Post Doctoral Scientist; Agro-Ecosystems Modeling

Posted: 20 Feb 2013 04:08 AM PST Vacancy Number: PDS/HHM/02/2013 Location: Nairobi, Kenya Duration: 2 years with the possibility of renewal Base salary dependent on experience – starting from USD 35,000per annum. Total salary & international benefits package circa USD 65,000per annum (tax free*) The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) works to enhance the roles livestock play in pathways out of poverty in developing countries. ILRI is a member of the CGIAR Consortium, a global research partnership of 15 centres working with many partners for a food-secure future. ILRI has two main campuses in East Africa and other hubs in East, West and Southern Africa and South, Southeast and East Asia. www.ilri.org. CGIAR is a global agricultural research partnership for a food-secure future. Its science is carried out by 15 research centres that are members of the CGIAR Consortium in collaboration with hundreds of partner organizations. www.cgiar.org. The Position: ILRI seeks to recruit a Post-doctoral scientist to contribute in the system analysis and modelling skills at the Livestock Systems and Environment group. Increasing demands from Consortium Research Programmes (CRPs) to perform integrated analysis and to measure impacts at the household level motivate the recruitment of the post doc fellow. Responsibilities Coordinate household-level data collection across study regions for the humidtropics and CCAFS. Participate of the development of regional and local scenarios of agricultural futures in the study regions of CRP 1.2 and 7. Adapt a suite of existing household models for climate change adaptation and mitigation studies. Perform data analyses on household-level data to parameterise existing tools. Analyze trade-offs in the use of resources in farming systems and how these are affected by climate and other drivers of change. Perform ex-ante assessment of adaptation and mitigation options that can improve food security and ecosystem services of smallholder farming systems. Publish the results of above mentioned tasks in high quality peer-reviewed journals. Requirements PhD in agronomy, agro-ecology, livestock sciences or related disciplines obtained within the last 3 years. Strong systems thinker with problem-solving training. Research experience in and knowledge of modelling techniques (e.g. dynamic simulation, optimization techniques, agent-based modelling). Proven qualitative and quantitative data analysis and data management skills Excellent demonstrable English writing skills. Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to work flexibly in multicultural, multidisciplinary teams; Knowledge of literature on climate change adaptation and drought risk management. Knowledge of mixed and extensive crop-livestock systems, natural resource management and/or agricultural development problems in the tropics. Knowledge of one or more of the following: social learning, decision making under uncertainty, risk analysis, impact assessment, monitoring and evaluation. Publications in high quality peer-reviewed journals Experience in the use of GIS and remote sensing will be considered an advantage Work experience in developing countries. Working knowledge of Spanish and French. Post location: Nairobi Position level: Post-doctoral Scientist. Duration: 2 years with the possibility of renewal, contingent upon individual performance and continued funding. Terms of appointment: ILRI offers a competitive international remuneration and benefits package which includes: Medical insurance – Life insurance and allowances for: – EducationsHousing – Security – Disturbance – Home leave; Annual holiday entitlement of 30 days + 11 public holidays. *Benefits are tax free subject to compliance with tax regulations of country of citizenship. Applicants should address a cover letter and CV to Human Resource Director explaining their interest in the position, what they can bring to the job and the names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience. Email your application to ilri-PDS-HHM@cgiar.org before 23 February 2013. The position title and reference number: REF: PDS/HHM/02/2013 should be clearly marked on the subject line of the online application. To find out more about working at ILRI visit our website at http://www.ilri.org/ilricrowd/ Suitably qualified women and citizens of developing countries, with experience of working internationally, are particularly encouraged to apply.