Country Director, Cote d'Ivoire

Reference number:
Job status: In-progress
Job category: Global Position
Duty station: Abidjan, Cote D'Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
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CIFOR-ICRAF
The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) envision a more equitable world where trees in all landscapes, from drylands to the humid tropics, enhance the environment and well-being for all. CIFOR and ICRAF are non-profit science institutions that build and apply evidence to today's most pressing challenges, including energy insecurity and the climate and biodiversity crises. Over a combined total of 65 years, we have built vast knowledge on forests and trees outside of forests in agricultural landscapes (agroforestry). Using a multidisciplinary approach, we seek to improve lives and to protect and restore ecosystems. Our work focuses on innovative research, partnering for impact, and engaging with stakeholders on policies and practices to benefit people and the planet. Founded in 1993 and 1978, CIFOR and ICRAF are members of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food secure future dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources.

CIFOR-ICRAF is looking for a
Country Director, Cote d'Ivoire
Overview The Country Director will contextualize and deliver CIFOR-ICRAF's Strategic Results Framework, in Cote d'Ivoire, in partnership with appropriate and relevant national and national partners from across all sectors of society, for the benefit of the country and beyond. S/he will also provide overall leadership within the Country to represent CIFOR-ICRAF's interests in the country and ensure quality execution of CIFOR-ICRAF research activities.

Duties and responsibilities Strategic Leadership

• To promote the right conditions for achieving CIFOR-ICRAF strategic objectives (science quality, impact, partnership and operational efficiency) in Cote D'Ivoire.
  
• To lead the Country's Functional Units, partners, and other stakeholders for the operationalization of the Country strategy.
  
• To facilitate institutional integration and coherence through regular communication and liaison with leadership of all CIFOR-ICRAF's relevant programmatic, thematic and country.
  
• Lead scientific research on agroforestry, forestry, climate change, landscape ecology and related agroforestry research, especially those related to national programs and policies.
  
• To facilitate publishing and present research findings at all levels including local, national and international levels.
  
• Lead the development of country projects and coordinate deliverables for the Science Domains in the country; periodic reporting of the status of research and partnerships carried out in Cote D'Ivoire for internal and external communications; strengthening partnerships for enhancing the science and pursuing the science agenda of CIFOR-ICRAF.
  

Resourcing and managing a multi-site, multi-disciplinary team for development impact through research

• To lead resource mobilization through opportunity spotting and capture, catalyzing the writing of proposals, establishing and managing donor relations and the country's institutional profile.
  
• To provide leadership in the recruitment of staff for the region in appropriate consultation with leadership of all of ICRAF's relevant programmatic, thematic and country team;
  
• To prepare annual plan of work and budget in collaboration with FSU, CRP focal points, Theme leaders and country staff.
  
• Provide overall supervision of country activities to achieve operational efficiency and effectiveness in the region; including direct supervision of Country staff (as appropriate), including performance management and evaluation.
  
• To develop and nurture a supportive, productive, efficient and equitable working environment for all staff.
  
• To supervise country-based teams who are part of CIFOR-CRAF's matrix with headquarters-based units.
  
• To stimulate and contribute to the production of research outputs, including scientific publications, and development innovations.
  

Communication, Partnership-Building and Institutional Visibility

• To develop and manage partnerships that contribute to furthering the country strategy, e.g. with national institutions, private sector, farmers' organizations, CGIAR Centers, hosting countries organizations and others, as appropriate.
  
• To oversee implementation of the communication component of the country strategy, including but not limited to the leading of synthesis of regional outputs, and direction of the communication of research products.
  
• To represent CIFOR-ICRAF at appropriate national events and forums and internationally as may be necessary.
  
• To support the assessment of impact of CIFOR-ICRAF's work in the country.
  

Requirements Minimum Academic and Professional Qualifications

• PhD in a field related to agriculture, forestry, agroforestry or natural resources management including related social sciences.
  
• Experience in conducting research in agroforestry or a closely related field, demonstrated by quality publications in high impact journals.
  
• Research and management experience in developing countries; Experience in Côte d'Ivoire is an asset.
  
• 10 years with a minimum of 7 years postdoctoral experience.
  
• 10 years of experience leading teams.
  

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Skills in research design and quantitative and qualitative data analysis.
  
• Proven track record in managing collaborative agroforestry relationships with a range of partners, including the private sector.
  
• Demonstrated fund raising and proposal writing experience.
  
• Familiarity with international agricultural and environmental research and development.
  
• 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.
  

Education, knowledge and experience
• PhD in a field related to agriculture, forestry, agroforestry or natural resources management including related social sciences.

• Experience in conducting research in agroforestry or a closely related field, demonstrated by quality publications in high impact journals.

• Research and management experience in developing countries; Experience in Côte d'Ivoire is an asset.

• 10 years with minimum of 7 years postdoctoral experience.

• 10 years of experience leading teams.

Terms and conditions
• This is a Globally Recruited position. CIFOR-ICRAF offers competitive remuneration in USD currency, commensurate with skills and experience.

• The duty station will be in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire CIFOR-ICRAF Offices.

Application process The application deadline is 30 Nov
We will acknowledge all applications, but will contact only short-listed candidates.

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