ORGANISATION: International Rubber Study Group (IRSG)

LOCATION: Singapore

POSITION: IRSG Visiting Professor of Economics and Statistics

SALARY CAP: SGD 10,000 Monthly

CLOSING DATE: 01 March 2024

OCCUPATIONAL GROUPS:

§ Research Position

§ Research and Development

§ Economics and Statistics

§ Econometrics

THE INTERNATIONAL RUBBER STUDY GROUP (IRSG)

The International Rubber Study Group (IRSG) is an intergovernmental organization with the main objective of improving the transparency of the world rubber markets and strengthening international cooperation on rubber issues. The IRSG is the biggest worldwide community in the rubber economy. The IRSG is recognized as an international body through the negotiation of a headquarters agreement with the Government of the United Kingdom in 1978. The IRSG has 34 member governments, including the European Union (comprising of 27 countries), Singapore, India, Sri Lanka, Russia, Cote d’ Ivoire, Nigeria, and Cameroon. Subsequently, a new headquarters agreement with the Government of Singapore was signed in 2008. The IRSG Secretariat is based in Singapore.

The mission of the IRSG is to be the world’s authoritative source of statistical data and forecasts on all aspects of the world rubber industry, including production, consumption, and trade in rubber and rubber products. The seminal purpose of the secretariat is to prepare current estimates and forecasts of future supply and demand trends while undertaking statistical and economic studies on specific aspects of the industry to continually improve its value-added service to stakeholders. Furthermore, as the only intergovernmental organization bringing together the world’s rubber-producing and -consuming stakeholders, the IRSG strives to provide an effective forum for the discussion of matters affecting the supply and demand for synthetic rubber and natural rubber.

The Group is a platform for senior executives and representatives to provide insights through dedicated meetings, working groups, conferences, and projects. The annual IRSG meetings are among the largest regular assemblies of rubber experts worldwide. IRSG offers a unique opportunity to enhance collaboration beyond each company or organization's peer group and connect with young leaders, innovators, and established entrepreneurs. The members, subscribers, and partners represent governments, companies, and organizations that are shaping and transforming the rubber industry in strategic and socially responsible ways.

(A) JOB DESCRIPTION

The IRSG Economics and Statistics Unit collects and collates statistics on natural and synthetic rubber and its related industries, provides market analyses, forecasts, and reports on the world rubber economy. The incumbent, IRSG Visiting Professor of Economics and Statistics will work within the unit comprising of the Head, Economics and Statistics and Manager, Economics and Statistics and the Chief of Staff to advance the ongoing transformative vision of IRSG secretariat, which is an initiative of the Office of the Secretary General. Pointedly, the scholar is expected to make significant contribution towards statistical revamping of the current data management system and develop cutting edge techniques for market analysis and industry-related forecast for the benefit of multiple stakeholders in the rubber economy.

The Economics and Statistics Unit currently rolls out twenty-two publications in a year. In this regard this arm of the secretariat publishes Rubber Statistical Bulletin, Rubber Industry Report, World Rubber Industry Outlook, Monthly Rubber Bulletin and Rubber Focus. Similarly, the unit is expected to distil policy briefs from these publications and conduct Senior Policy Seminars for decision making across the rubber economy internationally. It is expected that the incumbent scholar will contribute to the unit in the following ways.

i. Revise draft copies of these publications

ii. Present at least one seminar while resident at the Secretariat

iii. Contribute significantly to the IRSG’s ongoing research project and analytical work.

iv. Develop a repository of research interest and

v. Comply with all other terms and conditions included in their consultancy contract.

The incumbent will advise the Economics and Statistical Unit in developing and implementing software applications to be deployed in analysing "big data" for econometric forecasting of IRSG publications. It is also envisaged that the scholar whilst resident at the IRSG will actively participate in the research life of the secretariat in attending the internal seminars and exchanging with the staff on their respective projects. Furthermore, the scholar is expected to present their research contribution, objective assessment of the unit, and suggest recommendations toward becoming a more adept and competitive institution in meeting the multiple needs of rubber industry worldwide.

The incumbent will also advise the Secretary-General through formal consultation whilst in residence and a summative report at the end of the programme on issues and policy options related to the adequacy of IRGS rubber industry and trade statistics. He will make recommendation to the executive head on publications and further development of the Secretariat’s short-term and long-term modelling system.

(B) PERFORMS ANY OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ASSIGNED AS REQUIRED

Performing additional duties and responsibilities assigned by the Secretary-General in conformance with the policy, standards, rules, and regulations of IRSG

(C) QUALIFICATION, WORK EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES

1. EDUCATION

An advanced university degree (Minimum of PhD, DSc, DPhil or equivalent Doctoral Degree) in Economics, Mathematical Economics, Econometrics or equivalent is mandatory.

2. WORK EXPERIENCE ANDCOMPETENCIES

• Strong research background in the field of economics, econometrics, and statistics with evidence of extensive publication.
• Minimum of fifteen years of relevant experience in academic or industry-based research on commodities. Preferably on the rubber economy or another commodity-related field in specific regions of the world.
• Experience in conference presentations, hosting of seminars and training workshops.
• Competencies in analysis of panel data, knowledge of mixed-method research techniques (quantitative and qualitative) coupled with strong competence in handling “big data” is mandatory.
• Consultancy experience on commodities, preferably within rubber industry with high proficiency in writing industry-based reports.
• Proof of proficiency in statistical software (STATA, SPSS, etc.) is mandatory
• Software development and Information Technology skills with expertise in econometric forecasting and data analysis is desirable.

(D) OTHER MANDATORY AND DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS

Ability to work in a multicultural environment is a must. Work experience in the United Nations, an international organization, an intergovernmental organization and/or government agency is desirable. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French or another official United Nations language is an advantage.

(E) DURATION

The visiting Professorship of Economics and Statistics will last for one month depending on personal preferences and availabilities. However, the duration could be extended depending on the requirements of the IRSG Secretariat

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates from IRSG Member Countries (European Union, Singapore, India, Sri Lanka, Russia, Cote d’ Ivoire, Nigeria, and Cameroon) should submit their resume by email to the address below with a motivation letter stating why they are suitable for the position, along with certified copies of degrees, diplomas and certificates including names and contact details (organization, phone number and e-mail address) of three referees not later than 01 March 2024. Please, note that incomplete application will not be considered).

The Secretary-General
International Rubber Study Group

51 Changi Business Park Central 2

#06 – 04/05, The Signature

Singapore 486066

SINGAPORE

E-mail: [email protected]

Copy: [email protected]