World Agroforestry Centre Job in Kenya

The World Agroforestry Centre (also known as the International Centre for Research in Agroforestry or ICRAF) is an independent research institution which generates science-based knowledge about the complex role trees play in agricultural landscapes and rural livelihoods. 

As part of the Centre’s work to bring tree-based solutions to bear on poverty and environmental problems, researchers – working in close collaboration with partners – are developing new technologies, tools and policy recommendations for increased food security and ecosystem health.

The Centre’s headquarters are located in Nairobi, Kenya, and research is conducted in 23 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. We are supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and receive funding from over 50 different donors.

To learn more about our organization, please visit our website: www.worldagroforestry.org

About the position

ICRAF seeks to recruit a candidate for the position of Head of Program Development to be based at its headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. 

Reporting to the Director General, The Head of Program Development will provide leadership in ensuring growth in the Centre’s funding through setting and tracking funding goals, identification and follow-up of funding opportunities, building and supporting alliances with diverse investors and managing proposal development processes for the delivery and funding of highly competitive proposals.  

The job specifically includes the following duties and responsibilities:

• Identify and follow up on new funding opportunities and capitalize on these relationships and opportunities to increase investments in agroforestry.
• Manage proposal development, submission and tracking processes for the whole institute.
• Build and support alliances with investors and partners to expand available multi-lateral, bi-lateral, corporate and foundation investments in support of ICRAF’s mission.
• Catalyse and provide effective support to ICRAF scientists and units in the development and delivery of highly competitive proposals and subsequent phase investments.
• Work in partnership with relevant ICRAF units under the Directorates of Partnerships and Impact, Research, and Finance and Corporate Services to synergize program development and resource mobilization.
• Work with Communications on media outreach and marketing materials.
• Interact with other relevant CGIAR Centres to advance collaboration and funding for CGIAR Research Programs.

Requirements

• Relevant advanced degree
• A background in science and/or development is a strong advantage
• At least 15 years’ experience of developing fundraising relationships with significant donors for international organizations
• Proven ability to secure large grants
• Strong interpersonal and networking skills
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills in English (additional language skills in French or Spanish are an advantage)
• Experience in liaising and partnering with private, bilateral and foundation investors
• Proven experience in navigating, acquiring and documenting donor priorities
• Experience in marketing research projects
• Membership in appropriate bodies is an added advantage.

Terms of offer

The World Agroforestry Centre is an equal opportunity employer and offers a collegial and gender-sensitive working environment. 

We believe that staff diversity promotes excellence and strongly encourage applications from qualified women. 

This position is on international terms and will be for an initial period of three (3) years, renewable subject to a probation period of nine (9) months, assessment of performance, continued relevance of the position and availability of resources.

How to apply

Applications for the position must include:

• A cover letter illustrating your suitability for the position against the listed requirements and salary expectations
• A detailed curriculum vitae
• The names and addresses of three referees, including telephone, fax numbers and email addresses.

All correspondence should be addressed to the 

Human Resources Unit, 

World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), 

PO Box 30677, Nairobi, Kenya 

OR via email: icrafhru@cgiar.org 

and should indicate “Application for Head, Program Development Unit” on their application letters and email submissions.

Applications will be considered until 20th May 2012 or until a suitable candidate is identified and selected.

Please note that only short-listed applicants meeting the above requirements will be contacted.