Senior Scientist – Governance and Trade (FLEGT)

About the role

The World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) is seeking an experienced senior scientist to lead research on forest governance and trade under the FLEGT initiative. This full‑time position is based in Nairobi and will shape scientific strategy, supervise research outputs, and represent the centre in high‑level forums.

Key responsibilities

• Provide scientific guidance ensuring research concepts and methods meet the highest standards.
• Collaborate with theme coordinators to define and implement emerging research activities.
• Write, supervise, and disseminate scientific publications and communications.
• Lead capacity‑building initiatives and mentor junior scientists and students.
• Represent CIFOR in national, regional, and global forest‑governance forums.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with stakeholders and donors.
• Identify and secure additional research funding.
• Plan, monitor, and report on research activities and budgets.

Required profile

• PhD in a relevant discipline (e.g., natural resource management, social sciences).
• Proven experience in collaborative natural‑resource or social‑science research.
• Track record of managing multiple projects and budgets across regions.
• Strong publication record in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Demonstrated success in resource mobilisation, proposal development, and fundraising.
• Fluent written and spoken English; additional languages are a plus.
• Experience working with diverse, multicultural research teams in developing countries.

Required skills