Research Officer I – Internal/External | Somali

Job Description

The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) seeks to recruit a Research Officer I who will be the IKI_RTRP Project (22_III_125_Africa_M_FLRSeedSupply) Regional Coordinator for the Somali Regional State of Ethiopia. The Research Officer I – Somali Regional State Coordinator will act as liaison person between the CIFOR-ICRAF Office in Addis Ababa and the Environmental Protection and Rural Land Administration Bureau (EPRLAB) at Jijiga in the Somali Regional State of Ethiopia and support the staff of EPRLAB implementing the activities described in the Project Document and the Partner Agreement between CIFOR-ICRAF and EPRLAB for the IKI-RTRP Project.

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 the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), a global research partnership for a food secure future dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources.

Key Responsibilities:

• The IKI-RTRP Regional Coordinator for the Somali Regional State is responsible for coordination of all project inputs to the region in close cooperation with the CIFOR-ICRAF Office in Addis Ababa and the Head of EPRLAB in Jijiga;
• Responsible for all infrastruc­ture, vehicles and equipment provided by the IKI-RTRP Project during the period of the project implementation;

• Responsible for liaison and coordination of collaboration with the relevant authorities and projects in the region under supervision of the Senior Team Leader (STL) at the CIFOR-ICRAF Office in Addis Ababa. The Regional Coordinator is answering the STL and the CIFOR-ICRAF Country Director (CD) in Addis Ababa;
• Assist in preparation and implementation of annual work plans for the RTRP Project supported activities and inputs in the region;
• Follow up on use of funds and budgets for IKI-RTRP Project inputs;
• Monitor and evaluate IKI-RTRP Project supported activities, inputs (physical and financial) and related assumptions;
• Identify needs for, propose and coordinate procurement of local equipment and materials.
• Use and control the vehicle provided through the IKI-RTRP Project;
• Monitor disbursement and accounting of imprests from the IKI-RTRP Project;
• Liaise and cooperate with relevant local organizations, institutions, individuals, non-governmental organizations, and projects in the region;
• Under the guidance of and in collaboration with the IKI-RTRP Project staff at the ICRAF Office in Addis Ababa conduct simple research on seed pre-treatment, processing methods, storage methods and conditions, etc.;
• Monitor the IKI-RTRP Project supported activities at the EPRLAB on a continuous basis;
• Support other CIFOR-ICRAF projects in the Somali Regional State, as requested by the CD /STL.

Minimum Requirements:

Education:

• MSc degree in forestry or related field with postgraduate experience in seed procurement and seed technology, and with a general and broad understanding of tree improvement.

Experience

• Three years post-graduate working experience including experience in practical work with tree seed (procurement, testing, storing and dissemination) and research in seed procurement/seed technology. Post-graduate studies in either of the two subjects and/or experience from similar positions elsewhere will be considered an additional advantage.

Skills

• Fluently in speaking, reading and writing Amharic, Somali and English languages.
• Familiarity with development and relevant research techniques in the subject matters.
• Ability to plan work with multi-faceted activities in the office as well as in the field.
• Computer literacy i.e. knowledge in MS Office.
• Ability to analyze data and prepare progress records and reports.
• Updates relevant manuals/protocols
• Flexible work hours and travel and extended fieldwork.
• Follows policies and procedures.
• Prepares progress reports for review.
• Aware of impact of own work
• Make decisions within your own area of work and request approval from supervisor when needed.

Duty Station:  Jijiga, Somali Regional State, Ethiopia

Job Grade:   HG 13

Monthly Base Salary: Birr 42,084

Terms of appointment:  This is a National Staff (NS) position, initial appointment is fixed term for thirty-six months with the possibility of renewal, contingent upon individual performance and the availability of funding. The ILRI remuneration package for nationally recruited staff in Ethiopia includes very competitive salary and benefits such as life and medical insurance, offshore pension plan, etc.

 

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants should provide a cover letter and curriculum vitae; names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to be included in the curriculum vitae.

The position and reference number: RO/CIFOR-ICRAF/4/25 should be clearly indicated in the subject line of the cover letter. All applications to be submitted online on our recruitment portal: http://ilri.simplicant.com by clicking on the “Apply Now” tab above before 19 February 2025.

CIFOR-ICRAF/ILRI does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing or training).

To learn more about CIFOR-ICRAF, please visit our websites at: https://www.cifor.org, www.worldagroforestry.org, https://www.cifor-icraf.org

To find out more about working at ILRI visit our website at http://www.ilri.org/

Suitably qualified women are particularly encouraged to apply.