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post doctoral scientist – PLE

Vacancy Number: PD/PLE/ 04/12
Department: PLE
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Duration: 2 years with the possibility of renewal

Total salary & benefits package circa USD65, 000 (tax free*) Base salary from USD 35,000 per annum plus benefits.

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI): The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) works at the crossroads of livestock and poverty, bringing high-quality livestock science, communications and capacity building to bear on poverty reduction and sustainable development. ILRI is one of 15 centers supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). ILRI has campuses in Kenya (headquarters) and Ethiopia, with other offices located in other regions of Africa (Mali, Mozambique, and Nigeria) as well as in South Asia (India, Sri Lanka), Southeast Asia (Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam) and East Asia (China).

To find out more about working at ILRI visit our website at http://www.ilri.org/ilricrowd/).

One of the key research themes within the People, Livestock and Environment Group at ILRI is reducing the vulnerability of pastoral and agro pastoral households and production systems to multiple shocks and stresses, including but not limited to climate risk. A Senior Scientist leads the work on the social, policy, and livelihoods aspects of this work. This research contributes to several of the CGIAR Research Programmes (CRPs) as well as other research for development initiatives in Africa. In this context, a post-doctoral researcher is sought to conduct research on two areas at the core of ILRI’s research in dry land livestock systems: climate risk management and climate change adaptation in pastoral and agro pastoral systems, and long term development opportunities in dry land areas of Africa.

Specific duties and responsibilities:

  • Conduct research activities on the following areas:
    • Enabling adaptation to climate change
    • Decision making under uncertainty
    • Risk management interventions
    • Role of payments for ecosystem services in vulnerability reduction.
    • Enhancing resilience in pastoral and agro-pastoral systems
  • Engage with development partners in the humanitarian and climate communities
  • Engage with government partners;
  • Publication of journal articles (as lead and co-author) and other publications;
  • Communicate research to different types of audience.

Minimum Requirements
Education:

  • A social scientist with a PhD in one of the following fields: Social/ Human Geography, Sociology, Anthropology, Agricultural Economics, Environmental Studies, Development Studies
  • Experience:
  • PhD research conducted in a developing country
  • Research experience in and knowledge of dry land systems, natural resource management and/or agricultural development problems in Africa

Requirements:

  • A social scientist with a PhD in one of the following fields: Social/ Human Geography, Sociology, Anthropology, Agricultural Economics, Environmental Studies, Development Studies;
  • PhD research conducted in a developing country;
  • Research experience in and knowledge of dry land systems, natural resource management and/or agricultural development problems in Africa;
  • Qualitative and quantitative data analysis skills;
  • Excellent demonstrable English writing skills;
  • Competency in a language widely spoken in Africa other than English is highly desirable
  • Strong analytical thinker with a problem-solving attitude;
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to work flexibly in multicultural, multidisciplinary teams;
  • A sense of creativity and ability to work independently;
  • Willingness to travel throughout Africa.

Post location: Nairobi, Kenya.

Duration: 2 years with the possibility of renewal, contingent upon individual performance and continued funding.

Position level: The position is Scientist/Research Level 4A, Post-Doctoral Scientist.

Benefits: ILRI offers competitive international benefit package. Benefits are tax free subject to compliance with tax regulations of country of citizenship.

Benefits include: Life insurance – International medical cover for staff and dependents – Education allowance for dependent children – Housing allowance – Relocation allowance – Annual home leave travel allowance – Annual holiday entitlement of 30 days + 11 public holidays.

Applications should send a cover letter and CV explaining their interest in the position, what they can bring to the job and the names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to the Human Resources Director by registering at this link: http://www.myjobsinkenya.com/ilri_jobs. The position title and reference number REF: PD/PLE/04/12 should be clearly marked on the subject line of the application by 10 May 2012.

To find out more about ILRI, visit our websites at http://www.ilri.org.

ILRI is an equal opportunity employer. Suitably qualified women and developing country citizens are particularly encouraged to apply.