Agricultural Systems and Landscapes Specialist - Asia

Agricultural Systems and Landscapes Specialist - Asia

The Organization

 

The International Center for Tropical Agriculture (www.ciat.cgiar.org) works to reduce hunger and poverty, and improve human nutrition in the tropics through research aimed at increasing the eco-efficiency of agriculture. CIAT is a member of the CGIAR Consortium (www.cgiar.org), a global research partnership for a food secure future. The Center’s research focuses on improving key crops (cassava, common bean, rice, and tropical forages); reversing soil and land degradation; and using information to foster better decisions about issues such as climate change and environmental management. Headquartered near Cali, Colombia, CIAT has regional offices in Nairobi (Kenya), and Hanoi (Vietnam), with staff posted in other developing countries as well.

 

The Position

 

CIAT Asia is expanding its regional research on “Integrated farming systems and resilient agricultural landscapes”. Under this theme, emerging research priorities include: cropping systems diversification and crop-livestock integration, improving productivity and resilience of agricultural landscapes, enhancing soil health and ecosystems services, and climate change adaptation and mitigation.

 

The position serves as focal person for this research theme, by facilitating interdisciplinary teamwork among CIAT scientists and partners. He/she is jointly supervised by the Asia regional director and Soils research area director. The position is internationally recruited and based at the CIAT Asia Regional Office in Hanoi, Vietnam.

 

Responsibilities

 

The successful applicant will facilitate regional efforts in:

1. Formulating “systems and landscapes” research agenda, based on emerging needs and opportunities in Asia.
2. Contributing to on-going regional research activities which require relevant thematic expertise. 
3. Expanding the portfolio of projects/activities through research planning and resource mobilization.
4. Promoting effective collaboration with other CIAT Asia themes/global research areas/regions.

Requirements

• PhD in environmental and agricultural sciences, or related fields.
• Proven research expertise in any of the following: a) sustainable intensification and diversification in cropping/crop-livestock systems, b) climate-smart agricultural production systems across landscapes, and c) reversing soil and land degradation.
• Minimum three-year experience in leading research teams and coordinating collaborative projects.
• Prior involvement with field research activities in smallholder systems of developing countries, particularly in Asia.
• Demonstrated capacity to work with interdisciplinary teams in a culturally diverse and inclusive work environment.
• Excellent English skills.

Terms of Employment

 

The initial contract will be for two (2) years, subject to a probation period of six (6) months, and is renewable depending on performance and availability of resources. CIAT offers a multicultural, collegial research environment with competitive salary and excellent benefits; we believe that the diversity of our staff contributes to excellence. CIAT is an equal opportunity employer, and strives for staff diversity in gender and nationality.

 

Applications

 

Applicants are invited to send a cover letter illustrating their suitability for the above position against the required qualifications together with a detailed curriculum vitae, including names and addresses of three referees knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience. Applications should be emailed to the CIAT Human Resources Office through Ms. Andrea Linares (z.a.linares@cgiar.org) and should clearly indicate “Specialist in agricultural systems and landscapes- Asia”. For pre-application inquiries, contact Dr. Dindo Campilan, CIAT Director for Asia (d.campilan@cgiar.org).

 

Closing date for applications:  24 October 2014 or until a suitable candidate is identified.