Agroforestry Systems Specialist

About our organization

The World Agroforestry Centre (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 headquarter is located in Nairobi, Kenya, and research is conducted in 34 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 seeks to recruit a qualified Vietnamese national for the position, ‘Agroforestry Systems Specialist for ‘Agroforestry for Livelihoods of Smallholder Farmers in Northwest Vietnam (AFLI)’. AFLI is a five-year project (2011-2016) that aims to develop agroforestry options to improve on-farm productivity of smallholder farmers, particularly in Son La, Dien Bien and Yen Bai provinces. ICRAF was commissioned by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) to implement the Project, in collaboration with national and local research and extension partners in Northwest  Vietnam.

Under the direct supervision of the Vietnam Country Coordinator, the successful candidate will be based in Hanoi, Vietnam (with frequent travels to project sites) to provide scientific leadership in agroforestry systems research and manage the day- to- day activities of the AFLI project. The incumbent will also work closely with national and local partners and links with the broader ‘Humidtropics  Program’ of the CGIAR in the Northwest region, as well as liaise with ACIAR’s Research Programme Manager (RPM).

The job specifically includes the following duties and responsibilities:

1. Provide overall management of the AFLI project, ensuring effective implementation of project activities including preparation of annual work and financial plans, coordination, communication, reporting, building/enhancing partnerships;

2. Provide proactive scientific support in on-farm agroforestry research through working with local research and extension partners, and enhance their capacity on various aspects of agroforestry research and development;

3. Ensure quality research outputs including scientific publications, policy briefs and extension materials;

4. Ensure efficiency in the utilization of project resources and effective delivery of outputs; and

5. Perform other duties as deemed necessary.

Requirements
- Preferable PhD in agroforestry, agriculture, agro-ecology, plant or soil eco-physiology, soil science, natural resource management or equivalent
- At least 5 years excellent track record in implementing field research activities in Vietnam, preferably in the Northwest region.
- Experience in project management or team coordination.
- Experience in proposal development and fundraising.
- Experience in supervising field staff and mentoring junior researchers.
- Experience in working with interdisciplinary and multi-cultural teams.
- Well organized; able to meet deadlines
- Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders, including farmers, local and national institutions, private sector and policy makers.
- Good scientific publication record.
- Proficiency in oral and written English communication skills.
- Sound inter-personal/social skills.
- Willing to learn new skills/knowledge related to the scope/content of the specified projects.
- Conceptualizes and analyzes problems to identify key issues, underlying problems, and how they relate
- Generates creative, practical approaches to overcome challenging situations
- Willing to travel frequently within Vietnam and in the region periodically

Terms of offer

The World Agroforestry Centre is an equal opportunity employer and offers a collegial and gender-sensitive working environment. This position is on ‘national’ terms and will be for an initial period of three (3) years, renewable subject to three (3) 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
- A detailed curriculum vitae with publication records.
- The names and addresses of three referees, including telephone, and email address.

All correspondence should be addressed to the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) Office Hanoi, at No. 8, Lot 13A, Trung Hoa Street, Yen Hoa Ward, Cau Giay District, Hanoi, Vietnam OR via email: ICRAF-
[email protected]. Applicants should indicate “Application – Agroforestry Systems Specialist” on their application letters and email submissions.

Applications will be considered until 30th September 2013 or until a suitable candidate is identified and selected.

Please note that only short-listed applicants will be contacted.