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 an Agricultural Economist to join our Canada 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 and run economic models, including benefit–cost analysis, impact assessment, scenario and bioeconomic modelling, financial forecasts and cost models
- Interrogate client data across production, financial, market and biological sources; identify gaps, and be transparent about assumptions and limitations
- 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.
- Represent the business at industry events and with funding bodies and partners.
For example:
- Economic impact and investment analysis — quantifying the returns from new science applications, research and technology investment: benefit–cost and impact assessment, scenario and bioeconomic modelling, and derivation of economic values to guide breeding and investment decisions across crop and livestock sectors.
- Business cases and financial modelling — building financial forecasts, cost and capacity models, pricing analysis and investment business cases for agrifood businesses, research providers, producer organisations and publicly funded programmes, often working from incomplete or inconsistent client data.
What you'll bring
To thrive in this role, you’ll apply your expertise with sound judgement, bring a collaborative and professional approach, and focus on practical, client-focused solutions. We’re open to appointing at Consultant or Senior Consultant level, so the depth of experience expected will reflect the level of appointment.
Essential
- A relevant post-graduate 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 agrifood 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.
- Confidence engaging directly with clients and partners, including shaping work programmes, providing advice and identifying future opportunities.
- The ability to provide technical leadership, mentor colleagues and support team capability in agricultural economics and related analytical approaches.
Desirable
- 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 Canada office. International travel to other AbacusBio offices and client locations may be required.
AbacusBio is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. We are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace where people can thrive and contribute their unique perspectives. Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada; however, visa sponsorship may be considered for exceptional candidates where permitted under Canadian immigration requirements. If you require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment or selection process, please let us know and we will work with you to meet your needs in accordance with applicable legislation.
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.
You can apply by emailing your CV and a cover letter to [email protected].
Pay: $80,000.00-$130,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Flexible schedule
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Wellness program
Education:
- Master's Degree (preferred)
Experience:
- agricultural economist consulting: 3 years (preferred)
Work Location: In person
