Scientist, Landscape Approaches for Sustainable Management of Multifunctional Landscapes

The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) envisions a more equitable world where forestry and landscapes enhance the environment and well-being for all. CIFOR is a nonprofit, scientific institution that conducts research on the most pressing challenges of forest and landscape management around the world. Using a global, multidisciplinary approach, we aim to improve human well-being, protect the environment and increase equity. To do so, we conduct innovative research, develop partners’ capacity and actively engage in dialogue with all stakeholders to inform policies and practices that affect forests and people. CIFOR is a CGIAR Research Center, and leads the CGIAR Research Program on Forests, Trees and Agroforestry (FTA). Our headquarters are in Bogor, Indonesia, with offices in Nairobi, Kenya; Yaoundé, Cameroon; and Lima, Peru.

CIFOR is looking for a

Scientist, Landscape Approaches for Sustainable Management of Multifunctional Landscapes

Overview

As an attempt to reconcile multiple and often competing claims on land and land use, the ‘landscape approach’ has recently become a dominant discourse in the current conservation and development lexicon. Multifunctional landscapes and integrated land uses are at the heart of the interconnected challenges associated with biodiversity conservation, sustainable development and climate change. Landscape approaches are designed to manage trade-offs between conflicting land uses and capitalize on areas where synergies exist – they form a potential mechanism for addressing considerable national, regional and local challenges. While strong conceptual frameworks and principles for landscape-scale implementation exist, and these have guided the design of a number of initiatives in Indonesia, for example, assessment of progress on the ground remains incomplete. This is especially exacerbated by the limited reporting of the actual implementation of landscape-focused projects in the current literature. As a precursor to implementation, a conceptual framework of 10 principles was adapted for a Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) report, The sustainable use of biodiversity in a landscape perspective, and Taken note at the CBD Conference of the Parties (CoP) in November 2011. Since then, integrated landscape approaches have been central in international dialogues related to biodiversity conservation, the livelihoods of marginalized groups, food security and broader development issues, as evidenced by the successes of the recent high-profile Global Landscape Forums. The concept has also entered discussions around the new climate agenda and Sustainable Development Goals.

In addition, in recent years, and as part of zero deforestation commitments, the private sector has also expressed a strong interest in working at a broader landscape scale, but requires guidance and advice as to the most effective means of implementation and measurement of progress. Thus, this broad constituency suggests that achieving more satisfactory environmental and development outcomes by focusing at the scale of the landscape, rather than a single point of entry such as protected areas, commercial plantations, agriculture etc., will have considerably more impact. However, the institutional and policy frameworks for this to take place need to be fully understood to ensure that such integration is actually possible given the many competing claims to land and the associated resources.

With funding from International Climate Initiative (IKI), CIFOR and partners wish to investigate the opportunities and constraints found in operationalizing the landscape approach in three countries with strong histories of complex multiple-use management: Indonesia, Burkina Faso and Zambia. Working with national and local institutions, we will engage with multiple stakeholders and undertake research that contributes to the broader understanding of implementation processes at the landscape scale in each of the three countries.

This position consists of two roles – a scientific and a coordinating one. The scientific role will be to contribute to the research design of the overall project, while the coordination role will involve overseeing the implementation of the activities. The Scientist will be responsible for the day-to-day management of this project, which is a large and complex proposition based on strategic partnerships at the both the government and the local scales. The Scientist will be responsible for project oversight, which includes staff and other resource management as well as coordinating various research teams, in close collaboration with country coordinators. The Scientist hired will also contribute to SLF’s larger research agenda on landscape approaches to conservation and development.

Summary of responsibilities

The Scientist will be responsible for the following:

• Contribute to the design and implementation of the research activities.
• Liaise with each country coordinator to ensure adequate staffing and logistical support for research undertaken at each site, including all permits, ethics clearance, etc.
• Coordinate staffing and fiscal resources for the implementation of the project as outlined in the Gantt Chart approved by German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety (BMUB) / International Climate Initiative (IKI), in close collaboration with the relevant departments at CIFOR.
• Contribute to the identification and engagement of researchers who will undertake specific activities at each project site.
• Contribute to the scientific outputs of the project, in close collaboration with partners and advisors.
• Contribute to the synthesis of country-specific findings to inform the wider global agenda related to landscape-scale initiatives (in close collaboration with the Global Landscapes Forum).
• Represent the project at all levels – national workshops, international conferences, etc.
• Undertake all project reporting as required by both CIFOR and IKI/BMUB.
• Report on project progress to the project Steering Committee.
• Contribute to CIFOR’s overall portfolio of landscape-related scientific work.

Requirements

Education, knowledge and experience

• PhD in forest resource conservation, natural resource management and/or environmental science
• experience in research processes, including landscape-scale research is essential
• previous experience in project management, accountancy and/or other process
• evidence of leading research teams in natural resource management, especially graduate student supervision
• excellent written and spoken English; the ability to speak French is not a pre-requisite but is desirable.

Personal attributes and competencies

• excellent management and organizational skills, experience in project management
• excellent commitment, initiative and ability to work with limited supervision
• excellent interpersonal and communication skills and ability to engage with both local communities and global fora.

Terms and Conditions

• This is an Internationally Recruited Staff (IRS) position. CIFOR offers competitive remuneration in USD, commensurate with skills and experience.
• The appointment is for 2 years, inclusive of a 9-month probationary period, with the possibility of extension contingent upon performance, continued relevance of the position and available resources.
• The duty station will depend on candidate and project needs. CIFOR HQ and/or CIFOR hub offices are preferred.

Application process

• The application deadline is 30 June 2018.
• We will acknowledge all applications, but will only contact short-listed candidate

To apply, please click to APPLY below and visit career site!

To learn more about CIFOR, please visit our website at http://www.cifor.org

CIFOR is an equal opportunity employer. Staff diversity contributes to excellence.