Associate Scientist– Forest and Ecosystems Governance

Dakar

Organization: CIFOR - Center for International Forestry Research
Location: Dakar
Grade: Junior level - Junior
Occupational Groups:
- Development Cooperation and Sustainable Development Goals
- International Relations
- Environment
- Democratic Governance
- Agriculture and Forestry
- Public Policy and Administration
- Scientist and Researcher
- Natural Resource Management
Closing Date: Closed

Reference number: 2024033
Job status: In-progress
Job category: Local Position
Duty station: Dakar, Senegal
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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.

CIFOR-ICRAF is looking for a

Associate Scientist– Forest and Ecosystems Governance

Overview

This position will provide technical leadership on forest and ecosystems governance in the development and implementation of the Centre of Excellence for Biodiversity. Especially in the development and implementation of Protected Area and Landscapes Governance observation tools including mainly IMET PAME.

Duties and responsibilities

Develop training tools and approaches for the EU project on the Biodiversity and Protected Areas Management (IMET-PAME) programme for the implementation across Africa.
Train the national and regional managers on the use of the Decision Support System (DSS) for the analysis, planning, monitoring and evaluation of biodiversity and protected areas management and governance.
Train the national and regional managers in the EU project on the use of the IMET form to collect data on the gaps and interventions for the management of biodiversity and protected areas.
Organize and participate in conferences, workshops, seminars and study tours.
Facilitate communication using publications to raise awareness on forest and ecosystems governance and solution to address biodiversity issues and restore degraded natural resources.
Facilitate reviews, baseline studies and IMET PAME assessments of biodiversity in protected areas and approaches for landscape rehabilitation in West Africa.
Ensure timely project deliverables (research output, training, synthesis, tools, and quality scientific publications) and reporting.
Facilitate the implementation of capacity building in forest and ecosystems governance domains and participate in the recruitment and selection of consultants and provide orientation and induction of new staff.
Develop partnership within and outside CIFOR-ICRAF for advancing the science, particularly related to forestry, protected areas and ecosystems governance and biodiversity.
Represent CIFOR-ICRAF in government programs and working groups when requested, and at external meetings where appropriate.
Contribute to governance related research.
Analyse, write-up and publish research results from the project.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Natural Resources Management (Forestry, Agroforestry, Agriculture, Ecology, Natural Resource Management) with strong expertise in research for development in forestry, ecosystems and Natural Resources Management.
Three (3) years of relevant experience in IMET PAME Implementation.
Strong knowledge of forestry and ecosystems governance approaches and biodiversity across Africa.
Familiarity with ecological interactions at landscape level and environmental services.
Extensive knowledge of assessment tools, methods and modelling.
Knowledge of capacity building and stakeholder training on forest governance.
Experience in technologies and tools, models and approaches coupled with scenarios development for decision-making.
Experience in participatory design of the forest management and protected area plans.
Experience in collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams, private and public sector partners, and governments.
Good experience coordinating multi-institutional and multi-disciplinary research for development projects.
Experience in supervising staff and in mentoring young scientists and technical staff.

Education, knowledge and experience

• Master’s degree in Natural Resources Management (Forestry,
Agroforestry, Agriculture, Ecology, Natural Resource
Management) with strong expertise in research for development
in forestry, ecosystems and Natural Resources Management.
• Three (3) years of relevant experience in IMET PAME
Implementation.
• Strong knowledge of forestry and ecosystems governance
approaches and biodiversity across Africa.