Postdoctoral Scientist in innovation approaches to enhancing rainwater management in crop-livestock systems

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Vacancy Number: PDFI/PLE/09/10
Postdoctoral Scientist in innovation approaches to enhancing rainwater management in crop-livestock systems
Department: People, Livestock and Env.
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Duration: Fixed term for two years

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit a postdoctoral scientist to conduct research on innovation processes that would enhance rainwater management for livelihood and environment benefits in the Nile Basin of Ethiopia. This position will in particular contribute to action research on the role of existing local, national and regional stakeholders and their networks in the water and natural resource management arena in enhancing rainwater management and, the opportunities to accelerate innovation through establishment of local stakeholder platforms.

The globally networked International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) helps to reduce poverty, hunger and environmental degradation by enhancing animal agriculture in developing countries. ILRI positions its work at the dynamic interface of poverty alleviation and sustainable livestock livelihoods. Our staff works in partnerships and alliances with hundreds of organisations in developed and developing countries, including some of the finest universities and research institutions in the world. ILRI’s headquarters are in Nairobi, Kenya, with a principal campus in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Staff members are also based in 7 partner institutions in other parts of Africa, in Asia and Latin America. We employ more than 700 staff from about 40 countries and are one of 15 centres around the world sponsored by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR).

Location: The position will be based in ILRI Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with considerable time spent at field sites in the Nile Basin of Ethiopia.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Specifically, the successful applicant, working closely with the multi-disciplinary and multi-organisational team will be expected to:
To conduct a diagnosis of existing water/NRM actors and networks at learning sites in the Nile Basin of Ethiopia with a view to identifying institutional constraints and good practices for improved rainwater management strategies.
To experiment with strategies for engaging local, national and regional actors more effectively to accelerate innovations contributing to enhanced rainwater management.
To develop and apply tools for monitoring innovation processes at local and national levels as part of a monitoring and learning strategy.
Liaise regularly with the larger project team to ensure the research is aligned with broader project objectives.
To conduct analysis of the interface between livestock and water management with a view to developing interventions to enhance system water productivity at landscape scale.
To co-supervise Masters students and support staff engaged by the project
To publish in national and international journals and, contribute to research reports, briefs and strategic communication material targeted at various audiences at different scales.

Preferred Skills:

A PhD degree obtained no more than 5 years ago in Innovation Systems Studies, Science and Technology Policy, Institutional and policy studies or a relevant discipline in the social sciences related to agricultural innovation systems in developing country with some understanding of bio-physical aspects of agricultural systems
Proven success in analysis of agricultural systems and institutions, having experience in collection of primary data and survey design in developing countries.
Understanding of M&E approaches especially more progressive approaches to monitoring and learning.
Demonstrated skills in quantitative and qualitative data analysis.
Ability to work in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams in developing countries. Demonstrated ability to lead and manage technical teams at research sites.
Good publications record with strong written and oral communication skills in English
A willingness to travel frequently
Post doctoral contracts are available for two years and are non-renewable. ILRI offers a competitive remuneration package paid in US dollars.

To apply for this post:

Applicants should send a cover letter expressing their interest, detailed curriculum vitae and the names and addresses (including telephone, fax and e-mail) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to the Human Resources Office, P.O.Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; e-mail: recruit-ilri-Eth@cgiar.org

ILRI-IWMI vacancy: Post doctoral fellow – Innovations (closing 15 October 2010).

We will begin reviewing applications after 15 October 2010 – or until the position is filled.

Schedule for Selection Process: There may be telephone interviews for short-listed candidates during end of October 2010 and selection interviews will be held in ILRI Addis Ababa during October/November 2010. Although these dates may be subject to change, it would be useful if candidates could be available around these dates.

For further information visit ILRI – http://www.ilri.org

ILRI is an equal opportunity employer and is keen to further diversify its staff in terms of both gender and nationality.

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