About the position
The role exists to represent ICRAF’s interests in the region and coordinate the development and implementation of a roadmap that enables the smooth and effective implementation of ICRAF’s strategy and research agenda in the region. The incumbent is expected to provide overall leadership to ensure quality execution of ICRAF research activities in the region.
Key tasks include;
Strategic Regional Leadership
To lead the development and implementation of a regional strategy that responds to local needs and opportunities while furthering ICRAF’s global mission.
To monitor implementation and review/improve the regional strategy as necessary.
To promote the right conditions for countries in the region to implement agroforestry R&D, development of CRPs and to provide support for ICRAF’s work, through foresight studies.
To facilitate institutional integration and coherence through regular communication and liaison with CRP Leaders, Theme Leaders, other Regional
Coordinators, and all support units (e.g. Research Methods Group, Communications Unit, Impact Assessment and Learning, Capacity Development Unit and Knowledge Management Unit).
To stimulate and contribute to the production of research outputs, including scientific publications and development innovations.
Representation, Networking and Partnerships
Develop and maintain regional and host country relations and establish and update collaborative agreements with strategically-chosen partners at regional and country levels.
Represent the Centre in scientific, diplomatic, training and other fora in the region and countries and sometimes internationally.
Represent ICRAF in partnerships, coalition, and networks in which ICRAF is a member so as to promote agroforestry thinking and practice in these forums
To oversee implementation of the communication component of the regional strategy, including but not limited to the leading of synthesis of regional outputs, and direction of the communication of research products.
Resource Mobilization
Identifies donors, topics and partners at the regional level (opportunity spotting) for proposals, institutions and specific personnel that will contribute to the institutional goals.
Oversees the contribution of regional scientist in proposal writing, normally in coordination with the leaders of the Global Projects.
Participates directly in resource mobilization by maintaining relations, visiting and hosting donor’s delegation at the regional level. At the international level, travels to donors to present or explain key proposals – usually at the request of SLT or leaders of regional or Global Projects.
Program Implementation
Deliver and communicate the regional annual plan of work and budget in collaboration with FSU, CRP focal points, Theme Leaders and regional staff.
To provide overall supervision, reporting and monitoring, through dashboards and other ICRAF management tools and platforms (including web/internet-based platforms and interactive person-to-person meetings) of regional activities to achieve operational efficiency and effectiveness in the region.
To supervise Country Leaders and regionally-based project leaders and support CRPs, Theme Leaders, especially on project management and reporting.
Identify, monitor and report on potential risks within the region and ensure mitigating measures are implemented.
Ensure that operations activities and processes follow all relevant policies that include but not limited to finance, procurement and human resources.
People Management Responsibilities
To provide leadership in the recruitment of staff for the region in appropriate consultation with SLT, CRPLs, Theme Leaders, and Country Leaders.
Provide effective supervision of country staff and support & mentor them for effective delivery of their work.
Support staff reporting to you with clear job expectations, setting work objectives and providing training/ support where needed.
On-going contract and performance management of those reporting to you – contract renewals, performance evaluations, mid-year reviews, regular meetings, etc. at individual and team/unit levels.
Build cooperation, team spirit, a supportive and learning environment within the region.
Hold regular meetings for updating and planning by the team(s).
Organize and hold regular trainings and reflection times for the regional staff.
Other Responsibilities
Take reasonable care of own occupational health and safety and that of others as obliged by ICRAF’s Safety Policy; and cooperate with ICRAF in complying with requirements under any statutory health and safety provisions of relevant Country laws.
Identify and take action to mitigate potential risks within the work area
Requirements
Academic / Professional Qualifications & Relevant working experience
PhD in agricultural/natural resources sciences, natural resources/agricultural economics, a related social science, business management, or a related discipline or equivalent experience.
Strong publications record, including peer-reviewed journal articles
Research experience in developing countries
Experience with research themes
10 years with minimum of 7 years postdoctoral experience
5-10 years of experience leading teams
Personal Competencies
Skills in research design and quantitative and qualitative data analysis
Strong track record in managing collaborative agroforestry or related relationships with a range of partners, including the private sector
Demonstrated fundraising and proposal writing experience
Familiarity with international agricultural and environmental research
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and relational skills, especially in a cross-cultural environment, and ability to analyze and solve problems, persuade, network and negotiate
Ability to lead and flourish in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams
Ability to create strong teams that are responsive to the research agenda and capacity to mentor young scientists/students and able to work as part of a team as a positive contributor/ encourager
Terms of Offer
The World Agroforestry Centre is an equal opportunity employer and offers a collegial and gender-sensitive working environment. We believe that staff diversity promotes excellence and strongly encourage applications from qualified women. This is a regionally-recruited position and will be for an initial period of three (3) years, renewable, and subject to a six (6) months’ probation period, assessment of performance, continued relevance of the position and availability of resources.
