Vietnam Country Coordinator

VACANCY: VIETNAM COUNTRY COORDINATOR TO BE BASED IN HANOI, VIETNAM

About our 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 which 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 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

This position is responsible for initiating and leading agroforestry research of relevance for policy and practice primarily in Vietnam, but also in other countries in Lower Mekong, under the ICRAF Strategy; coordinating with the ICRAF thematic research areas; and collaborating closely with other country programs across the region and beyond. The Country Coordinator will spend around 30% for research, 35% for project leadership and 35% of time for country coordination.

Key tasks of the incumbent will cover:

  • Develop research projects aligned with the ICRAF strategy (vision and mission) and coordinate deliverables to donors and the CGIAR Research Programs (CRPs); periodic reporting of the status of research and partnerships carried out in Vietnam for internal and external communications; strengthening partnerships for enhancing the science and pursuing the agenda of ICRAF.
  • Engage in the coordination and synthesis of projects in the Vietnam Country office, as well as engaging in close collaboration with other country programs within the region.
  • Mobilise resources, liaising with partners and donors, managing staff and budgets, maintaining close coordination with the regional office in Bogor and relevant units in Headquarters in Nairobi, and ICRAF staff in the region, other regions and government agencies, technical advisors and experts and civil society organizations.
  • Actively manage coordination and cooperation within the Vietnam country program and with different ICRAF themes and programs in conducting interdisciplinary agroforestry research in view of the ICRAF Strategy and the development of a cohesive and coherent ICRAF Strategy for Vietnam (as part of the Mekong and ASEAN).
  • Lead the coordination and development of the work plans and budgets for the Vietnam Office, and provide regular monitoring and feedback to staff and ICRAF management.
  • Ensure alignment of the Vietnam research program with the Centre CRPs and Thematic Areas (Trees, Soils, Landscape, and Systems). Provide scientific leadership to the Vietnam office, partners, and other stakeholders as and when necessary for timely and quality deliverables related to joint projects and activities. Ensure timely publications from the Vietnam research program and periodic reporting of research status and partnerships undertaken for internal and external communications.
  • Contribute to the development and implementation of projects and activities, particularly those related to the Vietnam Country office. Coordinate and lead the activities of the team and utilize resources for the effective and efficient implementation of project and institutional activities in Vietnam. Assign and coordinate with focal or point persons for the various CRPs, Thematic Areas and Support Units.
  • Lead the periodic researcher and office meeting and attend other internal ICRAF meetings (CRPs, Thematic Areas, and project teams) for work-plan, monitoring, evaluation and reporting.
  • Represent ICRAF in government programs and working groups when requested, and at external meetings where appropriate at the request of the regional coordinator.

For a detailed Job Description please visit http://www.worldagroforestry.org/working-for-icraf/vacancies

Requirements

Academic and Professional Qualifications

  • PhD in agroforestry, agriculture, forestry, agro-ecology, agro-economy, plant or soil ecophysiology, natural resources management, landscape ecology, rural development or equivalent and with technical expertise on agroforestry practices, livelihood systems, governance and climate change related issues.
  • Minimum of five years of post-doctoral work experience of relevant areas of research (see above) in an international organization
  • Experience in leading problem-focused interdisciplinary research projects (with components of capacity strengthening, policy engagement and knowledge dissemination)
  • Experience in coordinating on-farm research, and familiarity in the workings of the CGIAR and donor environment in Vietnam and the Mekong region, is an advantage.

Personal Competencies

  • Proficiency in English, and knowledge of official local language
  • Willing to travel frequently across the country of assignment, as well as within the Southeast Asia region and to the Headquarters periodically
  • Willing to learn new skills/knowledge related to the scope/content of the specified projects.
  • Good interpersonal skills and ability to work well in multicultural environment.
  • Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills
  • Conceptualize and analyse problems to identify key issues and resolve underlying problems
  • Strong fore sighting skills
  • Generates creative, practical approaches to overcome challenging situations
  • Devise new systems and processes, and modifies existing ones, to support innovative initiatives
  • Well organized and able to meet deadlines
  • Vietnamese nationals with international experience are especially encouraged to apply for this position

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 an International-recruited position and will be for an initial period of three (3) years, renewable subject to a six (6) months’ probation period, assessment of performance, continued relevance of the position and availability of resources.

How to apply:

Go to http://worldagroforestry.org/working-for-icraf/vacancies , complete the application form and attach your cover letter and CV/Resume (as one document – labelled with your First Name and Last Name).

Applications will be considered until 6 November 2017. Please note that only short-listed applicants meeting the above requirements will be contacted.

Job Details
Organisation Name: 
ICRAF
Location: 
Hanoi
Application Deadline: 
Mon, 2017-11-06