Research Technician – Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Reference number: 202571
Job status: In-progress
Job category: Local Position
Duty station: Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
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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.

Overview

The technician will play a crucial role for the practical implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the IKI RTRP and GCF RCAPTD projects.

Duties and responsibilities

• Assist in contributing to research on tree seed systems, including the identification, establishment, and management of improved seed sources and breeding seed orchards, in Burkina Faso.
  
• Lead and supervise all field-based data collection activities, including forest inventories, biodiversity assessments, socio-economic surveys.
  
• Conduct and monitor experiments on multi-scale impact evaluation of agroforestry, agroecology, forestry and natural resources management interventions.
  
• Collecting and compile research data for analysis and interpretation.
  
• Assist in data analysis and interpretation.
  
• Assist in nursery establishment, plant propagation, and germplasm conservation stand maintenance and monitoring.
  
• Maintain accurate records and ensure data integrity.
  
• Collaborate with team members to develop research methodologies and protocols.
  
• Prepare scientific reports, conference presentations, manuscripts and other scientific outputs based on project findings.
  
• Conduct scientific animation on landscape restoration and surveillance and agroforestry technologies up scaling.
  

Managerial/Coordination Responsibilities

• Conduct the capacity building initiatives of the IKI RTRP Seed and GCF RCAPTD and other projects of the country and the Sahel region.
  
• Assist the interns, students, and trainees if allocated.
  
• Participate in the planning, organization and execution of project events.
  
• Assist and participate in the work of technical consultants/expert service providers.
  
• Assist implementation of training activities.
  
• Provide relevant assistance to stakeholders in the technical fields of the project
  

Other Responsibilities

• Identify and mitigate potential risks within your work area
  
• Take reasonable care of own occupational health and safety and that of others as obliged by CIFOR-ICRAF’s Occupational Health and Safety Policy and cooperate with CIFOR-ICRAF in complying with requirements under any statutory health and safety provisions of host country laws.
  
• Participate in project meetings, workshops, and training sessions.
  
• Participate in attending to Theme Trees/Centre visitors.
  

Education, knowledge and experience

•Bachelor degree in Agricultural Science or related science (Forestry, Agroforestry, Agriculture, Ecology, Natural Resource Management) with strong expertise in research for development in agroforestry and forestry.
•Familiar in research and scientific experience, including work on tree seed systems, tree improvement, and landscape restoration.
•Experience in experimenting farm-level production research, agroforestry technology, options, and farmer decisions mainly on tree crops.
•Strong experience in quantitative and qualitative data collection and monitoring.
•Strong organizational and time management skills.
•Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and data analysis software (e.g., SPSS, Excel).
•Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
•Attention to detail and ability to follow instructions accurately.
•Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively in a team setting.
•A minimum of 3 years of practical experience in applied research, preferably in forestry, natural resource management, or rural development contexts in developing countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa.
•Proven ability to identify local tree species (both indigenous and exotic).

Terms and conditions

•This is a Locally Recruited Staff (LRS) and on competitive remuneration in local currency, commensurate with skills and experience.
•The appointment will be for two (2) years, including a six-months probationary period, with the possibility of extension contingent on performance, continued relevance of the position and available resources.
•The duty station will be in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

Application process

The application deadline is 17 Nov 2025
We will acknowledge all applications, but will contact only short-listed candidates.