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. We are one of 15 centres within the CGIAR. Our headquarters are in Bogor, Indonesia, and we have offices in Asia, Africa and South America.

We are looking for a Research Officer who shares our passion for enhancing the role of forests in human well-being and environmental conservation, and our commitment to professionalism, innovation, impact, and collaboration.

The Research Officer will assist in managing and monitoring the implementation of projects under the supervision of the scientist and project manager. The research officer will primarily support the project 'Chinese trade and investment in Africa: Assessing and governing trade-offs to national economies, local livelihoods and forest ecosystems', as well as one or two other projects as agreed with the supervising project manager. The Research Officer will work closely with scientists, research project/task managers, finance and human resources divisions, the project development unit and information services group to implement the following activities:

Duties and responsibilities

• Participate in research:
  • Coordinate research/fieldwork in selected locations
  • Maintain appropriate communications with key stakeholders and partners as requested by project manager. These may include local and national government agencies, environmental and development, social advocacy NGOs, (private companies – if applicable), and donor organizations
  • Maintain databases related to the project/programme
  • Assist in (literature) review, data analysis, and other tasks supporting research
  • Assist with the preparation and publication of research results/reports in various media
  • Oversee the development of a database containing the data obtained from interviews and surveys
  • Assist in other research activities as required.
• Provide project management assistance:
  • Assist in the development and implementation of creative project management tools 
    Manage contracts and agreements with research partners, donors, consultants, and interns
  • Contribute to the development of project proposals
  • Maintain and monitor technical and financial records, in close collaboration with the Finance Unit
  • Assist in organizing workshops, training or field work as required
  • Assist in reporting (minutes, translation, etc)
  • Other duties as required by the project.
• Support cross-programme/cross project coordination:
  • Coordinate activities, meetings and discussions
  • Assist in annual planning and development of Medium Term Plans
  • Assist in identifying ways to coordinate projects for Domains strategy implementation
  • Other, as needed

Details of duties, assignments and objectives will be further discussed in the application process.

Requirements

Education, experience and technical skills

• Masters degree is preferred, in political economy, political science, environmental and natural resources management or other related discipline.
• Have knowledge of and experience in conducting research.
• Familiar with aid donor activities and processes.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Strong computer skills in word processing, database and other relevant office applications.

Personal attributes and competencies

• Competent in personal organization and priority setting, with the ability to work effectively under time pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• Have initiative and capable of working independently as well as an effective team player.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with people in a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural environment.
• Experience working with a wide and diverse network of groups and individuals.

Terms and conditions

• This is a nationally recruited position.
• The initial employment will be for 1 year with the possibility of extension. CIFOR offers attractive and competitive remuneration, commensurate with skills and experience.
• The position will be based at the CIFOR headquarters in Bogor, Indonesia.

Application process

• The application deadline is 12 November 2011. Screening of applications will start right afterwards.
• We will acknowledge all applications, however we will contact only short-listed candidates. Please send your letter of interest and CV, including contact information for three referees to:

Human Resources Department, CIFOR 
cifor-hr-jobs@cgiar.org 
Please indicate the position and the reference code in the email subject line. 

CIFOR is an equal opportunity employer. 
Staff diversity contributes to excellence.