CIFOR is an international research and global knowledge institution committed to conserving forests and improving the livelihoods of people in the tropics. With Headquarters in Bogor, Indonesia and Regional Offices in Brazil, Burkina Faso, Cameroon and Zimbabwe, CIFOR works in over 30 countries worldwide and has links with researchers in 50 international, regional and national organizations. CIFOR is a member of the CGIAR (Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research).

CIFOR is looking for a Research Fellow to work on the Poverty and Environment Network (PEN). PEN is a tropics-wide collection of socio-economic and environmental data at household and village levels by about 30 PEN partners. The individual PEN-partner data sets will make up a global data base to be used for a comprehensive global analysis of forest-poverty issues. More information about PEN is given at: http://www.cifor.cgiar.org/pen/ 

The Research Fellow will be attached to the Forests and Livelihoods Programme and will be responsible to the Programme Director and under the immediate supervision of a CIFOR Principal or Senior Scientist. The Research Fellow will also be a member of the DFID-ESRC Project Steering Committee.

Duties and responsibilities:

1. Establish and manage the PEN global data base
The Research Fellow will, in cooperation with the PEN coordinator, the CIFOR-PEN statistical assistant, and other resource persons involved in PEN, be responsible for developing and maintaining the PEN global data base. This task includes, among other things:

a. Develop the structure and formats of the global data base.

b. Create a set of aggregate variables suitable for the thematic and global analysis.

c. Develop user-friendly documentation to enable PEN researchers (and eventually external users) to effectively use the database.

2. Undertake statistical and econometric analysis on the global data base, and assist PEN researchers doing such analysis
The Research Fellow will be a focal point for the statistical analysis of the PEN global data. In collaboration with PEN researchers, the Research Fellow will take responsibility for an appropriately sequenced and comprehensive analysis of the full data set and of sub-sets of the data.

3. Advise PEN partners in their data analysis
The Research Fellow will serve as a resource person for PEN partners in the analysis of their own data set. This task will include writing a manual and guidelines for case study analysis, and advising PEN partners on an individual basis.

4. Participate in the overall management and coordination of PEN
The Research Fellow will be involved in the general management and coordination of the PEN project, as a co-coordinator. The tasks will include:

a. Maintain and update of the PEN web page.

b. Assist in publication of PENEWS and other publications from PEN.

c. Organize major PEN events, such as workshops and conferences.

d. Prepare progress reports and other correspondence with key donors supporting the PEN project, in particular the ESRC-DFID Secretariat.

Requirements:

1. Technical Competencies:

• At least a Master degree (PhD is preferable) in economics or social science, with a specialization and strong record in statistical/econometric analysis;

• Knowledge of statistical software, preferably Stata;

• Experience in the creation, management and statistical analysis of large data sets;

• Experience in project management;

• Fluency in English and good writing skills required. Knowledge of Spanish, Portuguese and/or French is an asset.

2. Personal Competencies:

• Good interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with people in a multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary environment;

• Able to work independently and take initiative as well as an effective team player;

• Competency in personal organization, priority setting and managing multiple tasks.

Terms and Conditions:

• CIFOR offers a competitive remuneration in USD and 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 2.5 years starting in October or November 2007 (including a six months 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 travels and stays at other locations will be required, including at the University of East Anglia, United Kingdom (UK-based key PEN partner) and the Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway (duty station of the PEN coordinator).

Applications:

Letter of application and curriculum vitae in English (including names and full contact details of two or more professional referees) should be sent by email to the Human Resources Officer, cifor-hr@cgiar.org, not later than July 15, 2007. Please indicate the position in the email subject.

For further information on the Position and CIFOR, consult the Web page at http://www.cifor.cgiar.org  

CIFOR is an equal opportunity employer
We believe that diversity of staff contributes to excellence, and we encourage women and nationals from developing country to apply.