Country Director, Cote d’Ivoire
Abidjan
- Organization: CIFOR - Center for International Forestry Research
- Location: Abidjan
- Grade: Senior level - Senior
- 
Occupational Groups:
- Humanitarian Aid and Coordination
- Project and Programme Management
- Managerial positions
 
- Closing Date: 2025-11-30
Reference number: 100108
Job status: In-progress
Job category: Global Position
Duty station: Abidjan, Cote D'Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
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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.
Country Director, Cote d’Ivoire
Overview
The Country Director will contextualize and deliver CIFOR-ICRAF's Strategic Results Framework, in Cote d’Ivoire, in partnership with appropriate and relevant national and national partners from across all sectors of society, for the benefit of the country and beyond. S/he will also provide overall leadership within the Country to represent CIFOR-ICRAF's interests in the country and ensure quality execution of CIFOR-ICRAF research activities.Duties and responsibilities
- To promote the right conditions for achieving CIFOR-ICRAF strategic objectives (science quality, 
impact, partnership and operational efficiency) in Cote D’Ivoire. 
- To lead the Country’s Functional Units, partners, and other stakeholders for the operationalization
of the Country strategy.
- To facilitate institutional integration and coherence through regular communication and liaison with 
leadership of all CIFOR-ICRAF’s relevant programmatic, thematic and country.
- Lead scientific research on agroforestry, forestry, climate change, landscape ecology and related 
agroforestry research, especially those related to national programs and policies.
- To facilitate publishing and present research findings at all levels including local, national and 
international levels.
- Lead the development of country projects and coordinate deliverables for the Science Domains in 
the country; periodic reporting of the status of research and partnerships carried out in Cote D’Ivoire 
for internal and external communications; strengthening partnerships for enhancing the science and 
pursuing the science agenda of CIFOR-ICRAF.
- To lead resource mobilization through opportunity spotting and capture, catalyzing the writing of 
proposals, establishing and managing donor relations and the country’s institutional profile. 
- To provide leadership in the recruitment of staff for the region in appropriate consultation with 
leadership of all of ICRAF’s relevant programmatic, thematic and country team; 
- To prepare annual plan of work and budget in collaboration with FSU, CRP focal points, Theme 
leaders and country staff. 
- Provide overall supervision of country activities to achieve operational efficiency and effectiveness 
in the region; including direct supervision of Country staff (as appropriate), including performance 
management and evaluation. 
- To develop and nurture a supportive, productive, efficient and equitable working environment for 
all staff. 
- To supervise country-based teams who are part of CIFOR-CRAF’s matrix with headquarters-based 
units. 
- 
To stimulate and contribute to the production of research outputs, including scientific publications, 
and development innovations.
 
- To develop and manage partnerships that contribute to furthering the country strategy, e.g. with 
national institutions, private sector, farmers' organizations, CGIAR Centers, hosting countries 
organizations and others, as appropriate. 
- To oversee implementation of the communication component of the country strategy, including but 
not limited to the leading of synthesis of regional outputs, and direction of the communication of 
research products. 
- To represent CIFOR-ICRAF at appropriate national events and forums and internationally as may be 
necessary.
- To support the assessment of impact of CIFOR-ICRAF's work in the country.
Requirements
- PhD in a field related to agriculture, forestry, agroforestry or natural resources management 
including related social sciences.
- Experience in conducting research in agroforestry or a closely related field, demonstrated by quality 
publications in high impact journals.
- Research and management experience in developing countries; Experience in Côte d’Ivoire is an 
asset. 
- 10 years with a minimum of 7 years postdoctoral experience.
- 10 years of experience leading teams.
- Skills in research design and quantitative and qualitative data analysis.
- Proven track record in managing collaborative agroforestry relationships with a range of partners, 
including the private sector.
- Demonstrated fund raising and proposal writing experience.
- Familiarity with international agricultural and environmental research and development.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills and relational skills, especially in a cross-cultural 
environment and ability to analyze and solve problems, persuade, network and negotiate.
- Ability to lead and flourish in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.
Education, knowledge and experience
• PhD in a field related to agriculture, forestry, agroforestry or natural resources management including related social sciences.• Experience in conducting research in agroforestry or a closely related field, demonstrated by quality publications in high impact journals.
• Research and management experience in developing countries; Experience in Côte d’Ivoire is an asset.
• 10 years with minimum of 7 years postdoctoral experience.
• 10 years of experience leading teams.
Terms and conditions
• This is a Globally Recruited position. CIFOR-ICRAF offers competitive remuneration in USD currency, commensurate with skills and experience.• The duty station will be in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire CIFOR-ICRAF Offices.
Application process
The application deadline is 30 Nov 2025We will acknowledge all applications, but will contact only short-listed candidates.
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.
