About our organization
The International Center for Research in Agroforestry (also known as the World Agroforestry or ICRAF) is an independent research institution which generates science-based knowledge about the complex role which trees play in agricultural landscapes and rural livelihoods. As part of the Centre’s work to bring tree-based solutions to bear on poverty and environmental problems, researchers – working in close collaboration with partners – are developing new technologies, tools and policy recommendations for increased food security and ecosystem health.
The Centre’s headquarters are located in Nairobi, Kenya, and research is conducted in 34 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. We are supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and receive funding from over 50 different donors.
To learn more about our organization, please visit our website: www.worldagroforestry.org
The Project and Position
The project “Learning Center for Zero Emission and Climate Resilience in Northern Vietnam (LEARN-VN)” aims to build up a learning center in the campus of Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry (TUAF), which is also a project implementing partner. This is a new initiative and both ICRAF and TUAF need an expert with experience in developing climate learning center and capacity development to advice on different steps. The LEARN-VN is funded by the BftW in the period of January 2023 upto December 2025.
ICRAF Viet Nam country office is seeking for the dynamic motivated Climate Change Specialist cum Project Manager to lead the new project “Learning Center for Zero Emission and Climate Resilience in Northern Viet Nam (LEARN-VN)” funded by Bread for the World (BftW), and to support climate research and capacity development under the BftW funded project “Agroecology for resilient landscapes for the poor in Northern uplands of Viet Nam (A4P).
The post holder is also required to establish and maintain close collaboration with Vietnamese government partners, most importantly departments and research institutes under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE), private sector and stakeholders of other climate projects.
Under supervision of country coordinator, the Climate Change Specialist cum Project Manager is expected to perform the following tasks and responsibilities:
Main Responsibilities
1. Project manager: Learning Center for Zero Emission and Climate Resilience in Northern Viet Nam (LEARN-VN; 2023-2025) (90%)
- Provide overall project management, ensuring effective implementation of project activities, preparation of annual work and financial plans, communication, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), and reporting;
- Provide scientific/techincal support to the prooject team and effectively coordinate all partners in the delivery of project activities, ensuring that partners adhere to quality standards in the course of project implementation.
- Ensure efficiency in the utilization of project resources and effective delivery of outputs;
- Provide scientific/techincal leadership in activities undertaken by the project;
- Manage national staff under supervision and provide guidance and coaching for staff development;
- Prepare annual and narrative reports and other high-level communication materials required by BftW and ICRAF;
- Liaise with BftW, Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry (TUAF) on matters pertaining to the project
- Contribute to the preparation of proposal for the second phase of the project.
2. Partnership, outreach, and program development (10%)
- Support climate research and capacity development under other projects at CIFOR-ICRAF Viet Nam
- Author peer-reviewed publication and ensure quality research outputs including scientific publications, policy briefs, project-related documents and extension materials;
- Pro-actively engage national partners, e.g. MAE, private sector companies and research institutes
- Build and maintain partnerships with partners and donors
- Promote CIFOR-ICRAF work through conference presentations, blogs, organizing and attending workshops
- Lead or contribute to development of concept notes and proposals
- Serve as a member of management team at CIFOR-ICRAF Viet Nam office and contribute to the country program development and management where relevant
- Perform other tasks as deemed necessary
Qualifications and Skills Required
Minimum Academic and Professional Qualifications:
- PhD in climate change, integrated agroforestry system, crop science, soil science, agriculture, forestry, Sustainable NRM, and/or related field;
- Proven publication records.
Minimum Work Experience:
- At least 5 years of relevant experience after Ph.D., preferably related to agroforestry system, climate change, crop science, soil science, agriculture, sustainable NRM and/or rural development;
- Experience in working with not-for-profit organizations and government institutions;
- Experience in project management.
Skills and Competencies
- Pro-active and independent way of working
- Strongly outcome-oriented
- Excellent writing skills in English and Vietnamese, including scientific writing
- Experience in proposal development
- Well organized and demonstrated ability in time management
- Ability to communicate complex ideas effectively, verbally and in writing, in both English and Vietnamese.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work well in multicultural teams
- Demonstrated ability to generate creative, practical approaches to overcoming challenging situations
- Demonstrated ability to manage a range of staff and consultants
- Good computer literacy
- Strong drive to learn new topics and skills and to see research and ideas having positive impact in practice
- Independent, rigorous, excellent social skills, and passionate and motivated by the social and environmental impact potential of their work
- Comfortable with public speaking and workshop facilitation
- Willing to spend time in the field
- Multi-tasking person and able to work under pressure and to meet deadlines
- Open to receiving feedbacks from others
Terms of offer
- Six-month contract with a competitive salary, to be highly renewed upon performance and budget availability.
- The contract is subject to 3 (three) months probation period, assessment of performance with full paid salary.
- Start of working as soon as possible. Immediate availability to join CIFOR-ICRAF team is a merit.
How to apply
Applications for the position must include:
- A cover letter illustrating your suitability for the position against the listed requirements
- A detailed curriculum vitae.
- The names and addresses of three referees, including telephone, and email address
All correspondence should be addressed to the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) Office Hanoi, at the 13th floor, HCMCC building, 249A Thuy Khue street, Tay Ho district, Hanoi, Vietnam OR via email: [email protected]. Applicants should indicate “Application – Climate Change Specialist cum Project Manager” on their application letters and email submissions.
Applications will be considered until the 10 August 2025. Please note that only short-listed applicants will be contacted.
ICRAF believes that staff diversity promotes excellence, and strongly encourages local-based candidates to apply. We invite you to learn more about ICRAF at our web site: