Reference number: 202415
Job status: In-progress
Job category: Local Position
Duty station: Nairobi, Kenya
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CIFOR-ICRAF
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 coordinate and carry out transdisciplinary research on socio-ecological systems and stakeholder engagement in the context of the Agroecology TPP.

Duties and responsibilities

1. Design and conduct research on social and ecological science dimensions of agroecology:

· This entails research design, data collection, analysis, and presentation of research outputs for publication. In particular, the Associate Scientist will contribute to participatory action research related to co-creating knowledge, stakeholder engagements, and assessing power dynamics among policy actors in the agroecology sector. This position will require the application of innovative quantitative, qualitative, and mixed research methods to collect, analyze, and present transdisciplinary socio-ecological systems science outputs that will foster the upscaling of agroecological transitions both at local and national levels.

2. Project management:

· To maintain productive collaboration with partners, this role will necessitate proactive coordination of project activities to ensure they seamlessly align with community needs, project goals, and activities of the implementing partners. The Associate Scientist will also coordinate and oversee the implementation of partner activities in line with their respective Terms of Reference (ToRs) in the integrated work plan and facilitate their effective and timely reporting. The incumbent will oversee the planning, budgeting, and logistics for Work Package project activities and the timely filing of returns following ICRAF’s processes. Further, the Associate Scientist will support the coordination of Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (ME&L) activities and reporting of agroecology projects at CIFOR-ICRAF.

3. Stakeholder engagement:

· The Associate Scientist will spearhead stakeholder coordination and engagement, managing both remote and on-site interactions. This involves regularly convening meetings with a diversity of stakeholders within agroecological living landscapes. Additionally, the Associate Scientist will plan and conduct stakeholder workshops and engagement session on local, national and global level to facilitate genuine co-creation of knowledge.

4. Resource mobilization:

· To support the development and submission of high caliber research proposals to fund agroecology research at CIFOR-ICRAF and within the Agroecology TPP and engage with donors and other stakeholders to promote CIFOR-ICRAF’s work on agroecology work and research outputs to ensure continued funding, uptake and impact.

5. Dissemination and Communication of research outputs and activities:

· As a contribution to evidence-based decision making and acceleration of agroecological transitions, this position will require the prompt preparation, compilation, and publication of research output and project activities through high-quality scientific publications, blogs, and social media. The Associate Scientist will work closely with the Agroecology TPP Communications Officer and CIFOR-ICRAF COE to develop high quality communications products.

6. Representation of CIFOR-ICRAF and the Agroecology TPP in local, national, and international forums on subjects related to agroecology.

7. Provide mentorship through the supervision of research assistants, students, and research enumerators.

Requirements

• Both PhD and master’s degree in relevant disciplines (agriculture, agroecology, international development, sociology, environmental studies, human geography, etc.) with a strong focus on social science is required.
• The candidate should possess at least one year active work experience specifically in transdisciplinary agroecological research. Further, at least five years postgraduate experience in participatory action research and quantitative or qualitative data analysis, with experience in both/mixed methods, strongly preferred.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of agroecology, including its social and social- movement dimensions is a key asset for this position.
• Good connection with key stakeholder involved in agroecological networks and platforms in Kenya is crucial.
• Previous working experience in holistic approaches to measuring agroecology and its performance is mandatory.
• Experience with Nvivo/Atlas.ti, or other relevant qualitative data analysis software preferred.
• Candidates with a track record of publications (or contributions to publications) in peer-reviewed journals are preferred.

Education, knowledge and experience

• Both PhD and master’s degree in relevant disciplines (agriculture, agroecology, international development, sociology, environmental studies, human geography, etc.) with a strong focus on social science is required.
• The candidate should possess at least one year active work experience specifically in transdisciplinary agroecological research. Further, at least five years postgraduate experience in participatory action research and quantitative or qualitative data analysis, with experience in both/mixed methods, strongly preferred.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of agroecology, including its social and social- movement dimensions is a key asset for this position.
• Good connection with key stakeholder involved in agroecological networks and platforms in Kenya is crucial.
• Previous working experience in holistic approaches to measuring agroecology and its performance is mandatory.
• Experience with Nvivo/Atlas.ti, or other relevant qualitative data analysis software preferred.
• Candidates with a track record of publications (or contributions to publications) in peer-reviewed journals are preferred.

Terms and conditions

• This is a Locally 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 10 Mar 2024
We will acknowledge all applications, but will contact only short-listed candidates.

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