| Salary: | 5,000 GBP |
| Location: | Worldwide |
TERMS OF REFERENCE (TORs)
POSITION
Short-Term Technical Assistance (STTA) – Agricultural Economist (Consultant)
BACKGROUND
CABI is an international not-for-profit organization focused on improving lives by solving problems in agriculture and the environment through scientific expertise.
CABI’s programmes rely on robust evidence to measure impact, inform adaptive management, and demonstrate accountability to stakeholders.
CABI, through its global PlantwisePlus programme, is addressing challenges across the globe related to pest and invasive species outbreaks, poor awareness on the hazards of excessive pesticide use, poor access to lower-risk alternatives to hazardous pesticides, and poor crop advisory.
PlantwisePlus is tackling these challenges head-on by following three key impact pathways:
PROGRAMME IMPACT PATHWAYS
- Coordinating and strengthening systems for detection and response to pest outbreaks.
- Increasing awareness of access to and use of affordable integrated pest management solutions.
- Enhancing knowledge and uptake of integrated pest management practices through responsive digital advisory tools.
Under the PlantwisePlus programme, CABI is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Agricultural Economist to provide short-term technical support in conducting cost-benefit analysis (CBA) assessment of PlantwisePlus’ selected interventions.
OBJECTIVE OF THE ASSIGNMENT
The overall objective of the role is to work with CABI experts to review and finalise Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) of selected PW+ interventions in Pakistan and Kenya.
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
The consultant will work with the CABI experts to review, amend and finalise two cost-benefit analyses based on the following steps that are underway:
- Review, refine and update the current CBA framework and methodology.
- Review, refine and update the CBA calculation model.
- Review the monetary and non-monetary benefits and co-benefits identified and suggest improvements.
- Strengthen calculations of benefits and co-benefits. Monetize the co-benefits where possible.
- Review the report overall. Review, refine and strengthen the analysis of benefits and co-benefits.
- Provide actionable recommendations on interventions continuation, adaptation, replication and scale-up.
SCOPE OF WORK
The assessment will cover two interventions implemented by CABI under its PlantwisePlus programme. These interventions include:
- Establishment of Trichogramma Rearing Facilities (TRF) for tomato farmers in 3 districts of Pakistan.
- Classical biological control of Papaya Mealybug in Kenya by introduction of parasitic wasp Acerophagus papayae.
KEY TASKS
- Review the CBA report for selected interventions.
- Strengthen the overall CBA framework and methodology.
- Review and refine the existing CBA calculation model.
- Identify gaps in calculation, data gaps and provide recommendations to complete data that is required to perform CBA analysis.
- Perform comprehensive CBA analysis of both the interventions.
- Review and strengthen the CBA report for both the interventions.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Required qualifications and experience:
- An advanced university degree in agricultural economics, economics, development economics, agribusiness, agriculture, public policy, or a closely related discipline from a recognised institute.
- At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in agricultural economics, economic evaluation, return-on-investment, cost-benefit analysis, value-for-money assessment, or investment appraisal.
- Demonstrated experience conducting cost-benefit, ROI, cost-effectiveness, net present value, or internal rate of return analyses.
- Strong knowledge of agricultural production systems, agricultural markets, rural livelihoods, and value chains.
- Strong quantitative research, econometric, and data-analysis skills.
- Strong report-writing and presentation skills in English.
BUDGET
The total budget for this consultancy is GBP 5,000, inclusive of all applicable taxes.
DURATION OF CONSULTANCY AND DUTY STATION
This is a lump sum contract, and the consultant will be required to complete all the tasks mentioned above from the contract signing date until mid-November 2026.
This is remote work and would not require travel.
Anyone fulfilling the qualification criteria mentioned above can apply for this role.
Both CBA reports are required to be completed by mid-November 2026.
REPORTING AND SUPERVISION
The Agricultural Economist will work under the direct supervision of the MEL Manager (Asia) and will collaborate closely with the programme and Global MEL / Social Science team.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter describing your expertise and eligibility for the consultancy via CABI’s online recruitment portal:
Closing Date: 12 September 2026.