Researcher Agroecology

International Water Management Institute

New Delhi, India

The International Water Management Institute (IWMI), a CGIAR Research Center is looking for a competent, self-motivated, and dynamic candidate to join as internationally recruited Researcher to support a) CG-wide initiative on Transformational Agroecology across Food, Land, and Water Systems, and b) plan and carry out research for development in hydro-ecology, land and water management. The Researcher will: i) be responsible for playing a key national-level coordinating role in the implementation of the One CG Agroecology Initiative (AE-I) in India and ii) will contribute to other IWMI projects including develop new research projects. The Researcher needs to be familiar with approaches that combine methodologies for participatory processes/stakeholder engagement with technical knowledge of water science, natural resources management, hydrology, and farming systems.

Working with the AE-I lead and co-lead as well as other CGIAR staff and national and international partners, the Researcher will play an important role in the AE-I, supporting a unified and coordinated approach to Initiative delivery in a target “Agroecological Living Landscapes (ALL)”. The coordination of AE-I India activities will ensure an organized process for stakeholder engagement and for implementation of all AE-I activities.

The position will involve stakeholders’ engagement, participatory approach, fieldwork, desk-research, co-design of innovations and best practices, and project management.

Duties AND Responsibilities:

  • Work with the Work Package (WP) leads and co-leads of AE-I in fine-tuning the WP activity plans to the specific context of the Agroecological Living Landscapes (ALLs) in India.
  • Foster integration amongst AE-I WPs and with other initiatives in the country in consultation with the IWMI India Representative and respective IWMI Research Group Leader.
  • Coordinate and oversee day-to-day implementation of AE-I activities in the Agroecological Living Landscapes (ALLs)
  • Support Initiative and WP lead and co-leads in regularly revisiting the Theory of Change and adapt as necessary to be relevant and ensure delivery of outcomes and impacts in India.
  • Participate in monitoring, evaluation, and impact assessment processes of AE-I.
  • Organize periodic meetings to bring together scientists from across the AE-I WPs to present results, exchange research methods, develop strategies to maximize impacts and build stronger collaboration in the target country.
  • Support the IWMI Country Representative in managing the IWMI India project portfolio.
  • Lead and/or contribute to proposal writing and fundraising opportunities for bilateral and multilateral funding sources
  • Ensure proper consideration is given to gender and related issues in the programming of activities and in stakeholder engagement processes.
  • Support the development of strong and respectful internal and external partnerships necessary to ensure the success of the AE-I and other relevant IWMI projects in India.
  • Work with colleagues to ensure that project outputs and engagement of partners are effectively coordinated to enhance impact.
  • Provide information on relevant projects and research results and breakthroughs for communication to donors, research users, partners, networks and policy platforms.
  • Provide leadership in participatory processes; stakeholders engagement and partnerships; co-designing of innovations; and project management.
  • Disseminate research findings via peer-reviewed publications; convene and attend workshops, conferences and webinars in a range of international, regional and national settings
  • Conduct capacity building activities such as training sessions, workshops, and seminars on agroecology, natural resources management and hydro-ecology.
  • Support a work environment that promotes a culture of collaboration, learningand effective knowledge sharing and knowledge transfer, interdisciplinary teamwork, and innovation.

Requirements

Educational Qualifications And Experience Required:

  • A PhD or equivalent in agricultural sciences, ecology, natural resources management, hydrology, or a closely related field.
  • A minimum of 6 years of relevant professional experience, preferably related to research, and with strong project management experience in a developing country context.
  • Strong demonstrated evidence of participatory processes; ability to work with a wide range of stakeholders; and a strong project management skills.
  • Evidence of science publishing, demonstrated by a strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals, research impact and other acknowledgements.
  • A clear understanding of sustainable development challenges, especially in relation to participatory natural resources management, agroecology, farming systems in India and South Asia.
  • Strategic communication skills with the ability to explain development challenges and complex interdisciplinary water, environment, and agri-food systems issues in simple terms.
  • Policy engagement, as well as client orientation and commitment to demand-driven research that supports decision-making and delivery of outcomes.
  • Experience in designing and implementing research projects pertinent to agroecology, natural resources management and hydro-ecology.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities Required:

  • Demonstrated in-depth knowledge and research experience relevant to Agroecology and IWMI’s overall mission of water management in developing countries.
  • Successful management of complex research or development projects, with multiple partners, in complex political environments, and under conditions of limited data.
  • An in-depth understanding of challenges and opportunities in low-income countries and emerging economies related to sustainable water, land and agricultural development under a changing climate.
  • Successful track record of representing an organization at national/international forums.
  • Experience in engaging with regional and international professional networks and building partnerships with different categories of stakeholders.
  • Experience in coordinating a multidisciplinary, multi-location, multicultural and multi-partner project team(s).
  • Significant experience in participatory research, co-designing innovations, and project management.
  • Proven ability to effectively communicate research results to stakeholders at different management levels.
  • Ability to lead and inspire a multidisciplinary team.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, managers, and other stakeholders in a multicultural setting, with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
  • Proven ability to work strategically and innovatively on research and development in the context of emerging global challenges related to agroecology, natural resources management and hydro-ecology. 

Source: https://apply.workable.com/international-water-management-institute/j/EBDF0EF93F/