Senior Scientist

About our organization

The World Agroforestry Centre (also known as the International Centre for Research in Agroforestry or 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

ICRAF seeks to recruit a candidate for the position of Senior Scientist to be based at its Southern Africa Regional office in Lilongwe Malawi or possibly in one of the other countries in the region (Mozambique, Zambia or Zimbabwe). Reporting to the Regional Representative, the incumbent will lead the development and implementation of agroforestry research for development, addressing land degradation and food, fuel and fodder shortage, thus contributing to food and nutritional security within the context of developing climate smart agriculture in the southern Africa region. The job specifically includes the following duties and responsibilities:

     1. Leading strategic research:

• Conceptualizing, designing and conducting research on the integration of trees within farming systems at field, farm and landscape scales
• Undertaking systems analyses, systematic reviews and syntheses of the benefits, risks and trade-offs of deploying trees on farm land
• Contributing to the quality, relevance and impact of our science in the southern Africa region.

      2. Communicating science:

• Generate international public goods through synthesis and publication of research results in high-profile journals and books
• Develop information and communication materials and represent ICRAF at regional and global forums including international conventions, conferences, symposia and workshops.

      3. Mobilizing resources and managing research projects:

• Establish collaborative linkages with national and international institutions
• Develop research proposals jointly with partners and obtain funding for research
• Manage research projects and ensure timely delivery of high quality research outputs.

      4. Strengthening capacity:

• Mentor and backstop ICRAF staff and scientists from partner institutions in southern Africa
• Guide and supervise ICRAF scientists and technicians in the region
• Supervise post-doctoral fellows and postgraduate students.

     5. General:

• Assist the Regional  Representative in developing and managing the agroforestry research agenda in the region
• Other duties commensurate with the role as determined by the supervisor.

Requirements

• PhD degree in an area relevant to natural resource management (such as forestry/agroforestry/ agriculture/environmental science);
• Preferably ten years or more post-graduate research experience;
• A good track record of peer-reviewed publications;
• Fluency in written and spoken English (some proficiency in Portuguese would be an advantage but is not a requirement);
• Excellent skills in both report writing and oral communication;
• Extensive experience of field research, including familiarity with experimental design and the management and analysis of data;
• Track record in developing research proposals, obtaining funds and delivering results;
• Willingness to travel within the region and internationally;
• Familiarity with the Southern African context would be an advantage.

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 a probation period of nine (9) months, assessment of performance, continued relevance of the position and availability of resources.

How to apply

Applications for the position must include:

1. A cover letter illustrating your suitability for the position against the listed requirements and salary expectations
2. A detailed curriculum vitae
3. The names and addresses of three referees, including telephone, fax numbers and email addresses.

All correspondence should be addressed to the Human Resources Unit, World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), PO Box 30677, Nairobi, Kenya OR via email: icrafhru@cgiar.org. Applicants should indicate “Application for Senior Scientist” on their letters and email submissions.

Applications will be considered until 30^th June 2012 or until a suitable candidate is identified and selected.

Please note that only short-listed applicants meeting the above requirements will be contacted.