Socio-Ecological Associate Scientist at World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF)

Overview

• The purpose of this job is to coordinate and carry out transdisciplinary research on socio-ecological systems and stakeholder engagement in the context of the Agroecology TPP.

Summary of responsibilities
Design and conduct research on social and ecological science dimensions of agroecology:

• This entails research design, data collection, analysis, and presentation of research outputs for publication. In particular, the Associate Scientist will contribute to participatory action research related to co-creating knowledge, stakeholder engagements, and assessing power dynamics among policy actors in the agroecology sector. This position will require the application of innovative quantitative, qualitative, and mixed research methods to collect, analyze, and present transdisciplinary socio-ecological systems science outputs that will foster the upscaling of agroecological transitions both at local and national levels.

Project management:

• To maintain productive collaboration with partners, this role will necessitate proactive coordination of project activities to ensure they seamlessly align with community needs, project goals, and activities of the implementing partners. The Associate Scientist will also coordinate and oversee the implementation of partner activities in line with their respective
• Terms of Reference (ToRs) in the integrated work plan and facilitate their effective and timely reporting. The incumbent will oversee the planning, budgeting, and logistics for Work Package project activities and the timely filing of returns following ICRAF's processes. Further, the Associate Scientist will support the coordination of Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (ME&L) activities and reporting of agroecology projects at CIFOR-ICRAF.

Stakeholder engagement:

• The Associate Scientist will spearhead stakeholder coordination and engagement, managing both remote and on-site interactions. This involves regularly convening meetings with a diversity of stakeholders within agroecological living landscapes. Additionally, the Associate Scientist will plan and conduct stakeholder workshops and engagement session on local, national and global level to facilitate genuine co-creation of knowledge.

Resource mobilization:

• To support the development and submission of high caliber research proposals to fund agroecology research at CIFOR-ICRAF and within the Agroecology TPP and engage with donors and other stakeholders to promote CIFOR-ICRAF’s work on agroecology work and research outputs to ensure continued funding, uptake and impact.

Dissemination and Communication of research outputs and activities:

• As a contribution to evidence-based decision making and acceleration of agroecological transitions, this position will require the prompt preparation, compilation, and publication of research output and project activities through high-quality scientific publications, blogs, and social media. The Associate Scientist will work closely with the Agroecology TPP
• Communications Officer and CIFOR-ICRAF COE to develop high quality communications products.
• Representation of CIFOR-ICRAF and the Agroecology TPP in local, national, and international forums on subjects related to agroecology.
• Provide mentorship through the supervision of research assistants, students, and research enumerators.

Requirements

• Both PhD and master's degree in relevant disciplines (agriculture, agroecology, international development, sociology, environmental studies, human geography, etc.) with a strong focus on social science is required.
• The candidate should possess at least one year active work experience specifically in transdisciplinary agroecological research. Further, at least five years postgraduate experience in participatory action research and quantitative or qualitative data analysis, with experience in both/mixed methods, strongly preferred.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of agroecology, including its social and socialmovement dimensions is a key asset for this position.
• Good connection with key stakeholder involved in agroecological networks and platforms in Kenya is crucial.
• Previous working experience in holistic approaches to measuring agroecology and its performance is mandatory.
• Experience with Nvivo/Atlas.ti, or other relevant qualitative data analysis software preferred.
• Candidates with a track record of publications (or contributions to publications) in peerreviewed journals are preferred.

Personal attributes and competencies:

• Candidate should have solid experience in facilitation, stakeholder engagement, multistakeholder platforms and/or community organizing.
• Candidate should have demonstrated ability and experience to work in an international and transdisciplinary research environment.
• Fluency in English required.
• Good command of Kiswahili and other Kenyan languages strongly preferred