Senior Scientist: Capacity Development

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: Capacity Development to be based at its headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. Reporting to the Deputy Director General responsible for Partnerships and Impact.

The incumbent will provide leadership in the following key areas which are illustrated in ICRAF’s capacity development strategy:

• Assess partner needs and identify capacity constraints;
• Develop and implement intervention programmes and projects for agroforestry capacity development (including methods and tools for assessing success/impact);
• Capture the capacity development aspects from CGIAR Research Programmes (CRPs) and develop effective strategies for implementation and monitoring them in partnership with sister CGIAR centres and partners
• Incorporate the partner capacity needs into resource mobilization proposals for donor support;
• Enhance coordination and quality management of ICRAF’s capacity development work;
• Support the development of learning resources and curricula;
• Undertake research on capacity development in agroforestry and closely related areas and organizations; and
• Work with ICRAF scientists to strengthen partner capacity.

Requirements

• PhD in Agroforestry, Agriculture, Forestry, or other relevant discipline with specialization in environment or natural sciences
• A minimum of ten years post-graduation experience in capacity development in a tropical developing country
• Demonstrated track record of research, publishing and evaluation in the capacity development field at international level
• Fluency in oral and written English is required; ability to communicate in Spanish and/or French would be an added advantage
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, especially in a multicultural environment
• Excellent facilitation skills

Of added advantage would be:

• Qualifications and/or experience in education and educational technology
• Familiarity with the CGIAR system
• Familiarity with agriculture and forestry in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

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:

• 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.

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: Capacity Development” on their letters or email submissions.

Applications will be considered until 22nd 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.