About this position
If you can lead field operations in on-going and new projects in Africa and other tropical regions and develop data analytical methods and products that provide actionable knowledge and evidenced-based policy for sustainable land management and climate smart agriculture, then you are the person we are looking for.
This work will contribute to the new CG Consortium Research Programs, especially CRP5 on Water, Land and Ecosystems and CRP6 on Forests, Trees and Agroforestry.
ICRAF has developed a land health surveillance conceptual framework and a standardized protocol for landscape level measurement and mapping of soil and vegetation conditions. The framework is being applied throughout sub-Saharan Africa under the Africa Soil Information Service (www.africasoils.net) as well as in an increasing number of land management projects.
You will guide our work in the following ways:
- Train and supervise field survey teams conducting systematic surveys of vegetation and soil condition.
- Contribute to the development of agro-ecological spatio-temporal databases of land and water health and human wellbeing metrics across CGIAR sites and regions, and contribute to the design of a pan-tropical network of sentinel sites and landscapes for long-term monitoring of natural resources and human wellbeing.
- Carry out multilevel statistical analysis of ecological data.
- Develop scientific workflows and spatial models, including linking geo-referenced field and laboratory data with remote sensing and GIS data.
- Interpret the above data for design and assessment of intervention strategies, practices and policies for reducing and reversing risks to land health and improving landscape management.
- Contribute to capacity building and training courses for stakeholders in data collection, analysis and interpretation.
- Publish results in journal articles, assessment reports, electronic atlases and web-based forms.
- Lead and participate in funding proposals to extend the above areas of research.
- Develop external collaborative links and projects with centres of excellence in the area of evidence-based natural resources management and represent the Centre in relevant conferences.
The successful applicant will have:
- • A PhD in landscape ecology, natural resources management or related field.
- • At least 3 years postgraduate experience in landscape ecology, including experience in tropical developing countries.
- • Publication record in landscape analysis integrating ground survey and remote sensing data.
- • Teaching/training experience.
- • Good knowledge of the linkages between land/soil and water management, land use change, ecosystem services, and human well-being in the tropics.
- • Ability and stamina to conduct geo-referenced ground surveys in remote areas.
- • Well-developed knowledge and skills in geoinformatics, including remote sensing, geographical information systems, and database management.
- Statistical analysis skills in multivariate and spatio-temporal analysis of ecological data.
- Knowledge of R and Bayesian statistical modelling and experience in field and lab based spectrometry will be a distinct advantage.
- Leadership, management and communication skills in multicultural settings.
- Excellent verbal and written English skills, and knowledge of another language commonly used in Africa, Asia or Latin America is desirable.
Terms of offer
We offer a collegial, diverse and gender-sensitive working environment, and we strongly encourage applications from qualified women. This position is remunerated on international terms. The appointment will be for an initial period of three (3) years, subject to a nine (9) month probation period.
How to apply
Prepare:
• A cover letter illustrating your suitability for the position, and your salary expectations.
• Detailed and up-to-date curriculum vitae.
• The names and addresses of three referees, including telephone numbers and email addresses, and fax details if available.
Address these to:
The Human Resources Unit, World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), PO Box 30677 – 00100, Nairobi, Kenya OR send via email to:icrafhru@cgiar.org. Indicate “Application for Landscape Ecologist” on the application letter. Applications will be considered until 30 April 2012 or until a suitable candidate is identified and selected. Please note that only short-listed applicants meeting the above requirements will be contacted.
To learn more about us, visit our website: www.worldagroforestry.org
The World Agroforestry Centre 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.
