The International School of Economics at Tbilisi State University (ISET) is pleased to announce a new, grant-funded, instructional and research program in agricultural economics. More information on the program is attached.

We are seeking to make two appointments: 1) a senior level, part time advisor and 2) a full-time Chair in Agricultural Economics to implement this program. The part-time position should be someone with a distinguished reputation in the field. The full-time chair should hold a PhD and be appropriate for appointment at the Assistant or Associate Professor level at a research-oriented institution. He or she should have an active interest in evidence-based policy advising and be comfortable with significant public visibility.

Ideally both positions will start on September 1, 2013 although a later starting date may be arranged for the right candidate.

Agricultural Economics Program to be Launched by the International School of Economics at Tbilisi State University

The International School of Economics at Tbilisi State University (ISET), a regional center for research and graduate-level economics education, has received a multi-year grant to build agricultural economics capacity in Georgia.This proposed project will establish a Concentration in Agricultural Economics within ISET’s Master’s Program in Economics and an Agricultural Policy Research Center at the ISET Policy Institute (ISET-PI). The Center will develop and communicate relevant research, and conduct on-demand policy evaluation and analysis.

The goals of the project are as follows:

• To create a pool of well-trained young economists capable of addressing a wide array of issues related to agricultural and rural development in Georgia and the region
• To modernize and mainstream agricultural economics curricula at the graduate and undergraduate level
• To produce high quality research, data and analysis addressing current policy concerns related to agricultural and rural development in Georgia
• To bring to Georgia international academic and policy expertise including Georgian economists and policy analysts
• To strengthen ISET-PI’s position as an independent voice in the public policy debate on agricultural economics issues

Overall leadership for the project will be provided by a part-time Agricultural Policy Advisor and a new Chair in Agricultural Economics (CAE) to be established at ISET. The new Agricultural Policy Research Center at the ISET Policy Institute will hire three research fellows from among ISET graduates. It will also provide fellowships for up to 5 MA-level students a year.

We are seeking highly qualified applicants for both the part-time senior and the full time position. Salaries will be highly competitive. The full time position will be for a renewable three year appointment.