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
The World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) is recruiting for the positions of Tree Scientist, to be based at its headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. The position will report directly to the Regional Representative and the Global Research Priority 1 Leader.
The role will be to devise and apply appropriate techniques and strategies for the domestication of tree species in a smallholder farm setting, with an emphasis on indigenous fruits and nuts.
His/her responsibilities will include:
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
The World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) is recruiting for the positions of Tree Scientist, to be based at its headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. The position will report directly to the Regional Representative and the Global Research Priority 1 Leader.
The role will be to devise and apply appropriate techniques and strategies for the domestication of tree species in a smallholder farm setting, with an emphasis on indigenous fruits and nuts.
His/her responsibilities will include:
- Conceptualise and implement research for the domestication of tree species for small-scale farmers in the tropics·
- In linkage with pilot development activities, describe and apply tools and strategies for measuring the impact of tree domestication research, in order to promote maximum impact under a range of different challenges to production
- Optimise strategies for genetic selection and gain in the improvement of prioritised agroforestry tree species, to ensure utilisation of the best approaches
- Develop cutting edge technologies to link advances in tree propagation with genetic improvement
- Develop further work through writing/contributing to project proposals on tree domestication
- Develop and nurture collaborations with national, regional and international research centres to facilitate collaborative studies and the dissemination of research findings
- Collaborate with and influence extension programs in the provision and exchange of suitably packaged information and technologies that advocate the use of best practices in tree domestication and in the provision of tree seed and seedlings to farmers
- Supervise and guide postgraduate students, young post-doctoral scientists and other staff involved in tree domestication activities
- Liaise with ICRAF staff and collaborators across geographic region
Requirements
- PhD in Tree Science with experience in agroforestry, horticulture, Agriculture and or forestry
- Five years work in tropical countries in field research, project development and management, and data interpretation and presentation
- Practiced in one or more of the following: the development of propagation techniques; tree physiology research; tree genetics and breeding; the development of circa situ (on farm) strategies for biodiversity conservation
- Experience in collaborating with social scientists and post-harvest processing/marketing specialists in the development of integrated tree domestication strategies for livelihood improvement
- Experience in measuring the development impact of different tree domestication approaches
- Strong communication skills, with a good publication record in scientific journals as well as in other media
- Excellent verbal and written ability in English are essential, while the same in French are highly desirable
- Proven abilities in fund raising and project management
- Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team in a multicultural environment
- Willingness to travel frequently on international work missions is essential
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.