The Organization
ICARDA is a non-profit international agricultural research center in a worldwide consortium of 15 centers supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). The CGIAR is co-sponsored by the World Bank, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). With a staff of over 400 scientists and support personnel, representing more than 45 nationalities, ICARDA addresses two key areas of agricultural research: germplasm improvement (cereals and legumes) and natural resource management. The Center has a global mandate for barley, lentil and faba bean improvement, and a regional mandate for the improvement of wheat, chickpea and forage and pasture legumes. A major emphasis is placed on the conservation and management of land and water, and improved productivity of small ruminants in integrated farming systems in the dry areas. The Center’s research and training programs are implemented in partnership with national programs and, in most cases, with other CGIAR centers as well as advanced research institutes in both developing and industrialized countries.
The Position
ICARDA is seeking an experienced Rangeland Management and Ecology Specialist to work as part of an interdisciplinary team that focuses on developing improved production systems in dry lands subject to land degradation. The position will focus on the technological, institutional and policy options for better rangeland management and will require a scientist who is familiar with participatory approaches and conflict resolution amongst indigenous communities, and local and national authorities. Knowledge of the concepts of payment for environmental services would be an advantage, as would fluency in English, Arabic, and/or French. The incumbent will be based at ICARDA’s headquarters in Aleppo, Syria, and will be reporting to the Director of Improved Land Management to Combat Desertification MegaProject (MP3).
Job Requirements
Developing a research strategy for rangeland management and conservation together with the National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) and with the active participation of rangeland users, to meet the identified needs for sustainable production through efficient and effective use of natural resources.
Designing and implementing range management and rehabilitation studies focusing on livestock production in the context of existing policy and institutional options.
Assessing the status, constraints and potentials of the production base, considering the interactions among vegetation, livestock, and crops, as well as implied policy and property rights issues.
Testing and promoting technologies on farm to achieve an environmentally sound management of rangelands for livestock production.
Publishing research results in peer-reviewed journals, and preparing reports, training materials, and other documents.
Supervising, assisting and assessing, as appropriate, visiting scientists, post doctoral fellows, degree students, research assistants, and other technical support staff.
Developing and contributing to training courses and workshops/conferences.
Assisting in the preparation of special projects for external funding.
Contributing to the definition and achievement of Program and Center objectives.
Representing ICARDA in regional and international arenas.
Qualifications and Experience
Earned PhD in a relevant discipline, with a minimum of five years professional experience in dry areas rangeland rehabilitation and management.
Proven record of research excellence, scientific publication, and proposal preparation.
Ability to work within a multi disciplinary team.
Fluency in English language and competency in relevant computer applications.
Supervisory and management skills and experience.
Terms of Appointment
The appointment will be for an initial period of two years, renewable thereafter annually. The salary is paid in US dollars. Benefits include housing allowance, paid home leave travel, a pension scheme, life and health insurance package, vehicle for business and personal use, and free enrollment for dependent children in the ICARDA-administered international school (KG–Grade 12).
Living in Syria
ICARDA’s headquarters is situated 30 km south of Aleppo, Syria’s second largest city. In addition to the internationally accredited school, ICARDA runs a Sports and Social Club for the staff. Syria has many historical and archaeological sites, some a short drive from Aleppo. There are four distinct seasons and the terrain varies from desert to mountains to fertile fruit orchards. Major international airlines fly into Damascus and Aleppo.
Method of Application
Qualified applicants should download and complete the ICARDA employment application form (MS Word or PDF), and send with a recent photograph and any other relevant supporting documents (non-returnable) to:
Personnel Services
ICARDA, P.O. Box 5466, Aleppo, Syria
Telephone: (963-21) 2213477, 2225112, or 2225012
Fax: (963-21) 2213490, 2225105, or 5744622
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://www.icarda.cgiar.org
NOTE
1. If sending by e-mail, please do not include graphics or other large file attachments.
2. Quote reference INT-P/8112/06 on application (or in subject line if applying by e-mail).
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications must be received by 30 April 2006.
ICARDA is an equal opportunity employer, and encourages applications from women.
