Research Officer – Nairobi

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. CIFOR-ICRAF is looking for a

Research Officer - Nairobi

Overview The purpose of this job is to contribute to research design, data collection, analysis, discussion and data archiving within the scope and objectives of relevant on-going and future projects, including but not limited to those falling under the portfolio of the current Sustainable Value Chain, Finance and Investment team Plan, manage and supervise partners’ activities in multiple countries, including teams of enumerators contributing to projects’ objectives.

Duties and responsibilities

• Assist in the design of data collection methodology and procedures following projects’ indicators framework. Contribute to the design of complementary studies on topics identified by CIFOR-ICRAF and its partners and organize data collection as needed for complementary studies. Plan, manage and supervise partners’ activities. Participate in research and fieldwork, supervise field teams and enumerators, and contribute to data synthesis and analyses in support of present and future projects.
  
• Provide support to the project managers in the preparation of donor reports (technical and financial), scientific publications, and new proposals. Contribute to reviews of scientific literature by examining clarity, accuracy and level of detail in the manuscripts.
  
• Contribute to implementation of projects of various scope and scale, including the management of entrusted project resources and budgets as needed per CIFOR-ICRAF procedures and regulations.
  
• Contribute to/participate in dissemination activities (of research outcomes) at both national and international conferences; prepare and deliver regular updates on project activities to donors in all relevant countries.
  
• Liaise and maintain regular exchanges with projects’ partners, for the purpose of exchanging and discussing information relevant to project activities, including compilation of general background information on projects and the investigation of specific project activities.
  
  
  

  Requirements

  • Completion of master’s degree in forestry sciences and/or rural development and/or rural economics.
    
  • At least 3 years of working experience in research or development organizations.
    
  • Expertise in qualitative data collection and analysis with proven experience conducting semi-structured interviews; expertise in quantitative data collection and analysis an asset.
    
  • Proven experience in the analysis of rural economies and in the study on social and ecological topics in East and Southern Africa, with proven experience in value-chain analysis (timber, charcoal, etc.) an asset.
    
  • Deep knowledge of the processes of creation and management of a community forest, and of the limits of this approach.
    
  • Strong communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
    
  • Proven experience in organizing and facilitating workshop with partners in urban and rural areas.
    
    

    Education, knowledge and experience

    • • Completion of master’s degree in forestry sciences and/or rural development and/or rural economics. • At least 3 years of working experience in research or development organizations. • Expertise in qualitative data collection and analysis with proven experience conducting semi-structured interviews; expertise in quantitative data collection and analysis an asset.

      Terms and conditions

      • This is a Locally Recruited Staff (LRS) position. CIFOR-ICRAF offers competitive remuneration in local currency commensurate with skills and experience.

        Application process The application deadline is 20 Jun-2023
        We will acknowledge all applications, but will contact only short-listed candidates.