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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
The scientist will be an integral member of the CGIAR Research
Programme on Integrated Systems for the humid tropics ‘’ (CRP1.2) and will contribute to closely linked aspects of the
‘Smallholder Production Systems and Markets’ component of CRP6 (Forests, trees
and agroforestry: livelihoods, landscapes and governance). The position will be
administered through ICRAF and will be based at the West and Central Africa
Regional Office, Yaounde, Cameroon.
Under the supervision
of WCA Regional Coordinator, the Agroforestry
Systems Scientist is responsible for (i) leading the scientific research
enhancing on-farm productivity of trees and agroforestry systems in West and
Central Africa region, including the Humid Tropics. The task includes
development of research projects and co-ordination among technical units and
strengthening partnerships for enhancing science of agroforestry for better
on-farm productivity in terms of both economics and environment. He/She will be engaged in the co-ordination and synthesis of related projects in WCA,
mobilizing resources, managing staff and budget and liaising with partners, donors, ICRAF staff in HQ, WCA and other regions involved in
similar research activities, government agencies, and civil society
organizations.
Responsibilities
- Conduct technical and social research on tree crops productivity under different management systems on smallholder farms, in the humid tropics and on the margins of forests.
- Develop and promote management systems and tools that raise productivity in cocoa, fruit and timber, and coffee systems. Actively contribute to technical discussions and consultations in and outside ICRAF on farm management issues, farmer decision process, local knowledge and development support.
- Publish and present research findings at local, national and international levels; e.g. in peer-reviewed journals, web-form and popular outlets.
- Develop partnership within and outside WCA [e.g. National Agriculture Research System (NARS), universities, etc.] for advancing science of agroforestry, particularly those related to on-farm productivity and profitability.
- Actively engage in project development (seeking opportunities for proposals, developing proposals, follow ups), especially in the area of smallholder agroforestry to improve on-farm productivity of trees and agroforestry systems.
- Supervise graduate students.
- Lead relevant projects and project components about on-farm productivity, profitability, local knowledge, farmer decisions, and development support and knowledge dissemination.
Requirements
- PhD in Agricultural Science (Forestry, Agroforestry, Agriculture, Ecology, Natural Resource Management) Technical expert on agroforestry systems and tree-livestock-crop interactions.
- Experience in leading problem-focused interdisciplinary research and development projects (with components of agro-ecology and other natural science, rural development, resource economics, bio-physical and economics, capacity strengthening and dissemination).
- Experience in conceptualizing farm-level production research, agroforestry technology, options, and farmer decisions mainly on tree crops.
- Familiarity with ecological interactions at landscape level environmental services (hydrology, sedimentation, carbon stocks and biodiversity, including agricultural biodiversity).
- Extensive knowledge of farm economics and modelling, assessment tools and methods.
- Knowledge on local farmer institutions and knowledge dissemination.
Personal
attributes and competencies:
- A minimum of 5 years post PhD experience working in the area of research and/or education in agriculture or natural resources; of which at least 4 years in developing countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Natural instinct for research and its application to solve development problems, with some experience in achieving impact.
- Some experience coordinating a multi-country, multi-institutional research project.
- Experience in supervising staff and in mentoring young scientists.
- Substantial publishing record with publications in or related to agroforestry.
- Good communication skills in English and French (both written and spoken) are absolutely necessary; knowledge of other languages is an advantage.
- Well organized and able to meet deadlines.
- Ability to work in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.
- Willingness to travel extensively in West and Central Africa.
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
Go to
http://worldagroforestry.org/working-for-icraf/vacancies
Applications
will be considered until 31 July 2013
or until a suitable candidate is identified and selected. Please note that only
short-listed applicants will be contacted.
