Associate Scientist - Protection of wild pollinators in agricultural lands - Morocco

Main purpose of position

The Associate Scientist will be part of a project on “Conservation of pollinator diversity for enhanced climate change resilience” within ICARDA Biodiversity and Crop Improvement Program. This project shall integrate Farming with Alternative Pollinators (FAP) approach in the MENA-region and develop and introduce an international stewardship for pollinator-protecting agriculture (WPP). The position is based at ICARDA’s North Africa platform in Rabat, Morocco. We are looking for a motivated and knowledgeable scientist focused on wild pollinators, with multidisciplinary work experience.

About ICARDA

The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) is an international autonomous, non-profit, research organization supported by CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food-secure future.

ICARDA’s mission is to reduce poverty, enhance food, water and nutritional security, as well as environmental health in the face of global challenges including climate change. We do this through innovative science, strategic partnerships, linking research to development and capacity development that take into account gender equality and the role of youth in transforming the dry areas. ICARDA works in partnership with governments, universities, civil society, national agricultural research organization, other CGIAR research Centers, and the private sector. With its temporary Headquarters in Beirut, Lebanon, ICARDA operates in regional and country offices across Africa, Asia and the Middle East. For more information: www.icarda.org

Main responsibilities

• Develop a best-practice model for FAP-integrated protection of ground-nesting pollinators, including trials, ISI publication and brochure for farmers;
• As far as Covid-19 allows: work with a community on pollinator-related ecotourism;
• Responsible for the maintenance and condition of the pollinator collection;
• Co-supervise projects in 5 participating countries – Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Palestine and Turkey;
• Contribute to the publication of research findings in ISI-peer reviewed scientific journals together with the FAP scientific team (ICARDA, University of Mons, NARS from participating countries);
• Train and co-supervise 5 PhD students;
• Work on other tasks within the project, based on request of the project coordinator (e.g. finalize ONCA trainings, support curriculum units where needed, brochures, develop an entomological training tool for WPP-certifiers etc.).

Education, qualifications and experience

Essential qualifications, skills and experience

• PhD on wild pollinators with good knowledge in taxonomy and ecology;
• Work experience in agricultural sciences;
• At least 3 years’ of post-doctoral experience;
• Demonstrated ability to plan, conduct and interpret research results through publications in ISI peer-reviewed scientific journals;
• Knowledge of data management and statistical analysis with popular computer software;
• Ability to work effectively with multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams;
• Strong innovativeness and experience in the developing world;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English;
• Able and willing to travel within Morocco and in the MENA-region.

Desirable experience, skills and qualifications

• Ability to communicate in Arabic and/or French;
• Experience with stewardships.

Essential qualities

• Ability to work effectively under tight deadlines and with a high degree of autonomy;
• Ability to think strategically combined with the ability and willingness to do hands-on work in a context of limited human and financial resources;
• A personable and supportive team-oriented candidate;
• An upbeat and enthusiastic attitude;
• Strong organizational skills and keen attention to detail;
• Strong work ethics and integrity;
• Commitment to ICARDA’s mission.

Terms of appointment, salary and benefits

This is an internationally recruited position for which ICARDA offers an attractive compensation package including a competitive salary and savings scheme, relocation support, medical insurance, 30 days of annual leave, five months’ maternity leave, 15 days’ paternity leave. The successful candidate will be offered an initial contract from January 2021 to May 2022, renewable subject to satisfactory performance, fund availability and continued need for the role.

How to apply

Please apply online at https://apply.workable.com/j/9C40EA119A by 7 December 2020. Early applications are preferred considering the successful candidate is expected to start on 1 January 2021.  Applications will be considered until the position is filled.

ICARDA is committed to increasing women representation in its workforce and strongly encourages applications from women.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.