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World Agroforestry Centre Agroforestry Systems Scientist

7:12:00 PM

AGROFORESTRY SYSTEMS SCIENTIST
About our organization
 
The World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) 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.
 
To learn more about our organization, please visit our website: www.worldagroforestry.org
 
About the position
 
ICRAF seeks to recruit a candidate for the position of Agroforestry Systems Scientist to be based in Vietnam. Under the supervision of the East Asia Node Coordinator and co-supervision of the Vietnam Country Coordinator, the incumbent will provide scientific leadership in agroforestry systems research to improve on-farm productivity of rural smallholder farmers in Southeast and East Asia, particularly the Greater Mekong Region (GMA). The candidate will also work closely with GRP leaders and ICRAF CRP Component leaders. The job specifically includes the following duties and responsibilities:
 
A.    Agroforestry for Livelihoods of smallholder farmers in northern Vietnam (AFLI)
Funded by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), AFLI covers three provinces in northwest Vietnam, and aims to develop best practices in agroforestry that provide both livelihood and environmental benefits. The incumbent will:
 
  1. Provide overall management of the AFLI project, ensuring effective implementation of project activities including donor reporting, enhancing partnerships, and ensuring work efficiency and quality;
  2. Provide scientific leadership in on-farm agroforestry research (Objective 1 of the AFLI Project) through working with local partners;
  3. Provide overall technical coordination, ensuring quality in the delivery of research outputs including scientific publications; and
  4. Provide scientific support to CRP6.1 research activities when called upon. 
B.    Consortium Research Project for the Humid Tropics (CRP 1.2)
Coordinated by the ICRAF East Asia node, the main site of CRP 1.2 activities is in the Greater Mekong Region (GMR), covering Southern China, Vietnam, Lao PDR, Cambodia and Thailand. The duties and responsibilities of the incumbent include, among others:
 
  1. Programme management: develop and oversee individual work plans related to integrated systems for the humid tropic region of Mekong, in collaboration with national and regional teams under the supervision of the East Asia Node based in Kunming.
  2. Research and capacity building: based on identified research priorities, lead in regional and participate in global CRP1.2 integrated research and studies facilitate and/or provide support to targeted training programmes.
  3. Contribute to the design of a regional research network of Action Sites in collaboration with other CG Centres in Mekong Region.
  4. Synthesize and publish results in journal articles, assessment reports and policy briefs.
C.    Undertake management and administrative duties as may be assigned from time to time.
Requirements
 
  • PhD in agroforestry, agriculture, agro-ecology, plant or soil eco-physiology, natural resource management or equivalent.
  • At least 6 years postgraduate research experience in application of agro-ecology in farming systems, preferably in Asia.
  • Experience in project management, proposal development and fundraising.
  • Experience in supervising staff and in mentoring junior scientists with partner institutions.
  • Experience in working with interdisciplinary teams and in systems analysis.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders, including local and national institutions, private sector and policy makers.
  • Good publication record in application of interdisciplinary research to agriculture and natural resource management.
  • Excellent verbal and written English skills. Knowledge of another language commonly used in Asia will be an advantage.
  • Comprehensive understanding of the agricultural research-development continuum in the tropics.
  • Communication skills in multicultural settings. 
Terms of offer
 
The World Agroforestry Centre is an equal opportunity employer and offers a collegial and gender-sensitive working environment. We believe that staff diversity promotes excellence and strongly encourage applications from qualified women. This position is on international terms and will be for an initial period of three (3) years, renewable subject to nine (9) months’ probation period, assessment of performance, continued relevance of the position and availability of resources.
 
How to apply
 
Applications for the position must include:
·         A cover letter illustrating your suitability for the position against the listed requirements.
·         A detailed curriculum vitae
·         The names and addresses of three referees, including telephone, fax numbers and email addresses.
 
All correspondence should be addressed to the Human Resources Unit, World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), PO Box 30677, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya OR via email: icrafhru@cgiar.org Applicants should indicate “Application – Agroforestry Systems Scientist” on their application letters and email submissions.
 
Applications will be considered until 31st October 2012 or until a suitable candidate is identified and selected.  
 
Please note that only short-listed applicants will be contacted.

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