Background
The World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) in partnership with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and the CGIAR Research Program on Integrated Systems for the Humid Tropics (Humidtropics) invites applications for the position of Senior Systems Scientist.
Humidtropics, the CGIAR Research Program on Integrated Systems for the Humid Tropics, aims at enhancing livelihoods, overall farm productivity and environmental integrity of smallholders in the humid tropics of East and Central Africa, West Africa lowlands, Central Mekong and Central Americas and the Caribbean. The research of Humidtropics is based on sustainable intensification through integrated systems research, and deals with interactions - among the components of agricultural systems, among hierarchical levels of agricultural systems, between agricultural and other land use systems, and between agricultural systems and their natural and social environments (socio-technical regime).
The program is underpinned by three Strategic Research Themes: (i) systems analysis and global synthesis, (ii) integrated systems improvement (integrating elements of markets/institutions, productivity enhancement and natural resources management), and (iii) institutional innovation and scaling. Humidtropics operates through partnerships, and currently involves seven CGIAR Centers and four other international research institutions; and collaborates with a number of national and regional partners in agricultural research for development.
Position/Responsibilities
The position of Senior Systems Scientist is needed to provide overall technical leadership in the implementation of systems research, with multiple partners cutting across continents and Action Areas. The position is based in Nairobi, with the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), and will report directly to the Director of Humidtropics. The incumbent will be a member of the Executive Office team, and will be co-supervised by the Deputy Director General (DDG)- Research at ICRAF. The Senior Systems Scientist will lead efforts at facilitating the establishment and management of integrated systems research within Humidtropics.
Under the direct supervision of the Director of Humidtropics and co-supervision by the ICRAF DDG-Research, the incumbent will perform the following duties:
- Provide scientific and technical leadership in the development and implementation of systems research within Humidtropics.
- Facilitate research planning and implementation in partnership with research teams in various flagship projects of Humidtropics.
- Guide efforts in data collection and analysis in relation to targeted systems research activities contributing to particular development outcomes.
- Engage with strategic research theme leaders (especially in relation to markets and institutions, productivity enhancement, and natural resources management) in relation to above issues.
- Manage and facilitate partnerships in relation to integrated systems research of Humidtropics in collaboration with the action area coordinators.
- Generate and facilitate the development of documentation and research publications on integrated systems.
The position will for all practical purposes be that of a staff member of the World Agroforestry Centre and the position will be managed as such, reflecting the collaborative spirit of the CGIAR Research Program on Humid Tropics led by IITA. The candidate will also be part of the Executive Office team and Management Committee of Humidtropics.
Educational Qualifications
- PhD degree in a relevant field in agriculture or natural resources management (agronomy, ecology, livestock systems, agroforestry, systems research, etc).
Core Competencies
- Substantial experience exceeding 10 years at an international level in an institution, which could include CGIAR, IARCs, universities, or other research for development (R4D) related organizations in the area of integrated agriculture research, NRM and systems research.
- Experience in integrated systems research, aimed at addressing constraints experienced in farm households, and how these could be addressed in an integrated manner, involving research in farmers’ fields and in research stations, and addressing issues of markets, productivity and NRM.
- A good publication record in peer-reviewed international journals related to systems.
- Demonstrated experience in research proposal development.
- Experience in teamwork and in partnerships management in research, including partnerships cutting across research and development domains, etc.
- Fluency in English. A working knowledge of either French or Spanish would be an added 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 based in World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) Headquarters, Nairobi, Kenya 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. Humidtropics, through ICRAF offers a competitive remuneration package paid in US dollars. This position will require travel globally and in the region.
How to apply
Applications must include covering letter, which should address how the candidate’s background/experience relates to the specific duties of the position applied for, curriculum vitae, names and addresses of three professional referees (which must include either the Head of the applicant’s current or previous organization or applicant’s direct Supervisor/Superior at his/her present or former place of work). The application should be addressed to the Head of Human Resources Unit (ICRAF).
Go to http://worldagroforestry.org/working-for-icraf/vacancies
Go to http://worldagroforestry.org/working-for-icraf/vacancies
Applications will be considered until 14 th April 2014. Please note that only short-listed applicants meeting the above requirements will be contacted.
We invite you to learn more about World Agroforestry Centre by accessing our website www.worldagroforestry.org
About ICRAF
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 34 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.
