Field Technician/Deputy Network Coordinator

World Agroforestry Centre – Vietnam Office

Recruitment of Field Technician/Deputy network coordinator

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

Project or Program and duration of same:

The Agroecology for resilient landscapes to overcome poverty of ethnic minorities in Northern Vietnam uplands project, co-funded by the Bread for the World, ICRAF and the Consultative Institute for Socio-Economic Development of Rural and Mountainous Areas (CISDOMA), and implemented in period of 2021-2025 by a ICRAF and CISDOMA. The project will target that Agroecology contributes to build and maintain resilient landscapes with environmental-friendly livelihoods of local poor ethnic minorities, reducing poverty in the Northwest region of Viet Nam.

The Position

ICRAF Viet Nam country office is seeking for the dynamic Field Technician/Deputy Network Coordinator to base in Tram Tau, Yen Bai province to work for the Agroecology for resilient landscapes to overcome poverty of ethnic minorities in Northern Vietnam uplands project. The position is created to work with farmers to develop and implement impactful agroforestry-based interventions for smallholder farmers, and in documenting their outcomes and possible impacts. The selected candidate will report to both the project coordinator and she/he will also work closely with the local partners at communes and district.

Main Responsibilities

1. Agroecology for resilient landscapes to overcome poverty of ethnic minorities in Northern uplands project

• Facilitator with agronomy and social skills: to set up some of the work on the ground, set up farmer groups, work with farmers and other stakeholders on design and implement agroforestry practices, organize capacity building/trainings/ event day for farmers and other stakeholders, facilitate workshop.
• Research: conduct surveys, contribute to questionnaire design, methodology development, training material preparation,  ), data management,simple analyses and team leader for enumerators in the field. 
• Monitoring and evaluation:  systematically observe and document field research activities, results, outputs and out comes through field note, on-site field research, household surveys, focus group discussions, key informant interviews. Collect data for agroforestry/agroecology practices in the project sites. Evaluate loss and damage as well as resilient farming practices after extreme weather events.
• Writing and reporting: synthesize and write field report, contribute to writing of scientific publication.
• Seeking for scaling opportunities at the district level and beyond: through action plans, programs, NGOs as well as private sector
• Partnership: Maintain effective relationships with project partners at the field level.
• Social mobilization: work closely with female and male Hmong farmers, understand their needs and encourage them to engage actively in project activities
• Perform other duties when required..

2. SLU-funded project

• Data collection and provide support for management & monitoring of field trials in Dien Bien, Son La and Yen Bai provinces.
• Perform other tasks as deemed necessary

3. Support ICRAF Viet Nam country coordinator (Network coordinator) with Agroforestry network coordination (in connection with SLOPE EL in the Northwest)

• Handle network Q&A and facilitate transfer of knowledge and skills among network members, including coordinating with relevant staff and partners in organizing network events or capacity building activities for network members, particularly for local farmers (both online and offline);
• Provide recommendation and assist the Network Coordinator with development of relevant policy and regulations to ensure safe and healthy network operations and expansion;
• Support Network Coordinator in communicating with National Agroforestry Technical Working Group and key provincial partners.
• Conduct annual survey on network performance and support Country Program Coordinator/ network Coordinator in assessment of the impacts of the network.

Qualifications and Skills Required

Minimum Academic and Professional Qualifications:

• Bachelor in agroforestry, agronomy, crop science, forestry, agriculture, sustainable NRM, rural development, or related field. Master’s degree is a merit.

Minimum Work Experience:

• At least three years of relevant experience
• Experience in working with not-for-profit organizations and government institutions.
• Demonstrated experience with organizing farmer interest groups
• Demonstrated experience with ethnic minority and gender-work in the field
• Experience in project M&E and/or management is an asset. 

Skills and Competencies

• Well organized; able to meet deadlines
• Good command of English
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work well in multi-cultural teams.
• Computer literacy, ODK-programming skills a bonus
• Good understanding of time management and able to work under pressure
• Ability to work independently
• Good knowledge of negotiations and communication
• Good facilitation and public-speaking skill
• Be independent, rigorous, have excellent social skills, and are passionate and motivated by the social and environmental impact potential of their work.
• Willingness to spend most of the time in the field (Yen Bai and other provinces in the Northwest region)
• High interest in receiving feedback from others

Terms of offer

• Initial three-year contract with a competitive salary, to be renewed until project end.
• The contract is subject to 3 (three) monthsprobation period, assessment of performance 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.
• 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 the 13th floor, HCMCC building, 249A Thuy Khue street, Tay Ho district, Hanoi, Vietnam OR via email:  [email protected]. Applicants should indicate “Application – Field Technician/Deputy Network Coordinator” on their application letters and email submissions.

Applications will be considered until the 10 February 2022. Please note that only short-listed applicants will be contacted.

ICRAF believes that staff diversity promotes excellence, and strongly encourages local-based candidates to apply.  We invite you to learn more about ICRAF at our web site:

www.worldagroforestry.org/regions/southeast_asia/vietnam