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 the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), shifting cultivation and the production of firewood are the main income-generating activities for peri-urban populations – but they are also the main causes of deforestation and forest degradation. In the Yangambi landscape, which covers 220,000 hectares of tropical forest in the DRC’s Tshopo province, the supply of charcoal to the large urban center of Kisangani has led to forest degradation, in the absence of practices sustainable in terms of supply and inefficient carbonization. About 81% of households in Kisangani use charcoal for cooking, for a total demand of 2.7 million m3 of wood energy per year. Only 16% of households used some type of improved stove in 2021.

To address the overexploitation of fuelwood resources and the disruption of the ecosystem in the Yangambi landscape, the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) has been testing since 2020 several options on sustainable fuelwood in order to contribute to the reduction anthropogenic pressure on forests and improving the livelihoods of local communities in the Yangambi landscape. In the city of Kisangani, 4 local micro-enterprises which manufacture improved stoves and which have been supported on the basis of their performance, have produced more than 10,000 additional stoves for the year 2022 to contribute to the reduction of wood energy consumption. and reducing household fuel expenditure. The performance of these improved stoves varies between 35 and 46% fuel savings and 18% reduction in cooking time. These companies have formed a platform for sharing experiences. This platform is open to all other companies in the city of Kisangani who wish to learn from the technical and organizational experiences of these four companies already supported by CIFOR-ICRAF.

Given its objectives and the progress made, CIFOR-ICRAF is expanding its team to contribute to the sustainability of these achievements in the sector of sustainable production and consumption of wood energy in the Yangambi landscape. Its objective is to promote production and distribution of improved cookstoves for an annual production of 50,000 improved stoves from 2026. (2023: 20,000, 2024: 30,000, 2025: 40,000 stoves). In addition, it explores promotion of alternative energy sources to replace unsustainable charcoal.

Duties and responsibilities

Coordinate capacity building and monitoring of improved cook stove manufacturing companies, identify capacity needs and coordinate the capacity building trajectory in collaboration with the platform. Review and monitor micro enterprise investment units, microloans and other investment needs and opportunities in conjunction with GloBe. Manage the database on productions and sales of improved cook stoves, quality control and monitoring. Coordinate household surveys and monitoring of the use of improved cook stoves. Develop activities aimed at developing alternative energy sources (improved imported stoves, improved sawdust stoves, bio gas, etc.) Engage with members of the cook stove manufacturers’ platform and other relevant stakeholders to identify opportunities for raising awareness and improving production and efficiency. Orientation to research data and related publications. Expected results: Improved cook stove manufacturing companies are equipped with capacity and have adequate access to investment to increase their production quantity. The database of sales of selected improved cook stoves is up to date and quality checks are carried out regularly. Contacts with the cook stove manufacturers’ platform and other stakeholders are constructive and regular, and the agenda is progressing to support improved use of cook stoves. Scientifically sound databases and publications based on work (in collaboration with colleagues). Other Responsibilities Participate in transversal activities of the project, relevant activities and exchanges. Planning, budgeting and reporting of activities.

Education, knowledge and experience

• Relevant educational background.
• Experience working with cookstove companies.
• Strong coordination and communication skills and result-oriented work.
• Languages requested: Swahili, Lingala, French. English is desired.
• Ability to develop research ideas and publish based on lessons learned from the project.

Terms and conditions

• This is a Locally Recruited Staff (LRS) position. CIFOR-ICRAF offers competitive remuneration in local currency, commensurate with skills and experience.
• The appointment will be for 1 (one) year, inclusive of a three-month probationary period, with the possibility of extension contingent upon performance, continued relevance of the position and available resources.
• The duty station will be in Kisangani, DRC.
  To apply, please visit our career site at: https://www.cifor.org/careers and https://www.worldagroforestry.org/working-for-icraf
  To learn more about CIFOR-ICRAF, please visit our websites at: https://www.cifor-icraf.org
  CIFOR-ICRAF promotes Gender Diversity – Applications from women professionals are encouraged.
  CIFOR-ICRAF is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity.

Application process

The application deadline is 20 Oct-2023
We will acknowledge all applications, but will contact only short-listed candidates.