Associate Scientist and Project Manager

World Agroforestry Centre – Vietnam Office
Recruitment of Associate Scientist and Project Manager

About our organization

The World Agroforestry Centre (also known as the International Centre for Research in Agroforestry or ICRAF) is an independent research institution which generates science-based knowledge about the complex role which trees play in agricultural landscapes and rural livelihoods. As part of the Centre’s work to bring tree-based solutions to bear on poverty and environmental problems, researchers – working in close collaboration with partners – are developing new technologies, tools and policy recommendations for increased food security and ecosystem health.

The Centre’s headquarters are located in Nairobi, Kenya, and research is conducted in 34 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. We are supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and receive funding from over 50 different donors.

To learn more about our organization, please visit our website: www.worldagroforestry.org

The Projects

The project "Learning Center for Zero Emission and Climate Resilience in Northern Vietnam (LEARN-VN)" aims to build up a learning center in the campus of Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry (TUAF), which is also a project implementing partner. This is a new initiative and both ICRAF and TUAF need an expert with experience in developing climate learning center and capacity development to advice on different steps. The LEARN-VN is funded by the BftW in the period of January 2023 upto December 2025.

The Agroecology for resilient landscapes to overcome poverty of ethnic minorities in Northern Vietnam uplands project, co-funded by the Bread for the World, ICRAF and the Consultative Institute for Socio-Economic Development of Rural and Mountainous Areas (CISDOMA), and implemented in period of 2021-2025 by a ICRAF and CISDOMA. The project will target that Agroecology contributes to build and maintain resilient landscapes with environmental-friendly livelihoods of local poor ethnic minorities, reducing poverty in the Northwest region of Viet Nam.

The Position

ICRAF Viet Nam country office is seeking for the dynamic motivated Associate Scientist and Project Manager to manage the BftW funded project (BfdW-1753) “Agroecology for resilient landscapes to overcome poverty of ethnic minorities in Northern uplands” (2021-2025) and contribute to project (BfdW-1948) “Learning Center for Zero Emission and Climate Resilience in Northern Viet Nam”. The position is based in Hanoi with frequent traveling to project sites in Yen Bai and Hoa Binh once required.

The position is required to establish and maintain close collaboration with Vietnamese government partners, most importantly departments and research institutes under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), their line agencies at provincial and lower levels, and private sector entities.

MainResponsibilities

The post holder works under direct supervision of country coordinator and is expected to perform following tasks and responsibilities

1. A4P Project in Tram Tau, Yen Bai (80%)

• Provide overall project management, ensuring effective implementation of project activities, preparation of annual work and financial plans, reporting, and building/ enhancing partnerships;
• Effectively coordinate the project team and partners in the delivery of project activities, ensuring that the project team and partners adhere to quality standards in the course of project implementation.
• Lead the documentation of project experiences and lessons learned and the preparation of project guiding document for scaling up project approach
• Ensure efficiency in the utilization of project resources and effective delivery of outputs;
• Establish and develop partnerships with relevant local authorities and enhance their capacities on various aspects of agroforestry research and development.
• Prepare activities and progress reports and other high-level communication materials required by BftW and ICRAF;
• Prepare relevant scientific publications based on the research undertaken by the project
• Liaise with BftW Vietnam and Lao office (based in Ha Noi) on matters pertaining to the project

2. LEARN-VN Project in Thai Nguyen province (15%)

• Lead the development, production, testing of context specific hands-on training and awareness raising (TAR) module(s) on agroforestry for climate change adaptation and mitigation;
• Provide regular support to the maintenance of the demonstrations of agroforestry practices for climate change adaptation and mitigation in the climate park in Thai Nguyen;

3. Program management and others (5%)

• Represent CIFOR-ICRAF in conference, workshops, meeting, media… where relevant.
• Develop and maintain collaborations and partnership between CIFOR-ICRAF and partners (research institutions, universities, government agencies…)
• Contribute to the development and management of CIFOR-ICRAF Viet Nam Country program
• Lead or contribute to the development of relevant concept notes and project proposals
• Perform other tasks as deemed necessary

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Project implementation and management: quality and timely project deliverables and reports
• Number of trainings conducted and workshop facilitated
• Number of staff supervised and their performance/ career development
• Number of concept notes/ proposals developed/ contributed to.
• Number of scientific publications as lead-author and co-author.
• Number of other publications (working paper, policy briefs, opinion paper…) as lead-author and co-author.

Qualifications and Skills Required

Minimum Academic and Professional Qualifications:

• PhD degree in agroforestry, agroecology, agricultural science, forestry, sustainable NRM, social sciences, or related fields
• Proven of publication records

Minimum Work Experience:

• At least five years of relevant experience after PhD, preferably related to agroforestry system, crop and/or soild sciences, natural resource management and/or rural development
• Experience in working with not-for-profit organizations and government institutions.
• Experience in project management and M&E.
• Experience in leading and coordinating research
• Experience in social studies including local knowledge, ethnic minority, and gender inclusion

Skills and Competencies

• Statistical software
• Landscape assessment
• Project monitoring and evaluation
• Well organized; able to meet deadlines.
• Good command of English.
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work well in multi-cultural teams.
• Good understanding of time management and able to work under pressure.
• Ability to work independently.
• Good facilitation skill.
• Willingness to spend some time in the project site.
• High interest in receiving feedback from others.

Terms of offer

• Initial one-year contract with a competitive salary, to be renewed until project end.
• The contract is subject to 3 (three) monthsprobation period, assessment of performance and availability of resources

How to apply

Applications for the position must include:

• A cover letter illustrating your suitability for the position against the listed requirements
• A detailed curriculum vitae.
• The names and addresses of three referees, including telephone, and email address

All correspondence should be addressed to the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) Office Hanoi, at the 13th floor, HCMCC building, 249A Thuy Khue street, Tay Ho district, Hanoi, Vietnam OR via email:  [email protected]. Applicants should indicate “Application – Associate Scientist and Project Manager” on their application letters and email submissions.

Applications will be considered until the 26th May 2024. Please note that only short-listed applicants will be contacted.

ICRAF believes that staff diversity promotes excellence, and strongly encourages local-based candidates to apply.  We invite you to learn more about ICRAF at our web site:

www.worldagroforestry.org/regions/southeast_asia/vietnam