Post-doctoral Scientist on Climate Change Adaptation and Gender

The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking a dynamic and resourceful young scientist to work on Climate Change Adaptation and Gender in research activities in Agricultural Systems to be developed by the Production Systems and the Environment Sub-program in Latin America, Asia and Africa under different CGIAR Research Programs (CRPs).

The Center: CIP is a not-for-profit international agricultural research-for-development organization with a focus on potato, sweetpotato, and Andean roots and tubers. Its vision is of roots and tubers improving the lives of the poor. CIP is dedicated to achieving food security, improved well-being, and gender equity for poor people in root and tuber farming and food systems of the developing world. CIP works with partners to contribute high quality science, technology, and capacity strengthening for sustainable science-based solutions. CIP is headquartered in Lima, Peru, with staff and activities in over 30 locations across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. CIP is a member of the CGIAR Consortium. CGIAR is a global agriculture research partnership for a food secure future. Its science is carried out by the 15 research centers who are members of the CGIAR Consortium in collaboration with hundreds of partner organizations.

The Position: This position will be based in Lima, Peru. It will report to the Production Systems and Environment Sub Program Leader. The candidate is expected to contribute to research activities conducted under the Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS) and Humidtropics (CRPs). Likewise, he or she will work in alignment with gender strategies of the other CGIAR research programs.

Duties and responsibilities: The position involves the following tasks and responsibilities:

• Systematizing existing local knowledge on ethno climatology in different agrarian societies under diverse climatic conditions.
• Develop research tools to support qualitative and quantitative research on adaptation decisions, including scenarios, household models, gender roles and social learning methods.
• Learning about local communication networks and gender roles in the use of bio indicators and decision making.
• Translating local information, knowledge and mental models into information useful to feed mathematical models, and assessing the feasibility of formalizing local knowledge with the use of artificial intelligence.
• Contribute to research on understanding adaptation decisions and strategies by individuals, households and decision making at multi-tier levels (local, district and national).
• Characterizing the information needs to incorporate CCAFS forecasting into the local “language” and networks.
• Conduct risk analysis around behavior change on “climate smart agriculture”.
• Conduct monitoring and evaluation/ impact assessments of adaptation strategies outcomes.
• Seeking ways of building synergies between traditional and numeric forecasts for improved decision making.
• Organize and facilitate workshops with multiple stakeholders.
• Contribute to the preparation of scientific papers based on the conducted work.
• Contribute to capacity building activities.
• Any other related task assigned by the supervisor.

Selection Criteria:

• PhD degree in the field of development studies, social sciences, environmental studies or other relevant social scientific discipline.
• Personal experience in using the following approaches/tools:  social learning, farmer perceptions, livelihoods strategies, gender approaches, decision making under uncertainty, risk analysis, impact assessment, monitoring and evaluation.
• Knowledge of mixed and extensive agricultural systems, natural resource management and/or agricultural development problems in developing regions.
• Evidence of publication capacity, including an emerging publications track record and clear research and publications plans.
• Ability to work in an inter-disciplinary, multicultural and gender diverse environment.
• Availability for frequent local and international travel and conduct research in remote regions.
• Excellent communication and writing skills in English and Spanish.

Conditions: The employment contract will be for a two year term (with a three month probation period) with possibility of renewal, subject to availability of funding. The salary will be internationally competitive, paid in US dollars, and commensurate with experience. CIP prides itself on its collegial and supportive working environment, which allows space for personal and professional growth.

Applications: Applicants should apply by email, sending a cover letter summarizing their relevance to this position, a full C.V. and the names and contact information of three referees knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to cip-recruitment@cgiar.org. The reference name of the position should be clearly marked on the subject line of the email message. Screening of applications will begin on October 28, 2013 and will continue until the post is filled. 

CIP seeks diversity and gender balance in its staff.

Women and citizens of developing countries are particularly urged to apply.

To learn more about CIP please visit http://www.cipotato.org/