Postdoctoral Fellow – Financial Governance

About the role

The World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow to lead financial governance research within its forest governance programme. This full‑time position is based in Nairobi and will support the development of robust budgeting, fundraising, and financial oversight mechanisms for collaborative natural‑resource projects.

Key responsibilities

• Provide scientific guidance to ensure research concepts and methods meet the highest standards.
• Collaborate with theme coordinators and CIFOR teams to define and implement emerging research activities.
• Write, supervise, and disseminate scientific publications and communications.
• Lead capacity‑building initiatives and mentor junior scientists, students, and staff.
• Represent CIFOR at national, regional, and global forums on forest governance.
• Develop and maintain constructive partnerships with stakeholders.
• Identify and secure additional research funding, overseeing proposal development and donor reporting.
• Plan, monitor, and manage research activities, including financial tracking.

Required profile

• PhD in a relevant discipline (e.g., natural‑resource management, social sciences).
• Proven experience in collaborative natural‑resource management or social‑science research.
• Track record of developing budgets and managing finances across multiple projects.
• Strong publication record in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Demonstrated success in resource mobilisation, fundraising, and proposal writing.
• Fluent written and spoken English; additional international language(s) an advantage.
• Experience working with multiple partners and multicultural research teams.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to influence forest governance research at a leading international centre.
• Collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment.
• Access to a global network of partners and stakeholders.