The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) envision a more equitable world where trees in all landscapes, from drylands to the humid tropics, enhance the environment and well-being for all. CIFOR and ICRAF are non-profit science institutions that build and apply evidence to today’s most pressing challenges, including energy insecurity and the climate and biodiversity crises. Over a combined total of 65 years, we have built vast knowledge on forests and trees outside of forests in agricultural landscapes (agroforestry). Using a multidisciplinary approach, we seek to improve lives and to protect and restore ecosystems. Our work focuses on innovative research, partnering for impact, and engaging with stakeholders on policies and practices to benefit people and the planet. Founded in 1993 and 1978, CIFOR and ICRAF are members of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food secure future dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources.

Overview

In March 2022, CIFOR-ICRAF launched the « Recherches en Écologie et Sciences Sociales en Afrique Centrale » (RESSAC) Project. Funded by the European Union, the four-year project’s objective is to orientate research work towards producing “operational solutions” for implementation by actors in the field, who are confronted with multiple sustainable natural resources management challenges in the contexts of their mandates or productive activities. The RESSAC project is intended to further strengthen scientific research and university training in the sustainable management of Central African forest ecosystems. It will also contribute to the influence of Central African universities by supporting the improvement of their scientific production and by deploying capacity building activities that will help raise these universities to the highest international standards. The geographical scope of the RESSAC project extends to all Central African Forests Commission (COMIFAC) member countries. To generate operational solutions grounded in up-to-date science on tropical forests in Central Africa, it is necessary to have a detailed overview of research and knowledge-producing institutions. More precisely, as a prerequisite to the RESSAC project, which aims to strengthen research capacity in Central Africa, it is important to examine the current state of forestry research and research institutions working on environmental and forestry issues in the region. Accordingly, the RESSAC project is seeking a consultant to support its study on the state of forestry research in Central Africa.

Duties and responsibilities

Summary of responsibilities The consultant will produce a report that: · Maps forest research by topic (underlying, traditional, and emerging) in Central Africa. · Maps forestry research institutions in Central Africa. · Analyses the scientific capacities of forestry research institutions in Central Africa. · Maps initiatives for creating networks of existing forestry, social science, environment, and climate change researchers in Central Africa. · Identifies bottlenecks or threats that can hinder the evolution of forestry-focused research institutions and researchers in Central Africa. · Provides solutions to help strengthen the scientific capacities of researchers and forestry research institutions in Central Africa. · Analyses the ways in which forestry research institutions in Central Africa are cooperating with those outside the region. Requirements Requirements Education, knowledge, and experience: · A PhD in environment, forestry, geography, social science, or another related field · A track record of published papers and reports in the field of forestry and environment · Capacity to work in English or French · Familiarity with regional research institutions · A good knowledge of the Central Africa research context. Terms and conditions · This is a consultancy position. · The period of the consultancy is 4 (four) months. · Work location: Yaounde Cameroon

Education, knowledge and experience

• A PhD in environment, forestry, geography, social science, or another related field

Terms and conditions

• This is a consultancy position.
• The period of the consultancy is 4 (four) months.
• Work location: Yaounde Cameroon

Application process

The application deadline is 10 Oct-2023
We will acknowledge all applications, but will contact only short-listed candidates.