Social Forestry Specialist and Project Manager

About the position

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

ICRAF is implementing a support project to the ‘ASEAN-Swiss Partnership on Social Forestry and Climate Change Phase II (ASFCC-II) 2013-2016. The support project aims to support research, capacity development, and knowledge exchange with Vietnamese and ASEAN partners in the area of NTFPs, community forest management, agroforestry and its role in climate change and food security, among others.

We are looking for a suitably qualified and enthusiastic Vietnamese national, to fill the challenging position of Social Forestry Specialist and Project Manager. The person will be responsible for implementing the project activities, which includes coordinating with ICRAF colleagues and other partners to ensure smooth implementation. The Project manager will be part of the ICRAF-Vietnam team and will report directly to the Vietnam Country Coordinator.

The primary responsibilities of the position will include:

• Manage the day-to-day project operations.
• Lead and co-lead research in the areas of NTFPs, community forest management, agroforestry and its role in climate change and food security.
• Coordinate with ICRAF colleagues in Southeast Asia and project partners at the regional level, regarding design and implementation of capacity development, knowledge and experience-sharing activities, and policy dialogues.
• Develop a communication strategy (internally and externally).
• Build partnerhips and create collaborative undertakings.
• Prepare annual workplan and budgets, donor reports and other types of reports as necessary
• Publish research outputs in various forms (journal articles, policy briefs, technical guides, etc.)

Qualification and Experience

• Be Vietnamese citizen
• The candidate should have a PhD degree in forestry or agroforestry.
• At least 5 years extensive experience of research in all, if not most of the research areas mentioned above.
• At least 5 years experience in project management and coordination.
• Experience in strategic communication with a demonstrated track record of success.
• Experience in both qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• Experience with planning, monitoring and evaluation of projects.

Personal Competencies

• Strong team player and ability to work with diverse individuals and organizations.
• Excellent leadership skills and sensitivity to cross cultural issues and ability to work with multicultural and multi-disciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated strategic thinking, planning and management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and gender awareness.
• Having interest in receiving feedback from others.
• Willingness to travel.

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 is a national position for a period of three (3) years, renewable subject to six (6) 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. 17A, Nguyen Khang street, Trung Hoa ward, Cau Giay District, Hanoi, Vietnam OR via email: [email protected]. Applicants should indicate “Application – Social Forestry Specialist and Project Manager” on their application letters and email submissions.

Applications will be considered until 10th April 2014 or until a suitable candidate is identified and selected.

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