Research Assistant on Climate Services for the Alliance Bioversity

Research Assistant on Climate Services for the Alliance Bioversity-CIAT

THE ORGANIZATION

The Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) delivers research-based solutions that harness agricultural biodiversity and sustainably transform food systems to improve people’s lives. Alliance solutions address the global challenges of poverty, malnutrition, climate change, land degradation, and biodiversity loss.

The Alliance works with local, national and multinational partners from low- to high-income countries across Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia and Africa, and with the public and private sectors. With partners, the Alliance generates evidence and mainstreams innovations in large-scale programmes to create food systems and landscapes that sustain the planet, drive prosperity and nourish people.

The Alliance is part of CGIAR, the world’s largest agricultural research and innovation partnership for a food-secure future dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources.

ABOUT THE POSITION

DeRISK Southeast Asia Project (https://deriskseasia.org) aims to develop climate risk management systems, best practices and insurance products that will shield smallholder farmers and businesses across the agricultural value chain in key Southeast Asia countries from physical and financial disaster associated with climate change. It will assist governments in developing national and regional adaptation and risk management strategies.

This Research Assistant will provide support and work closely with the Country Coordinator for Vietnam and DeRISK regional coordinator in piloting climate services in activities in Vietnam. This role is expected to assist in coordinating and implementing field and research activities. Moreover, the Research Assistant will work with the multi-disciplinary team and activities of the Climate Action Lever.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure effective support to project implementation, particularly in the areas of:
  
  • Coordination and implementation of field activities in Vietnam related to project implementation,
  • Development of research methodologies and tools for field data collection such as household survey questionnaire, key informant interviews, focus groups and participatory workshops.
  • Facilitation and coordination support to capacity building activities and participatory workshops. Co-facilitate participatory events, assistance in the development of training designs and modules, support training and management of field enumerators and supervise data collection through survey/interviews;
  • Assistance on Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) activities. Implement necessary activities with the team to disseminate climate information to next- and end-users; support follow up and spot checks of the ongoing activities in pilot sites to ensure quality of outputs. Ensure timely reporting to supervisor for urgent matters to facilitate responsive troubleshooting in an immediate manner;
  • Provide inputs in developing country workplan for Vietnam incorporating local knowledge, experience and context as well as initial lessons learned in climate services implementation.
  • Support regional and national project coordination activities

• Participate in research activities, partnership building and policy support and development
  
  • Conduct literature reviews, data cleaning and systematization, data analysis and report/ manuscript writing of relevant technical activities and projects in Vietnam;
  • Carry out data collection, data cleaning and systematization and contribute to the data analysis and report writing of the insurance component of the project (Work Package 4);
  • Support the identification of scaling opportunities through exploring action plans, programs and policies of partners as well as the private sector;
  • Support and participation of scientific publications;
  • Maintain effective relationships with the project’s local partners at provinces;
  • Support logistical activities and undertake other relevant tasks as assigned by work supervisors;
  • Collaborate with researchers in other research areas of the Alliance working in Southeast Asia;

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor in natural sciences such as crop science, agriculture, sustainable natural resources management, environmental science or other relevant field. Master’s degree is an advantage.

• At least four (4) years of relevant experience, preferably related to agricultural development or natural resources management.

• At least (3) years of experience working in the field or local development project at the community level.

• Experience in working with the international organization, not-for-profit organizations and government institutions

• Experience in project M&E and/or management

• Demonstrated experience in organizing participatory workshops and conducting interviews

• Excellent communication skills, oral and written communication in English and Vietnamese.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCE

• Well organized and able to meet deadlines

• Good command of the English language

• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work well in multi-cultural teams

• Excellent facilitation skills and decision-making

• Good understanding of time management and able to work under pressure

• Ability to work independently and with minimum supervision

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

The position is full time and available for Vietnamese nationals based in Hanoi, Vietnam. Contracts are issued and renewed annually, based on performance and the availability of resources. This position will be subject to an initial two-month probation period. CIAT is an equal opportunity employer and strives for staff diversity.

APPLICATION

To be considered for this position, please send an email to [email protected] (Ms. Angelica Barlis, Project Manager), [email protected] (Mr. Nguyen, Duy Nhiem, Vietnam Country Coordinator) and [email protected] (Ms. Kieu Le Huyen, HR Assistant) with the subject line “Research Assistant on Climate Services – your full name”. In your email, please include:

1. A cover letter illustrating your motivation to apply and suitability for the above position against the listed qualifications and work responsibilities;

2. A detailed curriculum vitae, including the names and email addresses of two professional referees who have worked either as your professional or academic supervisors and are knowledgeable about your skills and professional abilities, and;

3. A writing sample of a professional or academic publication in which you were a lead author or contributed to publication development.

This position is urgent and will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is found. Only qualified applicants with relevant skills and experience will be contacted. We recommend applying as soon as possible and no later than September 15, 2020.