Forwarding on behalf of colleagues, please do not contact me regarding this opportunity.
Fabrice Please see the following link for additional information: http://ch.tbe.taleo.net/CH08/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=CONSERVATION&cws=1&rid=461 Meeting the challenge of increasing food production in Africa, while sustaining the benefits farmers receive from nature requires a new approach to decision making. There is a need for integrated data on agriculture, ecosystem services and human well-being, and new tools for decision makers to guide agricultural development that is sustainable for people and for ecosystems. To meet this need, in 2012 Conservation International, in partnership with The Earth Institute, Columbia University and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research in South Africa, created the Vital Signs Monitoring System, an open-source system, with funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The Africa Field Director for Vital Signs is a key position with high visibility and will make significant contributions to an ambitious and game changing monitoring system for Africa. The Director is responsible for the technical oversight of the entire Vital Signs monitoring system in Africa. This includes overseeing the technical implementation and capacity building in Africa, initially in three countries. The individual in this position must have advanced technical skills, the ability to work with a diverse set of international partners and the ability to communicate effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences, and be highly organized. RESPONSIBILITIES: * Technical management and oversight of all Vital Signs field and data collection activities, processes and country teams in 3 countries in Africa. * Develops and implements the Vital Signs Africa training plan, including organizing and leading field training workshops, coordinating and implementing the training for new Vital Signs country directors and field teams and ensures that key training material are produced and available. * Maintains morale of country teams and supports them in trouble shooting logistical and technical issues. * Supervises technical and adminitrative staff. * Leads or participates in analysis of Vital Signs data and in writing peer-reviewed publications. * Maintains network of collaborators, including scientists and policy makers. Working Conditions: * This position is based in the Vital Signs Nairobi office * About 50% travel, mostly international in Africa, including frequent travel to remote locations, in field conditions and to scientific and technical meetings. * Ability and willingness to work outside of normal business hours as needed for field work and to participate in international conference calls. QUALIFICATIONS: Required: * Ph.D., or equivalent, in relevant field of ecology, agronomy or agricultural sciences, soil science, environmental science or conservation biology. * At least 4 years of experience conducting field work in Africa. * At least 2 years of experience managing field projects and managing and training field teams. * Experience with large research collaborations. * Strong work ethic, enthusiasm for field work, and willingness and flexibility to meet the demands of field work and international travel. * Record of scholarly publication in international scientific journals. Preferred: * Ability to communicate effectively in Swahili, Portuguese or French
