency is a must. Basic Swahili is an added
advantage
Other requirements:
The successful candidate should be a creative, innovative and strategic thinker; be selfmotivated and disciplined; have excellent social, communication, analytical,
organizational, interpersonal and cross-cultural skills; have a strong interest in food
security and sustainable development issues; and proven ability to produce results.
This is a locally recruited position. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Application Procedure
Interested applicants should send a cover letter and detailed resume, including key
qualifications and relevant experience, and names and contact information of three (3)
referees to careers@millennium-institute.org on or before December 12, 2014. No phone
calls please.
Millennium Institute is an equal opportunity employer and reaffirms its policy and of hiring
and promotion in all job classifications without regards to race, color, age, gender, creed,
national origin, sexual orientation, disability and any other class protected by law.
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