Are you an experienced Micro-Economist and do you consider it a challenge to give direction to our micro-economic research and the renewal of our research models to contribute to a more sustainable food production and agricultural sector? If you are, than we have an interesting position at Wageningen Economic Research.

We are looking for a Micro-Economist & Model Developer with a solid quantitative and scientific profile and a clear vision on the current and future challenges for agro & food production, both economically and from a sustainability point of view. This position is available in the expertise group Performance & Impact Agro Sectors, which is one of the seven research groups within Wageningen Economic Research. We are a group of about 35 professionals who are committed to contributing to a more sustainable world by doing applied socio-economic research for companies in the agricultural sector, governments and NGOs. We are specialised in performance monitoring (people-planet-profit) and policy analysis and evaluations for the agro sector. Therefore, we use our micro-economic research models, such as financial-economic simulation models, business-economic optimisation models and emission models. With our research projects, we provide our national and international clients, both public and private, with clear insights so that they can make sound policy and management decisions. We carry out project-based economic research and we select the best team for each project, based on the required expertise and skills. Due to market developments and expectations, we want to strengthen our expertise group with an experienced Micro-Economist & Model Developer.

As a Micro-Economist & Model Developer:

• You are a sparring partner for our national and international clients and able to translate their problems, needs and questions about economic and sustainability issues in the agricultural sector into clear applied economic research questions and project proposals. You acquire international research assignments, develop new propositions and write research proposals for public and private clients.
• You design new micro-economic models - in line with client requirements - on economic and sustainability issues in the agricultural sector. You are able to further develop our existing set of micro-economic models and update our research tools. For this, you have a profound knowledge of economic theories, scientific research methods and concepts in combination with actual practical knowledge of business management of agricultural firms and sustainability initiatives in agricultural sectors.
• You report and present the project results in a professional and transparent manner. The publications vary from confidential reports to high-impact journals. You are able to translate independent research output into science-based advice for our customers to make sound policy and management decisions.
• You coordinate, give direction and leadership to research projects, such as policy research and foresight studies, in an inspiring and motivating manner. Depending on the size of the projects, you also provide a substantial research contribution.
• You advise other research project teams on the methodological design of research and the correct use of economic models. You also perform internal scientific and quality reviews on both concept proposals and research reports and papers.

We ask
The ideal candidate for this position of Micro-Economist & Model Developer has the following profile:

• A (strong) personality with good communication skills and a unifying style of leadership, a customer-focused and result-oriented attitude with an eye for quality, as well as the ability to perform under stress.
• Approximately 10 years of relevant work experience and a demonstrable track record of publications.
• A high level of professional and intellectual ability, and a completed PhD in the field of microeconomics, business economics, agricultural economics, environmental economics or econometrics.
• Ample experience with developing complex micro-level simulation or optimisation models and ample knowledge of and experience with modelling environments (preferably GAMS).
• A clear vision on and knowledge of business economics and/or sustainability issues in the agricultural sector and chain both in the Netherlands and worldwide, and the potential contribution of applied research to it.
• A broad national and international network with key individuals in the agro and food cluster, such as national and international governments, industry, branch organisations, NGOs and cooperation partners, such as universities and knowledge institutes.
• Experience with the development of new propositions, acquiring new research projects and writing research proposals for government agencies, public-private partnership organisations and companies.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills in English and Dutch (or the willingness to learn Dutch), both oral and written.
• An international orientation and the willingness to travel internationally if necessary (usually 2 or 3 days at a time). Experience with leading international project teams would be an advantage.

We offer
We offer an exciting position at an internationally leading institute with scope for personal development. In more detail, our offer consists of very good remuneration and excellent secondary benefits:

• Depending on experience, a maximum gross salary of €5,509 per month (scale 12 - Collective Labour Agreement) on a full-time basis (36 hours a week).
• 8% holiday allowance and a fixed 3% year-end bonus.
• 23 days of leave entitlement with the possibility to build up an extra 25 'compensation' days (by working a 40-hour week).
• Excellent opportunities for training and education.
• Generous parental and special leave conditions.
• Flexibility in working hours.

This is a permanent position whereby you start with a temporary contract. The extension of the contract depends on proven suitability and the scope of the order portfolio.

The location for this position is negotiable: Wageningen or The Hague. However, a regular presence on the other location is expected.

Please note that although this post is a full-time position with negotiable hours, it is expected that a minimum of 32 hours/week would be needed to fulfil this role adequately.

Wageningen University & Research

We are
an independent and internationally leading socio-economic research institute. Wageningen Economic Research offers governments and companies (socio)economic insights and integral advice for sound policies and better decision-making in an innovative way. We have been an expert in the field of sustainable agriculture & food, healthy nutrition, lifestyle and the living environment for over 75 years, and are known as a knowledge institute that provides insight into the capacity of our planet on the one hand, and human actions on the other. For this we make use of and develop, among others, policy analysis, future studies, chain and consumer research, evaluations and monitoring systems, based upon our data, models and knowledge.

Within Wageningen UR and together with the Centre for Development Innovation (CDI) and the University's Department of Social Sciences (DMW), Wageningen Economic Research is part of the Social Sciences Group. DMW, Wageningen Economic Research and CDI comprise the entire knowledge chain of fundamental scientific research (DMW), applied scientific research (Wageningen Economic Research) and consultancy and capacity building (CDI). As a result, Wageningen Economic Research provides access to this comprehensive range of expertise.
www.wur.nl/en/Expertise-Services/Research-Institutes/Economic-Research.htm