Scientist I, Nature-positive Agriculture and Agrobiodiversity at Bioversity International

Responsibilities

The specific tasks of the position include the following:

•  Provide a framework for the design, implementation, monitoring, risk management and evaluation of biodiversity and nature-positive interventions
•  In collaboration with the Alliance staff and partners, contribute to the initiation and timely submission of project proposals on the use of biodiversity
•  Develop and implement innovative research activities, and ensure effective utilization of tools, methods and indicators for biodiversity and nature-positive interventions
•  Publish quality research results in peer-reviewed journals as well as briefs, reports etc.
•  Engage with key stakeholders to establish and maintain strategic partnerships with regional institutions, country/government officials, international and local donors, international and local NGOs, universities and other institutions that work with the Alliance
•  Contribute to fundraising by developing proposals and concept notes for the generation of financial and human resources to support the research agenda
•  Ensure integration of biodiversity knowledge in sustainable agriculture projects
•  Provide technical oversight and serve as a subject matter expert in one or more of the following three technical areas: ethnobotany, nature-positive production, enabling environment
•  Ensure participatory approaches are applied in the selection of key species or combination of species
•  Identify, if any, policy gaps that hinder the transition towards sustainable, biodiversity-positive agriculture and propose policy solutions to fill the identified gaps
•  Collaborate with staff and partners across all priority areas to ensure cross-fertilization of ideas and coordination of activities
•  Outline any gaps that must be filled in order for women and youth to be involved in decision-making processes related to biodiversity and biodiversity-positive agriculture
•  Order by priority potential development plans and interventions; in particular, the prioritization should take into account the inclusion of indigenous people and other vulnerable groups
•  Represent and give visibility to the Alliance in relevant forums and arenas
•  Contribute to other organizational activities as and when required

Requirements

Essential requirements

•  A completed PhD in agroecology, biology or related fields
•  Demonstrated research excellence
•  Strong publication record
•  Experience with planning, implementing, and monitoring biodiversity programs and with managing multiple projects
•  Experience with working in development programs with international and national NGOs and UN organizations, and with government authorities at national level
•  Experience with ethnobotany, policy processes, project management, and participatory interventions
•  Knowledge of different social, agricultural and rural and economic development issues, questions and challenges
•  Knowledge of biodiversity and nature-positive agriculture, including the role of traditional and indigenous knowledge in sustainable production systems
•  Experience with working within interdisciplinary research projects and multicultural teams
•  Excellent analytical skills with ability to compile, analyze and interpret quantitative and qualitative data, prepare reports and draw conclusions and recommendations
•  Knowledge of relevant actors in the agricultural development sector (government institutions, international organizations, NGOs, academia, etc.)
•  Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to work effectively with people at all levels in a multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary environment, including external stakeholders
•  Proficiency in relevant software packages (Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
•  Willingness to travel
•  Excellent oral and written communication skills in English (essential) and French (highly recommended)
•  Ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor work plans
•  Experience with fundraising, donor engagement, and proposal development
•  Excellent teamwork skills