Consultant for study on the role of development policies on migration and welfare in Central Americanew

The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) is conducting research on the role of development policies in shaping migration, labor allocation across sectors, and welfare outcomes in Central America using a structural modeling framework. The current stage of the research focuses on documenting the development policy landscape in Guatemala and analyzing the impacts of alternative development policy interventions through counterfactual simulations based on a previously calibrated structural model. IFPRI seeks a consultant to collaborate in preparing the policy analysis component of this research, including policy review, quantitative analysis of counterfactual scenarios, interpretation of simulation results, and drafting of the corresponding technical report. The position is based remotely.

Scope of work:

• Review and document the development policy landscape in Guatemala, including the composition, targeting, and spatial allocation of major development interventions.
• Implement, document, and interpret counterfactual policy simulations using a previously calibrated structural model.
• Analyze the implications of alternative development policy interventions for migration and household welfare outcomes.
• Draft the corresponding technical report, including the policy landscape, counterfactual analysis, and policy implications, in close coordination with the IFPRI research team.

Deliverables:

• Draft technical report on the development policy landscape in Guatemala, including a review of the composition, targeting, and spatial allocation of major development interventions and the corresponding institutional context.
• Draft technical report on the counterfactual policy analysis and policy implications, including the implementation, documentation, and interpretation of the policy simulations based on the previously calibrated structural model, together with the discussion of their implications for migration and welfare outcomes.

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in Economics or closely related field.
• Strong background in structural economic modeling and quantitative policy analysis.
• Experience implementing and interpreting counterfactual simulations.
• Sound knowledge of Matlab.
• Experience with quantitative research methods and analysis of aggregate and microeconomic data.
• Excellent analytical and scientific writing skills.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, along with the ability to work independently and with initiative, and with colleagues from diverse cultures.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Fluency in written and spoken Spanish.
• Knowledge of STATA.
• Research experience in Central America and familiarity with development policy and migration issues.

Application Deadline:

July 20, 2026