Jenny Aker

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 .