Geoinformatics Senior Scientist The World Agroforestry Centre

VACANCY: Geoinformatics Senior Scientist

About this position

If you can provide scientific leadership of geoinformatics research and lead a new Geoinformatics Unit into a global centre of excellence to support implementation of the Centre’s research agenda, then you are the person we are looking for. The position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya, and may require travel to international locations.

You will be required to:

· Provide scientific leadership and coordination of geoinformatics research in the World Agroforestry Centre, especially in the context of the Centre's contributions to the CGIAR Research Programme CRP6 on Forests, Trees and Agroforestry, CRP5 on Water, Land and Ecosystems and other CRPs. Emphasis will be on spatio-temporal research on agroforestry in the context of natural resource management, climate change, and human well-being.

· Head the Centre's Geoinformatics Unit in support of the above programmes and build up its pan-tropical regional nodes. This will include establishing the Unit as a global centre of excellence and further development of a strategy and business plan for the Unit. The Unit will also closely link to the Centre's Research Methods Group and Soil-Plant Spectral Diagnostics Laboratory.

· Oversee the development of a comprehensive modelling, visualization and dissemination framework for monitoring and mapping local to continental environmental conditions in CGIAR regions, with initial emphasis on Africa.

· Contribute to the development of agro-ecological spatio-temporal databases of land and water health and human well-being metrics across CGIAR sites and regions, and contribute to the design of a pan-tropical network of sentinel sites and landscapes for long-term monitoring of natural resources and human well-being.

· Contribute to the development and capacity building of regional geoinformatics hubs in CGIAR regions and produce training materials to assist staff and stakeholders in use of the Centre’s spatial data platform.

· Lead the development of information products based on sound scientific workflows and spatial models, including linking remote sensing and GIS data with systematic ground survey data on land condition and soil spectral libraries; including in the context of the Africa Soil Information Service, and mapping of trees and ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes.

· Publish results in journal articles, assessment reports, electronic atlases and web-based forms.

· Lead and participate in funding proposals to extend the above areas of research and build up the geo-informatics unit into a sustainable business model.

· Develop external collaborative links and projects with centres of excellence in the area of geo-informatics for natural resources management and represent the Centre at major geo-informatics fora.

You should have:

· A PhD in landscape ecology, natural resource management or equivalent.

· At least 15 years postgraduate experience in application of geo-informatics in natural resource management research, including tropical experience.

· Leadership of geo-informatics units and scientist-technician teams

· Experience in proposal development and fundraising.

· Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders, including local and national institutions, private sector and policy makers.

· Good publication record in application of geo-informatics to natural resource management.

· Excellent verbal and written English skills, and knowledge of another language commonly used in Africa, Asia or Latin America is an advantage

· Extensive knowledge of the linkages between land and water management, land use change, ecosystem services, and human well-being in the tropics.

· Comprehensive understanding of the agricultural research-development continuum in the tropics.

· Advanced geo-informatics knowledge and skills, including remote sensing, geographical information systems, database management, and georeferenced ground survey.

· Advanced statistical analysis skills in multivariate and spatio-temporal analysis of geographic, ecological and socioeconomic data.

· Programming skills in a range of languages and excellent working knowledge of programmes such as R, GRASS, TNTMips, QGIS and OpenLayers.

· Excellent leadership, management and communication skills in multicultural settings.

· Knowledge of Bayesian statistical modelling and forecasting models, experience with field and lab-based spectrometry and previous experience in the CGIAR system will be distinct advantages.

Terms of offer

We offer a collegial, diverse and gender-sensitive working environment, and we strongly encourage applications from qualified women. This position is remunerated on international terms. The appointment will be for an initial period of three (3) years, subject to a nine (9) month probation period.

How to apply:

· A cover letter illustrating your suitability for the position, and your salary expectations.

· A detailed and up-to-date curriculum vitae.

· The names and addresses of three referees, including telephone, fax numbers and email addresses.

Address these to: The Human Resources Unit, World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), PO Box 30677, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya OR send via email to: icrafhru@cgiar.org . Indicate “Application for Geoinformatics Senior Scientist” on the application letter. Applications will be considered until 30 November 2011 or until a suitable candidate is identified and selected. Please note that only short-listed applicants meeting the above requirements will be contacted.

To learn more about us, visit our website: www.worldagroforestry.org

The World Agroforestry Centre is an independent research institution which generates science-based knowledge about the complex role trees play in agricultural landscapes and rural livelihoods. As part of the Centre’s work to bring tree-based solutions to bear on poverty and environmental problems, researchers – working in close collaboration with partners – are developing new technologies, tools and policy recommendations for increased food security and ecosystem health.

The Centre’s headquarters are located in Nairobi, Kenya, and research is conducted in 23 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. We are supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and receive funding from over 50 different donors.