Senior Scientist on Climate Change and Environmental Services Policy, Vietnam
About their organization
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 Vietnam program focuses on climate change adaptation and mitigation through agroforestry and also supports multi-functional landscapes with trees for environmental services. The senior scientist will during 2010-2011conduct research and gradually take up the leadership of ICRAF Vietnam program in October, 2011. The senior scientist will be based in the region and will undertake the following duties and responsibilities:
Research tasks: Participate in designing research activities, provide back up to national partners involved, synthesize findings, understanding of policy processes, sharing and managing information, raising public awareness, and fundraising for research in Climate Change and Environmental Services in Vietnam. Specific activities are:
- Together with the country coordinator, the scientist will provide technical coordination of fieldwork of the on-going projects on rewarding upland people for environmental services, reducing emission
from deforestation and degradation (REDD), and reducing emission from any landuse (REALU). The tasks include developing research design, research team building and providing back up and research inputs to partners and collaborators. The senior scientist will participate in research as the principle investigator in the Bac Kan, Bach Ma National park and Dak Nong/Dak Lak research and take the lead in report writings.
- Contribute to producing scientific publications and other publication materials on the topics of REDD, environmental Services, in line with ICRAF’s work on climate change and environmental services,
and assist both the Country Coordinator and the Southeast Asia Coordinator in peer reviews, policy brief publications, and synthesis publications that cover the region.
- Lead and support the exploring of new funding opportunities for Vietnam and Southeast Asia (SEA) region in the field of Environmental Services, REDD, and REALU. The work would involve the
strategic development of concept notes, work plan, fund raising and proposal development with other staff in SEA.
- Link Climate Change and Environment Services research activities in Vietnam with those in SEA and globally: the scientist will work closely with regional and global teams on planning and implementation of ICRAF’s Medium Term Plan(3 yearly planning) and reporting Vietnam activities to ICRAF SEA Regional Office and to Global Project Leaders.
Coordination task:
- Assist the ICRAF country coordinator and the SEA Regional Coordinator in the research strategy development and implementation, partnership building and management activities (including budget); research and survey design and oversight; and recruiting and managing consultancies.
- By October 2011, assume full responsibility for the ICRAF Vietnam program by taking the role first as ICRAF Country Deputy Coordinator.
Requirements:
- PhD in Forestry, Ecology, Environment Services, Political sciences, Geography or closely related fields.
- A minimum of five years post-PhD research and outreach experience in development issues.
- Multi-disciplinary experience in research on policy issues, related to forestry and agricultural production, natural resources, the roles of the state, civil society, markets and trade.
- Proven leadership skills
- Strong team-building and networking skills.
- Knowledge and experience working in Southeast and East Asia, particularly in Vietnam.
- Excellent written and spoken English, working level knowledge of Vietnamese is essential.
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 nine (9) months probation period, 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: [email protected] and should indicate “Application for Senior Scientist on Climate Change and Environmental Services Policy, Vietnam” on their application letters and email submissions.
Applications will be considered until 15th July 2010 or until a suitable candidate is identified and selected.
Please note that only short-listed applicants meeting the above requirements will be contacted. Please see the official link at http://worldagroforestrycentre.org/careers/senior-scientist-climate-chan... environmental-services-policyvietnam