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

The purpose of this job is to develop, resource and implement socio-cultural and engagement research at CIFOR-ICRAF to support sustainable food system transformations. This area of research will address key knowledge and capacity gaps regarding transdisciplinary research at CIFOR-ICRAF and among Agroecology TPP members and partners.

Job Description

1.Lead Research

Lead research in the area of stakeholder engagement and social science for agroecological food system transformations at CIFOR-ICRAF. This involves interaction with the Agroecology TPP and the Agroecology Coalition, country and regional units, and other themes to establish CIFOR-ICRAF as the go-to place for expertise on trans disciplinarity globally. Key areas of research will address barriers to scaling up agroecology in the global south, including: lack of metrics that adequately capture the social dimensions of agricultural food system performance; lack of appropriate tools and methods to carry out transdisciplinary agroecological research and ensuring that multi-stakeholder approaches result in effective science-practice and science-education interfaces; lack of an evidence base on the performance of agroecological interventions compared to business as usual in regard to the social dimensions of sustainability and equity.

2.Publications.

To publish results of agroecology research in top flight journals in such a manner that the research is well cited and makes impact. This will include producing (with the support of communications specialists) scientific blogs, popular articles and short videos and the use of other social media to promote published findings.

3.Resource Mobilization.

To contribute to the development and submission of high calibre research proposals to fund social science and engagement research at CIFOR-ICRAF and within the Agroecology TPP and engage with donors and other stakeholders to promote ICRAF’s transdisciplinary agroecology work and research outputs to ensure continued funding, uptake and impact.

4.Advising.

To mentor postgraduate students, research assistants, post-docs and associate scientists throughout CIFOR-ICRAF’s global network on areas related to social science and agroecology

5.Networks and Partnerships.

To engage with key national and international policy fora relevant to agroecology (including the TPP, the Coalition and other bodies), ensuring that research outputs influence the policy agenda and its implementation. This will include producing (with the support of communications specialists) policy briefs and engaging as appropriate in policy dialogue and the co-development and implementation of robust decision support tools with policy and programmatic partners to drive agroecological transitions with an emphasis on the social dimension of agroecology.

6.Other Duties

Identify and mitigate potential risks within your work area

Take reasonable care of own occupational health and safety and that of others as obliged by CIFOR-ICRAF’s Occupational Health and Safety Policy and cooperate with CIFOR-ICRAF in complying with requirements under any statutory health and safety provisions of relevant Country laws

Education, knowledge and experience

• PhD in a relevant social science discipline (i.e., agroecology, international development, sociology, anthropology, political ecology, gender studies, human geography, etc.).
• At least five years working in a research for development context.
• Excellent qualitative and mixed methods research skills, including data analysis and writing skills.
• Strong track record of peer-reviewed publications in social science or multidisciplinary journals.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects, teams and budgets.

Personal attributes and competencies

• PhD in a relevant social science discipline (i.e., agroecology, international development, sociology, anthropology, political ecology, gender studies, human geography, etc.).
• At least five years working in a research for development context.
• Excellent qualitative and mixed methods research skills, including data analysis and writing skills.
• Strong track record of peer-reviewed publications in social science or multidisciplinary journals.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects, teams and budgets.

Terms and conditions

• This is a Globally Recruited position. CIFOR-ICRAF offers competitive remuneration in local currency commensurate with skills and experience. The duty station will be in Nairobi, Kenya CIFOR-ICRAF Offices.

Application process

The application deadline is 23 Jul-2023
We will acknowledge all applications, but will contact only short-listed candidates.