Team Leader, Climate Change, Energy and Low-Carbon Development

Reference number: 2403
Job status: In-progress
Job category: Global Position
Duty station: Bogor, Indonesia; Nairobi, Kenya; or another CIFOR-ICRAF country office by arrangement with supervisor.
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CIFOR-ICRAF
The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) envision a more equitable world where trees in all landscapes, from drylands to the humid tropics, enhance the environment and well-being for all. CIFOR and ICRAF are non-profit science institutions that build and apply evidence to today’s most pressing challenges, including energy insecurity and the climate and biodiversity crises. Over a combined total of 65 years, we have built vast knowledge on forests and trees outside of forests in agricultural landscapes (agroforestry). Using a multidisciplinary approach, we seek to improve lives and to protect and restore ecosystems. Our work focuses on innovative research, partnering for impact, and engaging with stakeholders on policies and practices to benefit people and the planet. Founded in 1993 and 1978, CIFOR and ICRAF are members of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food secure future dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources.

Overview

Are you ready to make a difference Join CIFOR-ICRAF and become a key player in leading our dynamic thematic program on Climate Change, Energy and Low-Carbon Development. We are on the lookout for a visionary leader with exceptional technical expertise, outstanding team-building skills, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a business-oriented mindset.

The Team Leader for Climate Change, Energy, and Low-Carbon Development spearheads transformative climate action within forests, wetlands, and agroforestry sectors. Aligned with the CIFOR-ICRAF 2020-2030 Strategy, the Climate Change, Bioenergy & Low-Carbon Development (CCE) Theme aims to achieve efficient, effective, and equitable climate change mitigation and adaptation, and a just transitioning to a circular bioeconomy with low-emissions energy provision, renewable biomaterials, and nature-based solutions while aligning goals of social benefits and livelihoods. The work in the CCE Theme also supports high-integrity carbon markets and global and national climate and sustainable (‘green’) finance.

Key Result Areas:
1. Coordination and Management of CCE Theme Activities: Effectively and efficiently oversees activities within the CCE Theme to prioritize impactful initiatives that harness scientific excellence to provide evidence that contributes to the Team objectives, achieving the key performance indicators (KPIs) for the CCE Team.

2. Publication of Strategic and Synthesis Materials: Produces publications in high-impact journal and strategic publications and synthesis reports, including journal special issues, to disseminate research findings widely and effectively.

3. Enhancement of Partnerships: Strengthens partnerships for CIFOR-ICRAF through the establishment of strategic alliances, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange.

4. Resource Mobilization: Secures funding to sustain and expand the operations of the CCE theme, ensuring financial sustainability and effective expansion of impact areas.
5. Effective Management of Staff: Implements efficient management practices to prioritize staff well-being and motivation, fostering a supportive work environment and seamless project implementation.

Duties and responsibilities

Science Leadership:

• Directs scientific activities within the Climate Change, Bioenergy
  & Low-Carbon Development theme, overseeing programs and projects to ensure
  alignment with rigorous scientific standards.
• Provides scientific guidance, supervises publication efforts, and
  drives research initiatives in the areas of climate change mitigation and adaptation,
  renewable energy, and circular bioeconomy, and climate finance.
• Ensures efficient and
  effective implementation of CIFOR-ICRAF’s climate change initiatives.
• Supports the translation of research outcomes into actionable
  policies and practices, facilitating engagement with policy and practitioner
  communities.

Program Leadership and Management:

• Provides oversight to scientists, support staff and consultants
  working within the theme, fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented work
  environment.
• Strategically plans and manages the theme’s annual budget and
  activities, in close coordination with organizational leadership.
• Contributes to the development and delivery of transformative
  partnership platforms (TPPs – currently existing for REDD+, Blue Carbon and
  Bioeconomy Solutions) and CIFOR-ICRAF Flagship Products, enhancing
  CIFOR-ICRAF’s impact and visibility.

• Develops and executes strategies to secure funding for climate
  change initiatives, collaborating with directors, the resource mobilization
  team, and external implementation partners.
• Develops and cultivates relationships with key funding partners,
  ensuring sustained financial support aligned with the organization’s strategic
  objectives.
• Leads efforts to prepare and submit funding proposals, leveraging
  expertise in grant writing and project design.

• Cultivates and maintains relationships with key partners and
  stakeholders, including through the TPPs, facilitating effective translation of
  the organization’s work and objectives into impactful work by the implementing
  partners, and supporting the building of alliances for actionable solutions.
• Drives impactful collaboration with academia, policymakers, and
  practitioners to advance low-emission, climate-resilient development pathways.
• Treats all partners respectfully and diplomatically.

• Leads impactful dialogues policy-science, advocating for
  evidence-based decision-making at global, national, and regional levels.
• Represents the organization in international forums and
  conferences, showcasing research findings and contributing to global discourse
  on climate change. Lead the organization’s delegation to UNFCCC annual COPs.
• Oversees capacity-building initiatives, providing mentorship to
  students and junior scientists, and fostering knowledge exchange within and
  beyond the organization.

Education, knowledge and experience

• Holds a PhD in climate change science, forestry, ecology, agroforestry, environmental sciences, natural resource economics, or related field.
• Demonstrates excellence in leading multidisciplinary research endeavours focused on climate change mitigation and adaptation, energy, and low-emissions development.
• Possesses exceptional publication records and fluency in English, with strong writing skills for effective scientific communication.
• Brings over 10 years of relevant experience in collaborative research for development, with a proven track record of engagement across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
• Offers over a decade of successful leadership in managing high-performing, multicultural teams, and large-scale research programs.

Terms and conditions

• This is a Global position. CIFOR-ICRAF offers competitive remuneration in USD commensurate with skills and experience.

• The initial appointment will be for 2 (two) years, inclusive of a six-month probationary period, with the possibility of extension contingent upon performance, continued relevance of the position and available resources.

• The duty station will be in Bogor, Indonesia; Nairobi, Kenya; or another CIFOR-ICRAF country office by arrangement with supervisor.

To apply, please visit our career site at:

To learn more about CIFOR-ICRAF, please visit our websites at:

CIFOR-ICRAF promotes Gender Diversity – Applications from women professionals are encouraged.

CIFOR-ICRAF is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity.

Application process

The application deadline is 15 May 2024
We will acknowledge all applications, but will contact only short-listed candidates.

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