Associate Scientist– Forest and Ecosystems Governance

Reference number: 2024033
Job status: In-progress
Job category: Local Position
Duty station: Dakar, Senegal
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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

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.

Duties and 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, training, 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. Analyse,
    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 forest 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.
  

Education, knowledge and experience

• 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.

Terms and conditions

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

Application process

The application deadline is 21 Jul 2024
We will acknowledge all applications, but will contact only short-listed candidates.