Reference number: 202573
Job status: In-progress
Job category: Local Position
Duty station: Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Download PDF:

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 research associate will play a crucial role in the implementation of the IKI RTRP and GCF RCAPTD projects in Burkina Faso, thereby contributing to scientific knowledge.

Duties and responsibilities

Key Technical 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 field-based data collection activities, including forest inventories, biodiversity assessments, socio-economic surveys.
• Assist in conducting and monitoring experiments and collecting research data on multi-scale impact evaluation of agroforestry, agroecology, forestry and natural resources management interventions.
• Perform literature reviews and summarize relevant studies.
• Assist in data analysis and interpretation.
• Assist in nursery establishment, plant propagation, and germplasm conservation stand maintenance and monitoring in the Sahel region.
• Compile, analyze data and organize research findings for a better understanding current state of land and vegetation to support decision making for their sustainable management.
• 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.
• Contribute to scientific animation on landscape restoration and surveillance and agroforestry technologies up scaling.

Managerial/Coordination Responsibilities:

• Support the capacity building initiatives of the IKI RTRP Seed and GCF RCAPTD and other projects of the country and the Sahel region.
• Supervise technicians, interns, students, and trainees if allocated
• Assist in planning, organizing and conducting the project events.
• Collaborate with relevant scientists to develop concept notes and bankable proposals that will generate funds and support CIFOR-ICRAF's interests.

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.
• Perform any other relevant duties as assigned by the Supervisor.

Education, knowledge and experience

•MsC 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.
•Knowledge on local farmer institutions and knowledge dissemination.
•Experience in conceptualizing farm-level production research, agroforestry technology, options, and farmer decisions mainly on tree crops.
•Strong experience in quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis methods.
•Some experience coordinating multi-institutional and multi-disciplinary research for development projects.
•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 5 years post MSc experience in applied research, preferably in forestry, natural resource management, or rural development contexts; of which at least 3 years in developing countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa.

Terms and conditions

•This is a Locally Recruited Position (LRS). CIFOR-ICRAF offers competitive remuneration in local currency commensurate with skills and experience.
•The initial appointment will be for two (2) years, with a six-month probationary period, with the possibility of extension contingent upon 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.