Research Associate job at Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR)

Background

Sub Saharan African (SSA) countries have committed to restoring millions of hectares of their degraded lands to contribute to the African Forest Landscape (AFR100) and the Bonn Challenge initiatives. RTRP-Seed will support key stakeholders in five SSA countries, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda and Burkina Faso, towards contributing to these targets by strengthening the native tree species (NTS) seed supply systems. This will assist country efforts to address climate change, biodiversity conservation and livelihoods. Purpose of the Role Participate and support RTRP*) technical and limited managerial activities together with the RTRP staff in Uganda, participate in and contribute to the overall management of the RTRP Project under supervision of the Tree Breeding and Seed Source Scientist based in Nairobi and the country representative of ICRAF-Uganda.

Duties and responsibilities

On core technical aspects:

• Assist with surveys related to enabling institutional and policy environment
• Assist with dissemination of knowledge and know how for priority species and landscapes
• Assist in seed demand estimation for priority species.
• Assist in seed source exploration and establishment for priority species
• Assist in seed source development and field gene bank conservation in Uganda
• Assist in maintaining networking with relevant institutions.
• Supervise other technical staff of the project.

On coordination, liaison and capacity development

• Participate in co-ordination meetings as required.
• 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

On managerial aspect:

• Assist in procurement and development of physical infrastructure.
• Assist in the administration of the project.
• Assist and coordinate internal programme meetings as required.
• Identify constraints in the implementation of activities and advise on possible solutions to overcom­ing such constraints

Education, knowledge and experience

• At least M.Sc. in forestry or related field with postgraduate specialization in tree improvement, and with a broad understanding of tree seed procurement, seed sourcing and gene resource conservation.
• A minimum of 6 years post-graduate working experience includes experience in research in tree improvement, tree seed procurement, tree seed sourcing and gene conservation; as well as institutional development in integrated tree genetic resource management. Post-graduate studies in either of the three subjects and/or experience from similar positions elsewhere will be an additional advantage. Experience in leading and providing technical guidance to national research and development projects /programmes in tree improvement, tree seed procurement and gene conservation is required.

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 Kampala, Uganda CIFOR-ICRAF Offices.

• Assist with surveys related to enabling institutional and policy environment
• Assist with dissemination of knowledge and know how for priority species and landscapes
• Assist in seed demand estimation for priority species.
• Assist in seed source exploration and establishment for priority species
• Assist in seed source development and field gene bank conservation in Uganda
• Assist in maintaining networking with relevant institutions.
• Supervise other technical staff of the project.
• Participate in co-ordination meetings as required.
• 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
• Assist in procurement and development of physical infrastructure.
• Assist in the administration of the project.
• Assist and coordinate internal programme meetings as required.
• Identify constraints in the implementation of activities and advise on possible solutions to overcom­ing such constraints

• Tree improvement
• Tree seed procurement
• Tree seed sourcing
• Gene conservation
• Institutional development in integrated tree genetic resource management
• Leading and providing technical guidance to national research and development projects/programmes

• At least M.Sc. in forestry or related field with postgraduate specialization in tree improvement
• Broad understanding of tree seed procurement, seed sourcing and gene resource conservation