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
We are looking for someone who has excellent skills in policy research, ideally in both diagnosing policy constraints and in ex ante or ex post evaluation of policy options. This is important in that ICRAF would look to the policy scientist to build policy research capacity of other scientists in the centre.
The person will also have experience in engagement in policy processes at national or international levels because ICRAF is keen that its research has development and/or policy impact. The policy scientist would collaborate with all Global Research Projects but will be based in GRP 6: Policies and incentives for multifunctional landscapes with trees that provide environmental services.
The duty station will be in one of ICRAF’s regional offices (Nairobi, Lilongwe, Yaounde, Bamako, Delhi or Bogor), with a preference for Nairobi.
The job specifically includes the following duties and responsibilities:
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
We are looking for someone who has excellent skills in policy research, ideally in both diagnosing policy constraints and in ex ante or ex post evaluation of policy options. This is important in that ICRAF would look to the policy scientist to build policy research capacity of other scientists in the centre.
The person will also have experience in engagement in policy processes at national or international levels because ICRAF is keen that its research has development and/or policy impact. The policy scientist would collaborate with all Global Research Projects but will be based in GRP 6: Policies and incentives for multifunctional landscapes with trees that provide environmental services.
The duty station will be in one of ICRAF’s regional offices (Nairobi, Lilongwe, Yaounde, Bamako, Delhi or Bogor), with a preference for Nairobi.
The job specifically includes the following duties and responsibilities:
- Synthesize World Agroforestry Centre efforts in analyzing and removing constraints to the use of trees on farm on the interface of forest and agricultural policies
- Support the new Agroforestry Policy Initiative, a multi-stakeholder process, through strengthening partnerships and engaging in policy processes at international and national levels
- Undertake research related to understanding the role of policy on the adoption and impact of agroforestry and the identification of improved policy options
- Provide technical support to other ICRAF scientists and partners in policy research methods
- As with all scientists, generate and disseminate scientific publications and to engage in resource mobilization efforts
Requirements
- PhD in natural resource, environmental, agricultural, or development economics, political science, or sociology, preferred.
- Seven years post graduate experience working in the area of research on natural resources or agriculture in developing countries.
- Five years experience with policy research – e.g. diagnosing policy constraints or evaluating effectiveness of policies in relation to smallholder farmers or rural communities, preferably with exposure to agricultural and forestry issues
- Some experience in leading or coordinating a multi-country research project.
- Significant experience in policy outreach – translating research into policy action
- High quality publication record relevant to the position
- Good communication skills – writing, speaking, listening, discussing
- Evidence of ability to write proposals for fund raising
- Previous residence in developing countries preferable
- Experience in leading or coordinating major research projects
- Experience in supervising staff and in mentoring young scientists
- Proficiency in multiple languages is desirable, fluency in English is necessary
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
Applications for the position must include:
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
Applications for the position must include:
- A cover letter illustrating your suitability for the position against the listed requirements and salary expectations
- A detailed curriculum vitae
- The names and addresses of three referees, including telephone, fax numbers and email addresses.
Applications will be considered until 15th July 2010 or until a suitable candidate is identified and selected.
Please note that only short-listed applicants meeting the above requirements will be contacted.