Country Liaison Officer Employment Opportunity

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 Scientist/Country Liaison Officer to establish strong partnerships with various institutions and development organizations in the Federal Republic of Ethiopia. 

The Officer will work with them to generate tree-based solutions to the problems of rural poverty, hunger and environmental degradation. 

The principal role of the incumbent would be to coordinate the development of a comprehensive agroforestry research for development programme for ICRAF in Ethiopia including; capacity strengthening, mobilizing resources for collaborative research with Ethiopian institutions and with other national agroforestry and land management programmes in the Eastern Africa Region. 

The Officer will be expected to promote collaborative research for development activities with NARS and other relevant institutions such as educational institutions, extension providers, NGOs, CBOs and the private sector in the country. 

Under the overall guidance of the Regional Coordinator for Eastern Africa and GRP leaders with projects and project proposals in Ethiopia, and in effective partnership with appropriate institutions in the country, the incumbent will be expected to perform the following tasks:

Requirements:

• Plan and execute a collaborative agroforestry research-for-development agenda in Ethiopia;
• Plan and implement an effective resource mobilization strategy aimed at supporting a significant expansion of the ICRAF-Ethiopia project portfolio;
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with government, donors, farmer organizations, NGOs, the private sector, education and research institutions (including other CGIAR centres) and international agencies with a view to institutionalizing land management and agroforestry research and development in the country;
• Liaise with other East & Central Africa regional and national programme scientists and Ethiopian institutions for technical exchange and collaboration;
• Analyze, interpret, and report research and development results to ICRAF, donors and other development partners. As a research for development institution, ICRAF places a lot of emphasis on generating international public goods. Thus it attaches great importance to reporting of findings and experiences through peer reviewed articles and similar media;
• Prepare technical and policy reviews on specific subject areas with emphasis on future land management and agroforestry research and development needs in Ethiopia;
• Supervise and participate in the preparation of training materials and participate in training courses as a resource person;
• Assist in the preparation, implementation and management of the regional plan of work and budget;
• Supervise, provide logistical support and report on all ICRAF activities in Ethiopia, including financial and administrative oversight.

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 national terms and will be for an initial period of three (3) years, renewable subject to a probation period of nine (6) 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. 

Applicants should indicate “Application for Scientist/Ethiopia Country Liaison Officer” on their letters and email submissions.

Applications will be considered until 30th June 2012 or until a suitable candidate is identified and selected.

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