INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH IN THE
DRY AREAS (ICARDA), ALEPPO, SYRIA
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT (Re-advertisement)
RANGE MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST
Aleppo, Syria
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 the 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 Specialist to work as part of a multidisciplinary team in developing improved production systems in the dry areas. The position will focus on the development of technological options for better rangeland management. It requires a scientist who is familiar with participatory approaches and the utilization of rangelands for animal production by indigenous communities. Experience in the institutional and policy aspects of rangelands and knowledge of the concepts of payment for environmental services would be an advantage. 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
The successful candidate will be responsible for:
· developing a research strategy for sustainable rangeland management with the active participation of rangeland users and the National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS).
· designing and implementing range management and rehabilitation studies on livestock production in the context of existing policy and institutional options.
· assessing the status, constraints and potentials of the production base in view of 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.
· writing scientific articles for publication in peer-reviewed journals, and preparing project reports, training materials, and other documents.
· assisting, supervising, and assessing, as appropriate, visiting scientists, post‑doctoral fellows, undergraduate students, research assistants, and other technical staff.
· developing and contributing to training courses and workshops/conferences.
· participating in project fundraising.
· representing ICARDA in regional and international events.
Qualifications and Experience
· Earned PhD in a relevant discipline, and a minimum of five years professional experience in rangeland management in the dry areas.
· Proven record of research excellence, scientific publication, and proposal preparation.
· Experience in interacting with multiple stakeholders on range management.
· Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team.
· Fluency in English language is essential, and a working knowledge of Arabic, Russian, Spanish or French languages will be an advantage.
· Competency in the use of relevant computer applications.
· Possession of supervisory and management skills.
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 of 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 their CV and a letter of application, including 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: ICARDA-JOBS@CGIAR.ORG
Website: http://www.icarda.cgiar.org
NOTE
1. If sending application 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).
3. As this is a re-advertisement, candidates who have already applied do not need to re-apply.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications must be received by 31 August 2006.
ICARDA is an equal opportunity employer, and encourages applications from women.
11 July 2006