Associate Scientist– Forest and Ecosystems Governance

CIFOR-ICRAF is looking for a:

Associate Scientist– Forest and Ecosystems Governance

Overview

This position will provide technical leadership on forest and ecosystems governance in the development and implementation of the Centre of Excellence for Biodiversity. Especially in the development and implementation of Protected Area and Landscapes Governance observation tools including mainly IMET PAME.

Summary of responsibilities

1. Develop training tools and approaches for the EU project on the Biodiversity and Protected Areas Management (IMET-PAME) programme for the implementation across Africa
2. Train the national and regional managers on the use of the Decision Support System (DSS) for the analysis, planning, monitoring and evaluation of biodiversity and protected areas management and governance
3. Train the national and regional managers in the EU project on the use of the IMET form to collect data on the gaps and interventions for the management of biodiversity and protected areas
4. Organize and participate in conferences, workshops, seminars and study tours
5. Facilitate communication using publications to raise awareness on forest and ecosystems governance and solution to address biodiversity issues and restore degraded natural resources
6. Facilitate reviews, baseline studies and IMET PAME assessments of biodiversity in protected areas and approaches for landscape rehabilitation in West Africa.
7. Ensure timely project deliverables (research output, trainings, synthesis, tools, and quality scientific publications) and reporting
8. Facilitate the implementation of capacity building in forest and ecosystems governance domains and participate in the recruitment and selection of consultants and provide orientation and induction of new staff
9. Develop partnership within and outside CIFOR-ICRAF for advancing the science, particularly related to forestry, protected areas and ecosystems governance and biodiversity.
10. Represent CIFOR-ICRAF in government programs and working groups when requested, and at external meetings where appropriate
11. Contribute to governance related Research
12. Analyze, write-up and publish research results from the project.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Natural Resources Management (Forestry, Agroforestry, Agriculture, Ecology, Natural Resource Management) with strong expertise in research for development in forestry, ecosystems and Natural Resources Management.
• Three (3) years of relevant experience in IMET PAME Implementation.
• Strong knowledge of forestry and ecosystems governance approaches and biodiversity across Africa.
• Familiarity with ecological interactions at landscape level and environmental services.
• Extensive knowledge of assessment tools, methods and modelling.
• Knowledge of capacity building and stakeholder training on forest governance.
• Experience in technologies and tools, models and approaches coupled with scenarios development for decision making.
• Experience in participatory design of the forests management and protected area plans.
• Experience in collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams, private and public sector partners, and governments.
• Good experience coordinating multi-institutional and multi-disciplinary research for development projects.
• Experience in supervising staff and in mentoring young scientists and technical staff.

Personal attributes and competencies:

• Good interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively interact with people in a multidisciplinary and multicultural environment.
• Values the sharing of information and continuous improvement in a cooperative atmosphere of constructive evaluation and learning.
• Excellent facilitation and team-building capacity.
• Instinct for research and its application to solve development problems, with some experience in achieving impact.
• Substantial publishing record with publications in or related to forestry governance, biodiversity and climate change adaptation and mitigation.
• Good communication skills in English and French (both written and spoken) are necessary.
• Well organized and able to meet tight deadlines.
• Willingness to travel frequently to support partners.
• Good analytical and management skills.
• Good international experience and understanding of local context.

Terms and conditions

• This is a Locally Recruited position. CIFOR-ICRAF offers competitive remuneration in local currency commensurate with skills and experience.
• The duty station will be in Dakar, Senegal.