Professional Aide Project Pay

Position Summary

This is a project pay position. Provides professional support. Responsibilities may include general business, science, medical, agricultural or other professional support functions.

Unit Position Summary

The Department of Community Sustainability (CSUS) at Michigan State University (MSU) invites applicants for an on-call Professional Aide to support research, teaching, and institutional capacity strengthening activities. This position will serve in an advisory role supporting graduate student mentorship, research review, policy engagement, and international collaboration across agricultural policy research and capacity-building initiatives in Africa. This consultant will provide senior-level guidance on research design, manuscript development, policy analysis, and institutional strengthening efforts with Agricultural Policy Research Institutes (APRIs) and partner organizations.

Responsibilities

• Advising on graduate student research
• Reviewing assignments and technical outputs
• Supporting strategic planning processes
• Strengthening collaborative research programs focused on food security, agricultural policy, and smallholder farmer outcomes

Desired Qualifications

• A PhD in Agricultural Economics or closely related field
• At least 10 years of experience conducting collaborative research and institutional capacity strengthening with policy research centers in Africa
• Demonstrated expertise in agricultural policy analysis, food security, and strengthening research institutions serving smallholder agricultural systems
• Proven track record of peer-reviewed publications and collaborative publishing with local and international research partners
• Significant experience advising graduate students, reviewing technical assignments, and supporting academic and professional development in international research settings
• Past experience working with Michigan State University and the Food Security Group, either as a direct employee or through long-term collaboration with faculty and research teams
• Strong communication skills with the ability to translate complex research into practical recommendations for policymakers, institutional leaders, and development partners

Required Application Materials

• Letter of Interest
• Current CV
• Names and Contact Information for Three References

Work Hours

ON-CALL

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.