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Research Assistant – 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:
Research Assistant in Climate Change and Landscape Resilience
Overview
The primary purpose of this Research Assistant position is to support the National Project Coordinator in the effective coordination and timely implementation of project activities, with a particular focus on research, stakeholders’ facilitation and networking, and knowledge generation components. The position will also support communication with external partner. The Research Assistant will contribute, under the guidance of National Project Coordinator and Technical Project Leads, to the production of scientific and technical outputs as defined in the project documents, including literature reviews, data collection and analysis support, drafting technical notes and reports, and tracking deliverables required by the project coordinator. The position will also support coordination with local and national government agencies, particularly in relation to research activities, policy-relevant analysis, and validation of findings.
In addition, the role involves supporting the organization and facilitation of project workshops, trainings, and consultation meetings; assisting with fieldwork planning and implementation; and providing logistical and technical support for stakeholder engagement. When required, the Research Assistant may support external communications and represent the project in meetings or events, under the supervision of senior project staff.
The post holder will support the implementation of the following CIFOR-ICRAF projects:
(1) Carbon for Good: Enabling a High-quality Forestry Carbon Market in Vietnam
(2) UBS Optimus Foundation project Phase 1: Enabling a High Quality – High Integrity Blue Carbon Market in Vietnam and upcoming Phase 2: Building the Commercial and Investment Case for Blue Carbon in Vietnam
(3) Other projects as tasked by the Viet Nam Country Coordinator and/ or CCE Theme Leader.
Tasks and Responsibilities Research (45%)
- Support in designing methodology and conducting research activities (data collection and analysis) on the topics of carbon credit, climate change and landscape resilience, and other relevant domains.
- Support and contribute to developing tools, manuals, and guidelines.
- Support in managing databases on policy and regulations and other data and information gained from primary and secondary sources.
- Support and lead in writing technical and policy briefs, peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, working papers, and other technical publications.
- Support for designing research activities for, and co-supervise students and interns.
- Support in preparing scientific presentations to and technical meetings with national and sub-national governments, partners, and donors.
Tasks and Responsibilities in Project Implementation (45%)
- Support the Project Coordinator in developing reports and workplans as well as budget of relevant project(s) in collaboration with other team members and project partners.
- Support the Project Coordinator in ensuring accountability processes to donor(s) by contributing to timely submissions of activities and reports on the ground.
- Contribute to producing high-quality outputs and timely submissions of consultant and partner research outputs.
- Support the preparations of reports and minutes-of-meetings for various meetings, seminars, and workshops with national and local governments and other partners.
- Support the management of project logistics, documentation, and data, ensuring that research processes are efficient, which is a core component of capacity building.
- Support the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Assessment process within CIFOR-ICRAF, and contribute to the process at the project level, in collaboration with donors and partners.
Capacity development (5%)
- Support in coordinating and facilitating workshops and training initiatives to contribute to the overall improvement of institutional research capacity and strengthening the capacity of partners at national and sub-national levels.
- Facilitate and join the fieldwork of students and interns, or project teams, as needed.
Other Responsibilities (5%)
- Take reasonable care of own occupational health and safety and that of others as obliged by CIFOR-ICRAF’s Occupational Health and Safety Policy and cooperate with CIFOR-ICRAF in complying with requirements under any statutory health and safety provisions of relevant Country laws.
- Participate in CIFOR-ICRAF Vietnam projects as required.
- Other tasks as required.
Requirements
Education, knowledge, and experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, forestry, ecology, geography, environmental science and policy, environmental economics, or a related field.
- Good knowledge of ecosystem services, sustainable landscapes, carbon markets, payment for forest ecosystem services (PFES), climate change issues and policy, participatory approach, benefit sharing mechanisms, Local Community’s rights and benefit sharing. Knowledge on mangrove ecosystems in Vietnam and globally is an advantage.
- Good knowledge of Vietnam policy and regulation on agriculture, agroforestry, forestry, ecosystem services, and carbon market project.
- Minimum 3 years’ of relevant professional experience as a researcher/research assistant position in reputable international or national organisations.
- Experience in and passion for technical delivery. Familiarity with spatial analysis, remote sensing and data management will be an asset
- Experience with project management, reporting, monitoring, and evaluation.
- Experience working with multiple partners, including but not limited to national and sub-national government, academic partners, NGOs and local communities.
- Experience with climate change mitigation in the agriculture, forestry, and other land use (AFOLU) sector, monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) systems, carbon project development and implementation for voluntary and/or compliance markets, and/or green financing will be an asset.
Personal Attributes and Competencies
- Ability to work independently and in teamwork environment
- 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.
- Demonstrated ability in communicating information, including high quality writing skills, in both English and Vietnamese.
- Well organised, and able to work under pressure.
- 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 2.5 (two andh half) 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 Ward, Hanoi, Vietnam OR via email: ICRAF-VIETNAM@CIFOR-ICRAF.ORG. Applicants should indicate “Application – Research Assistant in Climate Change and Landscape Resilience” on their application letters and email submissions. Applications will be considered until the 15 March 2026. Please note that only short-listed applicants will be contacted.
ICRAF promotes Gender Diversity – Applications from women professionals are encouraged.
ICRAF is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity.