Postdoc in Development Economics and Agricultural Economics on Scaling Rainwater Harvesting Adoption in the Sahel Wageningen University & Research in Netherlands

Wageningen University & Research is recruiting a Postdoc in development economics / agricultural economics for an international project on scaling the adoption of rainwater harvesting (RWH) technologies in the Sahel.

The position is based in Wageningen, the Netherlands, with frequent travel to Niger, Mali, and Nigeria. The project focuses on climate adaptation, food security, land restoration, soil quality, and smallholder livelihoods, using randomized controlled trials (RCTs), survey data, earth observation outputs, and qualitative inquiry.

The postdoc will work with PIs Jenny Aker and Erwin Bulte, and collaborate with partners including ICRISAT, the University of Diffa, Sahel Consulting Group, and the Niger Ministry of Environment. Responsibilities include consortium coordination, data management, impact evaluation, cross-country synthesis, mentoring PhD and MSc students, stakeholder workshops, and dissemination through publications and policy briefs.

Eligibility highlights: PhD in economics or agricultural economics; experience in Sub-Saharan Africa, preferably West Africa; strong quantitative and econometric skills; and C1-level French and English.

Funding and contract: salaried postdoctoral appointment at WUR with a gross monthly salary of €3,546–€5,538 (38 hours/week), standard Dutch university benefits, and an initial one-year contract that may be extended for the project duration (34 months) based on performance.

Deadline: applications close on 25 July 2026. Internal candidates are encouraged to apply before 4 July 2026.