Consultant, Biometrics

The Center for International Forestry Research advances human wellbeing, environmental conservation and equity by conducting research to inform policies and practices that affect forests in developing countries. We are one of 15 Centers within the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). Our headquarters are in Bogor, Indonesia, and we have offices in Asia, Africa and South America.

CIFOR is seeking a Consultant, Biometrics

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is recovering from more than a decade of civil unrest and war. In this context, research had not been a top priority for leaders facing post-conflict economic and social reconstruction challenges. However, it became widely acknowledged that there is no future for social progress without research, so research was included in the PMURR (Programme Multi-sectoriel d'Urgence de Réhabilitation et de Reconstruction).

Surveys carried out by FAO and CIFOR in 2005 brought abundant evidence of national forestry research dying out. In the DRC, national forestry research could not bring any leverage to forestry industries and trading activities in such a badly damaged economic landscape. CIFOR has received funding for a 4-year project to strengthen human resources in research about natural resource management in the DRC. The objective of the REFORCO Project 'relance de la recherche forestière en RDC' is to improve in-country capacity in forestry ecosystem management through supporting research and teaching activities in and with the University of Kisangani.

The Consultant is expected to support the project stakeholders in both research and teaching activities, such as assisting the lecturers/trainers in preparing teaching and research material; assisting researchers/lecturers in surveying and maintaining permanent sample plots and setting up experimental designs; assisting students in bibliography search and review techniques, research plan and design, data collection and data analysis; and contributing to scientific publications.