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National Associate Scientist – Climate Change and Landscape Resilience (Ref. No. 2511) Vietnam Country Program
The International Center for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF) envision a more equitable world where trees in all landscapes, from drylands to the humid tropics, enhance the environment and well-being for all. ICRAF is non-profit science institutions that build and apply evidence to today’s most pressing challenges, including energy insecurity and the climate and biodiversity crises. Over a combined total of 65 years, we have built vast knowledge on forests and trees outside of forests in agricultural landscapes (agroforestry). Using a multidisciplinary approach, we seek to improve lives and to protect and restore ecosystems. Our work focuses on innovative research, partnering for impact, and engaging with stakeholders on policies and practices to benefit people and the planet. Founded in 1978, ICRAF is a member of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food secure future dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources.
ICRAF is looking for:
National Associate Scientist – Climate Change and Landscape Resilience
Overview
The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a central anchor for coordination and communication between the ICRAF Vietnam Country Office, the Climate Change Theme project lead, senior associates, and project partners. The post-holder will be responsible for ensuring the smooth coordination and timely implementation of project activities, fostering effective collaboration and coordination internally among ICRAF’s global and national scientists, and other units (Communication Outreach, Capacity Development, Project Management Unit) when required, and externally with established partners such as CARE, WWF, IUCN, and others as needed, in close coordination with the appointed Senior Associate. The role also includes coordinating activities with both local and national government stakeholders.
In addition to coordination responsibilities, the post holder will contribute to the generation of scientific outputs as outlined in the project documents, support the delivery of outputs required by donors, and collaborate with research and implementation partners. The position will also involve organizing and facilitating project-related events, supporting fieldwork, and, when necessary, representing the project and organization in external engagements.
Summary of responsibilities Research
- Lead and co-lead in designing methodology and conducting research activities (data collection and analysis) on the topics of climate change and landscape resilience, and other relevant domains.
- Lead and contribute to developing tools, manuals, and guidelines.
- Contribute to managing databases on policy and regulations, and other data and information gained from primary and secondary sources.
- Lead and co-lead in writing technical and policy briefs, peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, working papers, and other technical publications.
- Lead and co-lead in designing research activities for students and interns.
- Lead and co-lead scientific presentations and technical meetings with national and sub-national governments, partners, and donors.
Capacity development
- Coordinate and contribute to strengthening the capacity of partners at national and sub-national levels, including facilitating and organizing training, workshops, and other events in collaboration with partners and country teams.
- Facilitate the fieldwork of students and interns, or project teams, as needed.
Project Coordination
- Lead the project reporting and annual workplan and budget of relevant project(s) in collaboration with other team members and project partners.
- Coordinate the project team to ensure accountability processes to donor(s) by contributing to timely submissions of activities and reports on the ground.
- Facilitate the project component leaders to ensure quality and manage high-quality outputs and timely submissions of consultant and partner research outputs.
- Supervise the preparation of reports and minutes of meetings for various meetings, seminars, and workshops with national and local governments and other partners.
- Supervise the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Assessment process within ICRAF, and contribute to the process at the project level, in collaboration with donors and partners.
Resource Mobilization
- Lead and co-lead in conducting resource mobilization activities in Vietnam, including proposal writing and donor meetings, if needed.
Requirements
Education, knowledge, and experience:
- PhD or an early career PhD in landscape management and climate change.
- Vast and strong knowledge of ecosystem services, sustainable landscape, carbon market, payment for forest ecosystem services (PFES), climate change issues and policy, participatory approach, benefit sharing mechanisms, Local Community’s rights and benefit sharing. Knowledge of mangrove ecosystems in Vietnam and globally is an advantage.
- Broad knowledge of Vietnam policy and regulation on agriculture, agroforestry, forestry, ecosystem services, carbon market, and green financing.
- At least five years of experience as a researcher/research assistant position in reputable international or national organisations.
- Authoring or co-authoring research publications – journal articles, books, technical and policy briefs, and others.
- Experience with project management, reporting, monitoring, and evaluation.
- Engagement with NGOs and academic partners.
- Engagement with smallholders, and national and sub-national government. A working or networking experience with the private sectors will be an asset.
- Involvement in resource mobilization and proposal development is an asset.
Personal Attributes and Competencies
- Ability to work independently and proactively communicate with long-distance supervision.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate and work in multi-cultural teams, including collaborating with government and NGO partners.
- Willing to learn new skills and knowledge related to the scope of research topics and expertise.
- Ability to communicate complex ideas effectively, verbally and in writing, in both English and Vietnamese.
- Multitasking, well organised, and able to work under pressure.
- Demonstrated ability to manage a range of staff and consultants.
- Good computer literacy.
- Comfortable with public speaking and workshop facilitation.
Terms and conditions
- This is a Locally Recruited Staff (LRS) position. ICRAF offers competitive remuneration in local currency, commensurate with skills and experience.
- The appointment will be for 1 (one) year with the possibility of extension contingent upon performance, continued relevance of the position, and available resources.
- The duty station will be in Hanoi, Vietnam.
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: ICRAF-VIETNAM@CIFOR-ICRAF.ORG. Applicants should indicate “Application – Climate Change Specialist and Landscape Resilience National Associate Scientist” on their application letters and email submissions. Applications will be considered until the 31 October 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: