CIFOR advances human wellbeing, environmental conservation and equity by conducting research to inform policies and practices that affect forests in developing countries. We are one of 15 centres within the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). Our headquarters are in Bogor, Indonesia, and we have offices in Asia, Africa and South America.

CIFOR is looking for a Research Fellow to work on national policy processes and strategies related to reducing emissions (component 1) of the Global Comparative Study on REDD (GCS-REDD). GCS-REDD is a four-year global comparative research project on first-generation REDD demonstration and readiness activities in selected countries across Asia, Africa and Latin America. The goal is to provide REDD policy makers and practitioner communities with the information, analysis and tools they need to ensure effective and cost-efficient reduction of carbon emissions with equitable impacts and co-benefits – the ‘3E’ criteria. The project consists of four components: national initiatives around policy processes and strategies, demonstration activities, monitoring and reference levels, and knowledge sharing.

The research fellow will be attached to the Forests and Governance Programme, responsible to the programme director and under the immediate supervision of a CIFOR senior scientist.

Duties and responsibilities

1. Scientific coordination of the implementation of at least 3 country case studies: Indonesia, Bolivia and Cameroon
   The research fellow will be a focal point for the year 1 countries case studies in at least Indonesia, Cameroon and Bolivia.  Tasks will include:
   • Oversight of the testing and piloting first-generation research design  (testing of country profiles, social network survey and analysis)
   • Preliminary comparative analysis of national REDD initiatives based on survey results obtained from 3 country case studies.
   • Scientific backstopping of and liaison with partner researchers
   • Training and advice to partners on an individual basis
     
     
2. Contribute to the research design for analysing national REDD initiatives
   The Research Fellow will contribute to the already ongoing development of methodologies for analyzing national REDD initiatives through testing and further development the first-generation research design framework. Tasks will include:
   • Alignment of research methods under component 1 with those from other research components under GCS-REDD (demonstration activities, monitoring and reference levels) with particular attention to multi-level governance aspects
   • Refinement of guidelines for case study analysis, including survey design for social network analysis and comparative policy analysis
     
     
3. Participate in the overall management and coordination of GCS-REDD,
   component 1
   The Research Fellow will be involved in the general management and coordination of component 1 of the GCS-REDD. Tasks will include:
   • Liaison with CIFOR country offices and research partners
   • Organize major events, such as workshops and conferences
   • Assist in the preparation of project related documents and presentations
   • Assist in other tasks where needed

Requirements

1. Education, experience, technical skills and competencies
   • PhD in the social sciences, preferably in economics or political science, with specialisation and expertise in comparative analysis of qualitative (and quantitative) data
   • Knowledge of REDD, governance and the political economy of land use and deforestation
   • Experience in social or policy network analysis
   • Experience in the creation, management and analysis of large datasets (survey data) and the use of social network analysis and  qualitative data analysis computer software packages  
   • Experience in supervision of junior scientists or doctoral students
   • Experience in project management and partner liaison
   • Fluency in English and good writing skills required, knowledge of Spanish, Portuguese or French an asset.
     
     
2. Personal attributes/competencies
   • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with people in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment
   • Have initiative and capable of working independently as well as in team environments; Competency in personal organization, priority setting and managing multiple tasks

Terms and Conditions

• CIFOR offers a competitive remuneration in USD that will be commensurate with skills and experience. Compensation includes international health care, relocation assistance, transportation, housing support.
• The appointment will be for a period of 18 months (including a six month probationary period) with a possibility of extension contingent upon performance, continued relevance of the position and available resources.
• The duty station will be the CIFOR headquarters in Bogor, Indonesia. Extended travel and stay at other locations may be required.

Application process

• The deadline for applying is 31 October 2009.
• We will acknowledge all applications, but we will contact only short-listed candidates. Please send your letter of interest and CV, including contact information for three referees to:

Human Resources Department
CIFOR
cifor-hr@cgiar.org

Please indicate the position in the email subject line.  Don’t forget to include both a telephone number and email address for the three referees.

To learn more about us, please visit our web site at http://www.cifor.cgiar.org/

CIFOR is an equal opportunity employer. Staff diversity contributes to excellence.