Country Director, Sri Lanka

Reference number: 2413
Job status: In-progress
Job category: Global Position
Duty station: Colombo, Sri Lanka
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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

The Country Director operates within the Asia Directorate of CIFOR-ICRAF and in liaison with thematic leads and other units within the institution as appropriate to deliver the Sri Lanka country programme. The Country Director will be the first point of contact for government and other organisations in Sri Lanka and be responsible for implementation of the ICRAF host country agreement. The Sri Lanka country programme is a new initiative within CIFOR-ICRAF, enabled largely by the existence of the GCF Knuckles project (a 50M USD investment in ecosystem-based adaptation), for which ICRAF is an executing entity alongside the Ministry of Irrigation. This project was developed by and is managed through the Agroecology Directorate at CIFOR-ICRAF who have also been tasked with supporting the establishment of a viable country programme in Sri Lanka in liaison with the Asia Directorate. This means that initially the Country Director will report to the Director of Agroecology with a transition to the Asia Directorate anticipated within a year to 18 months.

Duties and responsibilities

1. Lead the CIFOR-ICRAF
   country programme in Sri Lanka including development and implementation of an
   integrated portfolio of projects that can position and sustain CIFOR-ICRAF as a
   critical support to the Government of Sri Lanka in developing agriculture, forestry
   and food security while contributing to humanity remaining within planetary
   boundaries. This will involve leading, in liaison with the CIFOR- ICRAF Asia
   directorate and thematic leads, resource mobilization to create the project
   portfolio as well as ensuring its scientific underpinning.
2. Take overall management
   responsibility and ensure timely completion of deliverables for the GCF
   Knuckles project in liaison with CIFOR-ICRAF science leads, IUCN as the
   accredited entity with GCF, the Ministry of Irrigation, implementing partners
   and consultants.
3. Represent the CIFOR-ICRAF
   contribution to the GCF Knuckles project within Sri Lanka ensuring government
   acknowledgement of, and support for, ICRAF’s role in the project and
   appropriate linkages with different arms of government and other significant
   organizations nationally.
4. Oversee in conjunction with
   the CIFOR-ICRAF communications unit, development and implementation of a
   communications strategy for the CIFOR-ICRAF contribution to the GCF Knuckles
   project and contribute to scientific publications.
5. Represent CIFOR-ICRAF in
   Sri Lanka at key forums in the country, regionally and internationally to
   promote the institution as a prominent knowledge hub for technical, market,
   information and institutional solutions in the context of climate change issues
   including food security, agroecology, agroforestry, nature-based solutions and
   blue carbon, and to explore and follow up opportunities to collaborate in
   research and development projects.
6. Oversee, in conjunction
   with the CIFOR-ICRAF communications unit, development and implementation of a
   communications strategy for CIFOR-ICRAF in Sri Lanka and contribute to
   scientific publications.
7. Supervision, guidance, and
   mentorship of staff based in Sri Lanka to help overall personal and
   professional development of staff members.

Education, knowledge and experience

• PhD in agriculture, forestry, environmental science or a related field.
• At least10 years of experience of research leadership including project / programme. management, including technical and financial aspects and resource mobilization.
• Demonstrable experience of success in accelerating development impact through mobilizing research.
• Scientific credibility and international experience commensurate with representing an International Research for Development Organisation at a national level.

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 3 years, with the possibility of extension contingent upon performance, continued relevance of the position and available resources.

• The duty station will be in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

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 Nov 2024
We will acknowledge all applications, but will contact only short-listed candidates.