Consultant or Senior Consultant – Agricultural Economics
Location: Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Reports to: General Manager or Managing Director, AbacusBio International
About AbacusBio
AbacusBio is a globally recognised agriscience consultancy that helps clients use science, data and business intelligence to grow resources and food for a more sustainable world. We work across agriculture, food systems and life sciences, bringing together a diverse, high‑performing global team that enjoys solving real‑world problems with practical, evidence‑based advice.
The opportunity
We are looking for a Consultant or Senior Consultant in Agricultural Economics to join our Edinburgh team. This role is suited to someone who enjoys applying economic thinking, quantitative analysis and systems insight to help clients make better decisions across agrifood, farming systems, international development and wider food‑system challenges.
Depending on your experience, you may join us at Consultant or Senior Consultant level. At Consultant level, you will manage defined parts of consultancy projects and contribute directly to high‑quality client outcomes. At Senior Consultant level, you will take a stronger lead in project delivery, client engagement, technical direction and business development, while helping to strengthen capability across the team.
What you’ll do
- Deliver high-quality agricultural economics consultancy work, including technical analysis, modelling, evaluation and interpretation of results.
- Contribute to, and where appropriate lead, project planning, coordination, delivery and client communication.
- Apply up-to-date economic methods, bioeconomic modelling approaches, systems thinking and analytical tools to support robust, practical client outcomes.
- Translate complex scientific, technical and economic information into clear, actionable insights for clients, partners and project teams.
- Build trusted relationships with clients and collaborators through clear communication, sound judgement and reliable delivery.
- Support business development by contributing ideas, identifying opportunities and helping develop proposals or client conversations.
- Work collaboratively across AbacusBio’s global team, sharing knowledge and supporting the development of colleagues where appropriate.
- Use business systems and tools, including Salesforce, to support project coordination, reporting and follow‑up.
- Identify opportunities to improve how projects are delivered and contribute to continuous improvement across the business.
- Travel domestically and internationally when required to support project delivery and client engagement.
- Maintain a strong commitment to scientific and technical integrity, innovation, health and safety, and AbacusBio’s values.
What you’ll bring
- A relevant tertiary qualification, ideally a MSc or PhD in agricultural economics or a related discipline.
- Experience applying economic methods in a consultancy, industry or academic setting, such as developing, delivering or evaluating the economic, wider food‑system or societal impacts of agri‑food programmes, policies, interventions, businesses or institutions, or undertaking bioeconomic modelling of farming systems.
- Strong systems thinking and the ability to work across complex agricultural, environmental and food‑system questions.
- Advanced analytical and quantitative skills, including proficiency with relevant software, tools, platforms, technologies and data approaches.
- Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to translate technical findings into clear, actionable insights for clients, partners and project teams.
- A collaborative working style and the ability to work effectively across a globally distributed team, embracing shared goals and clear communication across time zones.
- Professional judgement, curiosity and behaviour that reflects AbacusBio’s values.
- For Senior Consultant level, demonstrated experience leading consultancy projects or substantial workstreams, including managing scope, quality, timelines and client expectations.
- For Senior Consultant level, confidence engaging directly with clients and partners, including shaping work programmes, providing advice and identifying future opportunities.
- For Senior Consultant level, the ability to provide technical leadership, mentor colleagues and support team capability in agricultural economics and related analytical approaches.
- Comfort working in a dynamic consulting or business environment.
- Experience designing, delivering or evaluating international development programmes with strong animal or plant components.
- Experience working across multidisciplinary teams, including with scientists, modellers, economists, policy specialists, commercial partners or development organisations.
- For Senior Consultant level, a track record of contributing to business development, proposal development or strategic client relationships would be valuable.
How we work
Our One AbacusBio culture is built on collaboration, curiosity and shared purpose. We value people who deliver excellent work, contribute generously to a global team, and bring authenticity, kindness and respect to how they work with others.
The role is based in our Edinburgh office. To support team cohesion, Edinburgh‑based staff currently work in the office on Tuesdays wherever possible, plus at least one other day each week. International travel to other AbacusBio offices and client locations may be required.
Interested?
If you are motivated by using economics, science and evidence to make a practical difference in agriculture and food systems, we would love to hear from you.
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