Tree Scientist

• Conduct research on tree domestication, evergreen agriculture and agroforestry practices and technologies contributing to enhance farmers’ resilience and adaptation to climate change in the WCA Region of the World Agroforestry Centre. This will include conducting research, supervising other research staff and students working on this research, and publishing results in international peer-reviewed journals;
  
• Support all bilateral projects implementation regarding research as well as devolvement in the region of WCA with expertise for improving of agroforestry tree planting, production systems and management as well as eco-physiology and landscape restoration;
  
• Help in forming skills group with competence in the use of scientific equipment and providing training and support to other staff and graduate students;
  
• Supervise tree nursery and plant production activities aiming at increasing biomass production and vegetation cover in the Sahel in view to restore degraded lands and sustain the production;
  
• Lead all demonstrations, and up and out-scaling activities including critical analysis of the effectiveness of the applied practices and scientific and farmer knowledge evidence base underlying these practices and/or recommendations;
  
• Handle the data collected and initiate, produce scientific and development publications to support the capacity building efforts of the team; and get such information archived in the ICRAF database system.
  

• Strengthen the links with the NARS in the area of capacity building as up and out-scaling activities, and
  
• Contribute to technical expertise in the development of demonstration activities in improving biomass production and the productivity of agroforestry practices.
  

• Lead and contribute in developing project concepts (seeking opportunities for proposals, developing concept notes and proposals, follow ups) and raise resources for research activities in the West and Central Africa region;
  
• Prepare meetings and conduct field visits for key partners and donors.
  

Requirements

• ​PhD in Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and related sciences. 
  
• At least 5 years’ postdoctoral experience in research for development trees domestication science, forestry, natural resource management or related sciences.
  
• Strong analytical skills.
  
• Excellent writing skills for scientific publications, targeting both donors and policy makers.
  
• Ability to conceptualize and prepare reports.
  
• Excellent command of English and French.
  
• Experience in project management and implementation.
  
• Experience in engaging with policy makers at both national and international levels.
  
• Experience in managing staff.
  
• Experience in field research and data analysis.
  
• Experience working in the West African Region.
  
• Strong project management skills.