The Center for International Forestry Research advances human wellbeing, environmental conservation, and equity by conducting research to inform policies and practices that affect forests in developing countries. With headquarters in Bogor, Indonesia and offices in Asia, Africa and South America, CIFOR works in over 30 countries worldwide and has links with researchers in 50 international, regional and national organisations. CIFOR is a member of the CGIAR (Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research).

CIFOR is looking for creative and visionary Director of Forests and Governance Programme.

The director will lead research on how society can make more informed and democratic decisions that support sustainable forests and livelihoods. The multidisciplinary programme currently includes research on decentralisation and devolution, forest finance and law enforcement, and collaborative forest management. In the future, the programme will also contribute to Center-level initiatives emerging from CIFOR’s new strategy, including one on climate change and forests. This position reports to the director general and is a member of the management team.

The director of the Forests and Governance programme will:

• Contribute to the overall leadership of CIFOR as a member of the management team
• Facilitate development of strategic direction and lead the Forests and Governance programme
• Lead a multidisciplinary and multicultural research group (with approx. 30 staff members who are located both at headquarters and at regional or project offices) and encourage teamwork
• Foster collaboration with other CIFOR research programmes, regional offices and partner organisations
• Represent CIFOR in relevant international forums
• Develop, implement and coordinate global fund-raising strategies.

The ideal candidate will have a PhD in a relevant field and a minimum of 10 years professional experience including research management and field experience. Proven expertise in leading collaborative research is required. The director will have a clear understanding of the current state - and have visions of the future state of knowledge about the governance of natural resource systems, and be conversant with relevant global processes. She or he will have experience in both research and development fields, and a relevant publications record. The director will be supportive of staff development, and will focus on continuous improvement and learning.

The ideal candidate will have a proven fund-raising record and substantial proposal-writing experience. She or he will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including excellent writing skills. Fluency in English is required; proficiency in other international languages is desirable.

Terms of Employment

• CIFOR offers an internationally competitive salary and an expatriate benefits package including housing, transportation, home leave, education support and comprehensive healthcare.
• The position is based in Bogor, Indonesia, and extensive international travel is required.
• The position begins in early 2010

Application Process

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Consideration of external and internal applicants has just started. Interviews will be held in Bogor, Indonesia, and wil be tentatively scheduled at the end of October or early November.

All applications will be acknowledged, however only short-listed candidates will be contacted. All correspondence will be held in confidence.

A letter of interest and a curriculum vita should be sent to:

Human Resources Department, CIFOR
E-mail: cifor-hr@cgiar.org
Please indicate the position to which you are applying in the email subject line

To learn more about CIFOR and living in Indonesia, visit our website at: http://www.cifor.cgiar.org 

CIFOR is an equal opportunity employer. We believe staff diversity contributes to excellence.