World Agroforestry Centre Country Representative work in Kampala

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/Uganda Country Representative to be based at its Country Office in Kampala, Uganda. Reporting to the Regional Coordinator-East Africa, the incumbent will seek to build strong partnerships with institutions and development partners based in Uganda and work together to generate tree-based solutions to the problems of rural poverty, hunger and environmental degradation. 

The principal role of the Country Representative is to coordinate the development of a comprehensive agroforestry research for development programme for ICRAF in Uganda. 

This includes capacity strengthening, mobilizing resources for collaborative research with Ugandan institutions and other national agroforestry and land management programmes in the Eastern Africa Region. 

The incumbent will 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. 

The research agenda will include innovative research on climate change and agro-biodiversity, as well as participatory evaluation and dissemination of the best-bet land management practices and agroforestry innovations that address issues of soil fertility, food security and environmental concerns in the context of opportunities and constraints to scaling up the wide adoption of agroforestry technologies among smallholder farmers. 

The job specifically includes the following duties and responsibilities to be carried out under the overall guidance of the Regional Coordinator for Eastern Africa and GRP leaders with projects in Uganda, and in effective partnership with appropriate institutions in the country:

• Plan and execute a collaborative agroforestry research for development agenda in Uganda;
• Write scientific articles and syntheses for publishing;
• Plan and implement an effective resource mobilization strategy aimed at supporting a significant expansion of the ICRAF-Uganda- project portfolio;
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with government, donors, farmer organizations, NGOs, the private sector, education and research institutions (including other CGIAR centers) and international agencies with a view to institutionalize land management and agroforestry research and development in the country;
• Build the capacity of young scientists;
• Liaise with other East & Central Africa regional and national programme scientists and Uganda 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 attaches 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 Uganda;
• 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 Uganda, including financial and administrative oversight and
• Undertake any other tasks as may be assigned by the Regional Coordinator for Eastern Africa

Requirements

• PhD in Agroforestry or Natural Resource management
• At least five (5) years hands-on field experience in managing interdisciplinary programmes and multi-disciplinary staff, and projects focusing on the rural poor, ideally with experience in Sub-Saharan Africa and in particular, Uganda;
• Experience in designing and implementing multi-institutional programmes and projects;
• Proven ability to publish scientific articles in refereed journals;
• Demonstrated understanding and appreciation of the role of science in contributing to development in rural areas;
• Demonstrated English writing skills, and proven ability to contribute to the research and development literature;
• Excellent oral presentation skills and computer literacy; and
• Proven resource mobilization skills including proven evidence of ability to raise funds.

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/Uganda Country Representative” 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