The World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) is an autonomous, non-profit research organization whose vision is a rural transformation in the developing world resulting in a massive increase in the use of trees in agricultural landscapes by smallholder households for improved food security, nutrition, income, health, shelter, energy and environmental sustainability.  ICRAF is one of the 15 centres supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR).

Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, ICRAF conducts research in 23 countries in Africa, Southeast Asia, South Asia and Latin America.

The Position:

ICRAF seeks outstanding individuals interested in contributing towards the organization’s vision and in committing themselves to their core values of professionalism, mutual respect and creativity.  ICRAF is currently recruiting a world-class researcher to lead its Global Research Project (GRP) on Climate Change.

Agricultural systems most vulnerable to climate change are those already affected by unsustainable management, and land and resource degradation. Trees have an important role in reducing vulnerability, increasing the stability of farming systems, and buffering households against climate-related risks. Moreover, whole-landscape carbon accounting (combining REDD, A/R CDM and the gaps in between) may provide a basis for investment in trees managed by farmers and rural communities.

The objective of the Global Research Project on Climate Change is to improve the stability of farming systems and livelihood strategies of smallholder farmers in the face of current climate variability as well as long-term climate change, through the increased use of trees for intensification, diversification and buffering of farming systems. The GRP focuses on four areas: vulnerability assessments, impact of climate change on agroforestry systems; adaptation to climate change; and synergies in agroforestry systems between climate change adaptation and mitigation.

The successful candidate will report to the Deputy Director General, and will work with other scientists within and outside of the GRP.

Responsibilities:

• Develop an internationally recognized research program in the area of climate change, agroforestry and sustainable land management.
• Develop a system for carbon measurement and monitoring in smallholder agroforestry landscapes.
• Lead a research program that examines how trees can improve the resilience of farming systems to climate variability and change.
• Backstop regional programs and help them integrate research on agroforestry and climate change into their research.
• Mentor young scientists and interns.
• Lead synthesis and meta-analysis of lessons and research results across sites.
• Represent the Centre in global climate fora such as UNFCCC.
• Prepare research proposals and lead fund raising efforts for the GRP.

Requirements:

• PhD or equivalent in forestry, environmental science, soils, ecology or another related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of research experience in agriculture, forestry or environmental studies.
• Solid publication record in research of mitigation of and adaptation to climate change.
• A good network of international working relations.

The World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) began reviewing applications as of June 30th 2008 -- applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled.