The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) are globally recognized institutions committed to building evidence-based solutions to today’s most pressing environmental, social, and economic challenges. As part of the CGIAR system, CIFOR-ICRAF contributes to shaping global policy, science, and practice by providing sustainable, climate-resilient strategies in agriculture, biodiversity, and forestry. With over six decades of combined experience, these institutions support environmental restoration, climate change adaptation, poverty alleviation, and biodiversity conservation.
CIFOR-ICRAF is currently seeking a highly qualified and visionary Senior Scientist – Tree Breeding and Integrated Tree Seed Systems to join their team at their Nairobi, Kenya office. This role is critical in leading cutting-edge research and operational strategies that contribute to the conservation, improvement, and dissemination of genetically diverse, climate-resilient tree species vital to global restoration and food security efforts.
Position Details
- Job Title: Senior Scientist – Tree Breeding and Integrated Tree Seed Systems
- Reference Number: 100105
- Job Category: Global Position
- Duty Station: Nairobi, Kenya
- Job Status: In-progress
- Application Deadline: 30 June 2025
Role Overview
The Senior Scientist will provide leadership for CIFOR-ICRAF’s research in tree quantitative genetics, domestication, and integrated seed and seedling systems. The goal is to support global efforts in biodiversity conservation, restoration of degraded landscapes, climate change resilience, and poverty reduction through the provision and delivery of improved, diverse, and quality tree planting materials.
The successful candidate will oversee strategic partnerships, shape policy, and facilitate innovation and capacity development across various geographical regions, primarily within the tropics. The position requires a combination of scientific expertise, management skills, and a strategic vision aligned with global environmental goals.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
1. Technical Leadership and Innovation
- Spearhead research on tree seed systems focusing on the identification, establishment, and management of high-quality, genetically improved seed sources and breeding seed orchards.
- Investigate and shape institutional and regulatory policies governing seed and seedling supply chains for greater efficiency and alignment with restoration and biodiversity targets.
- Lead resource mobilization efforts to secure funding for long-term research and innovation in tree genetic resources and seed systems.
- Establish and coordinate networks and multi-stakeholder platforms at national, regional, and international levels to facilitate collaborative research and cross-learning.
- Contribute to the conceptualization and operationalization of a Global Tropical Tree Seed Hub that integrates innovation, quality assurance, and training to scale seed delivery systems.
- Support species prioritization and site-species matching techniques to enhance ecological restoration and sustainable agroforestry practices.
- Foster collaboration with CIFOR-ICRAF’s thematic and regional teams to ensure cross-disciplinary integration within landscape restoration and agroforestry programs.
- Design and execute training tools and curricula tailored to improving seed quality standards and institutional capabilities.
- Provide high-level advisory services to stakeholders—including governments, donors, and community groups—on optimizing seed value chains and integrating innovations into restoration projects.
- Guarantee that all technical documentation and knowledge products meet rigorous scientific and donor standards, aligning outputs with milestones and learning goals.
2. Project and People Management
- Provide strategic and operational leadership to tree seed system projects, ensuring the integration of scientific, policy, and socio-economic dimensions for impactful results.
- Manage multi-country programs that develop and upscale breeding systems, ensuring alignment with CIFOR-ICRAF’s long-term restoration and agroforestry agenda.
- Supervise interdisciplinary teams composed of staff members, consultants, fellows, and collaborators. Foster an inclusive, innovative, and performance-driven culture.
- Develop and oversee project implementation plans, ensuring adherence to budgets, deadlines, and donor expectations.
- Integrate Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) frameworks into all project phases to capture key insights and inform iterative planning.
- Maintain strong donor relationships through timely reporting, effective communication, and responsiveness to project needs and evolving partner expectations.
- Organize and participate in technical workshops, stakeholder consultations, and dissemination forums to facilitate uptake of research findings.
- Work closely with Theme Leaders and scientific peers to incorporate project-level learnings and priorities into CIFOR-ICRAF’s broader Program of Work and Budget (PWB).
- Uphold institutional compliance standards, emphasizing gender equality, safeguarding policies, and social inclusion throughout all activities.
- Monitor operational and reputational risks at various project sites, provide mitigation strategies, and engage leadership where critical issues arise.
- Represent CIFOR-ICRAF in international technical, policy, and donor platforms, advocating for evidence-based seed systems strategies to advance restoration and biodiversity agendas.
- Ensure synergy with other CIFOR-ICRAF regional and thematic programs, reinforcing coherent action and knowledge sharing.
Required Education, Knowledge, and Experience
Educational Qualifications:
- A PhD in forestry, plant sciences, environmental sciences, or related fields, with a focus on tree genetic resources, seed systems, forest ecology, or restoration science.
Professional Experience:
- A minimum of seven years of post-doctoral experience conducting research in tree seed systems, tree breeding, and ecosystem restoration.
- At least four years of experience leading complex, interdisciplinary, and multi-country research-for-development initiatives.
- Demonstrated experience in engaging diverse stakeholders including policymakers, private sector actors, and grassroots communities.
- Proven track record in resource mobilization, including successful grant proposal development and donor engagement.
- Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals, coupled with the ability to develop practical technical outputs and policy-relevant knowledge products.
- Experience in building and delivering educational and capacity-building programs related to seed systems or applied forest science.
Core Competencies:
- Strategic and systems-based thinking applied to sustainable seed systems.
- Excellent leadership and team management abilities, particularly within cross-cultural and multi-disciplinary contexts.
- Advanced planning, budgeting, and reporting skills.
- Effective oral and written communication, and the ability to simplify complex scientific ideas for diverse audiences.
- Familiarity with the internal operations of CGIAR or similar international research organizations is advantageous.
Terms and Conditions
- This is a Globally Recruited Staff (GRS) position with a competitive remuneration package offered in USD, based on experience and qualifications.
- The initial contract is for two years, including a six-month probationary period. Extension is subject to performance, project relevance, and available funding.
- The successful candidate will be based at ICRAF Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya.
- Full adherence to CIFOR-ICRAF’s safeguarding, inclusivity, and sustainability policies is expected.
Why Join CIFOR-ICRAF?
By joining CIFOR-ICRAF, the candidate becomes part of a pioneering global network addressing some of the most urgent challenges facing humanity and the planet today. This position offers a unique platform to lead scientific innovation, shape policy, and directly influence restoration outcomes across the Global South and beyond.
The organization fosters a collaborative, forward-thinking culture rooted in evidence-based science and grounded in local realities. With access to global partners, cutting-edge research infrastructure, and an experienced team of professionals, the successful candidate will thrive in an environment that values learning, creativity, and purpose.
How to Apply
Applications must be received by 30 June 2025. All applicants will be acknowledged; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further steps in the recruitment process.
For additional information about CIFOR-ICRAF’s work and the position, please visit the official CIFOR-ICRAF website or contact their Human Resources team.
