Research Assistant

About the organization

The World Agroforestry Centre is an independent research institution which generates science-based knowledge about the complex role trees play in agricultural landscapes and rural livelihoods. As part of the Centre’s work to bring tree-based solutions to bear on poverty and environmental problems, researchers – working in close collaboration with partners – are developing new technologies, tools and policy recommendations for increased food security and ecosystem health.

The Centre’s headquarters are located in Nairobi, Kenya, and research is conducted in 23 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. We are supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and receive funding from over 50 different donors.

The Position

The job holder will assist in carrying out research on value chains and extension approaches. The job will specifically include the following duties and responsibilities:

• Conduct field research under the supervision of an ICRAF researcher including informal and formal surveys.
• Conduct literature search on themes related to value chains and extension approaches.
• Access data from existing databases for relevant agroforestry products.
• Maintain and update data bases on proposals, projects, activities, staff and grants.
• Assist in preparing research papers for publications.
• Any other related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications, skills and experience

• MSc in agricultural economics, or a related social science.
•  Knowledge of MS Word, Excel and Power point
• Knowledge and experience in using Stata, SPSS, or SAS or any other econometric/ statistical software package.
• Practical experience conducting field surveys including both qualitative and quantitative data.
• Experience in primary data collection with smallholder farmers and other value chain actors: surveys & questionnaire design, conducting and supervising questionnaire surveys, participatory rural appraisals and focus group discussions; quality control, data entry, data cleaning etc.
• Good communication (in written and spoken English), interpersonal skills and organizational skills
• Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary/multi-cultural team on trans-disciplinary issues
• Data analysis, preparing graphs and tables.
• Strong scientific/ report writing skills.

    

Terms of offer

The World Agroforestry Centre is an equal opportunity employer and offers a collegial and gender-sensitive working environment. We believe that staff diversity promotes excellence and strongly encourage applications from qualified women. This position is remunerated on local terms. The appointment will be for an initial period of three (3) years, subject to a six (6) months’ probation period.  

How to apply

Prepare:

·         A cover letter illustrating your suitability for the position, and your salary expectations.

·         Detailed and up-to-date curriculum vitae.

·         The names and addresses of three referees, including telephone numbers and email addresses, and fax details, if available.

Address these to:

The Human Resources Unit, World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), PO Box 30677, 00100, Nairobi, Kenya OR send via email to: icrafhru@cgiar.org. Indicate “Application for Research Assistant” on the application letter. Applications will be considered until 31^st January 2013 or until a suitable candidate is identified. Please note that only short-listed applicants meeting the above requirements will be contacted.

To learn more about us, visit our website: www.worldagroforestry.org