Consultant - Chief Technical Advisor/ Conseiller.e Technique Principal (CTP)

CGIAR System Reference Group; Colombia; On-site; COP 286,451,000 - 413,762,000; Full time

Job summary

CIFOR-ICRAF is seeking a Consultant - Chief Technical Advisor to lead a major REDD+ initiative in the DRC. Based in Kinshasa, you will oversee operations, teams, and donor reporting, while ensuring governance and civil society engagement are central to implementation.

The role requires strong leadership, 5+ years in related research (or 10+ with MSc), and fluency in French and English. Travel up to 25% is anticipated; remuneration is USD and negotiable.

Qualifications

• MSc/PhD in a relevant environmental science discipline with governance understanding.
• 5+ years (PhD) or 10+ years (MSc) in development research on REDD+ and civil society.
• Experience in leadership, project management and participatory processes.
• Strong REDD+ governance knowledge at national/subnational levels in the Congo Basin.
• Experience with civil society and research institutions is an asset.
• Ability to communicate with non-academic audiences and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the CIFOR-ICRAF project management team in Kinshasa.
• Coordinate interface with GTCR-R, donor, steering committees and partners.
• Ensure donor obligations are met and project compliance is maintained.
• Supervise monitoring, reporting, and knowledge exchange with civil society.
• Provide strategic advice and coordinate technical support across activities.

Skills

Team leadership

Project management

Governance & REDD+

Stakeholder engagement

Scientific writing

Education

MSc/PhD in environmental science

Job description

Join CIFOR-ICRAF and make a difference!

Consultant - Chief Technical Advisor/ Conseiller.e Technique Principal (CTP) (Ref. No. XXXX)

Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Country Program Team

The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) envision a more equitable world where trees in all landscapes, from drylands to the humid tropics, enhance the environment and well-being for all. CIFOR and ICRAF are non-profit science institutions that build and apply evidence to today’s most pressing challenges, including energy insecurity and the climate and biodiversity crises. Over a combined total of 65 years, we have built vast knowledge on forests and trees outside of forests in agricultural landscapes (agroforestry). Using a multidisciplinary approach, we seek to improve lives and to protect and restore ecosystems. Our work focuses on innovative research, partnering for impact, and engaging with stakeholders on policies and practices to benefit people and the planet. Founded in 1993 and 1978, CIFOR and ICRAF are members of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food secure future dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources.

CIFOR-ICRAF is looking for a:

Consultant - Chief Technical Advisor/ Conseiller.e Technique Principal (CTP)

Overview

CIFOR (Center for International Forestry Research) is implementing the project “Civil society support for decentralized monitoring of REDD+ projects and programs in DRC (SC-REDD) financed by the National REDD Fund (Fonaredd) and the Central African Forest Initiative (CAFI).

In this context, CIFOR and the REDD+ Climate Working Group – Renovated (GTCR-R) aim to strengthen the role of civil society in the REDD+ process in the DRC. The participation of civil society is central to developing, in a participatory manner, effective policies and implementing initiatives to combat deforestation. The ultimate goal is to improve civil society participation, make the REDD+ process more effective, equitable and informed, and foster collaboration between civil society organizations and research institutions.

Summary of responsibilities

• Lead the project management team at CIFOR-ICRAF based in Kinshasa. Oversee overall operations, staffing, resource allocation, administration, project monitoring and evaluation, communication, and financial management of the project at CIFOR-ICRAF.
• Provide the interface between CIFOR-ICRAF, the GTCR-R and the donor organization and members of the project steering committee.
• Ensure that the donor’s technical and financial obligations are met.
• Ensure compliance with CIFOR-ICRAF, FONAREDD, CAFI procedures and standards and DRC laws.
• Ensuring roles, responsibilities and workplans across project partners are discussed, agreed upon, documented and communicated effectively.
• For activities of the project led by GTCR-R:
  • Coordinate closely with the GTCR-R Project Coordinator and advise strategically on all matters relating to the effective and efficient execution of this project. This is an advisory role; the GTCR-R Coordinator leads the day-to-day activities of GTCR-R on the ground. In particular:
  • Establish and maintain close coordination with the GTCR-R, particularly their project coordinator.
  • Communicate technical information related to REDD+ and governance that supports GTCR-R in increasing the capacity and influence of civil society on the development of REDD+ policies in the DRC.
  • Provide and coordinate technical assistance to the GTCR-R in all areas where a need is jointly defined.
• For activities led by CIFOR-ICRAF:
  • Ensure activities are implemented according to project objectives and plans, in collaboration with CIFOR-ICRAF scientists, GTCR-R and other partners.
• Supervise the monitoring and evaluation of project activities, and preparation of regular reports for donors (FONAREDD/CAFI).
• Strengthen the connection between civil society and the research/knowledge community inside and outside the DRC. Link with the international REDD+ process and keep the civil society platform informed of REDD+ related events and knowledge products.
• Ensure effective representation of the project and CIFOR-ICRAF in subnational, national and international forums.

Terms and conditions

• This is a Consultancy position. CIFOR-ICRAF offers competitive remuneration in USD, commensurate with skills and experience.
• The assignment will be for 1 (one) year with the possibility of extension contingent upon performance, continued relevance of the position and available resources.
• The duty station will be in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo

Application deadline: 31 March 2025

Requirements

Education, knowledge, and experience:

• MSc /PhD in a relevant environmental science discipline (forestry, ecology, natural resource management, etc.) with a strong understanding of governance (such as political science, international development, sociology, anthropology, political ecology, gender studies, human geography, etc.).
• A minimum of 5 years (if PhD holder) or 10 years (if MSc holder) of experience in research for development in the context of stakeholder dynamics, institutions, gender considerations, and Civil Society interaction with the REDD+ process in the Congo Basin, with a focus on the DRC.
• Demonstrated experience and ability in team leadership, project management, conflict mediation and participatory process management.
• Strong understanding and experience of the REDD+ process and climate change mitigation in the Congo Basin, particularly in the DRC.
• Work experience in a research institute is an advantage.
• Previous experience working with Civil Society and navigating the Civil Society environment.
• Competence in scientific methods for research, including data analysis and writing and preparation of peer-reviewed publications in scientific or multidisciplinary journals in environmental sciences is an asset.
• Deep understanding of REDD+ governance at national and subnational levels in the DRC, with the ability to navigate across multiple institutions.

Personal attributes and competencies:

• Ability to manage a small in-country unit, ensuring effective communication with the national office, headquarters and other thematic groups.
• Ability to manage difficult dialogues and conflicts, while ensuring inclusive decision-making and transparency.
• Readiness to travel extensively within the DRC and internationally (approximately 25% of the time), including to remote and publicly serviced locations.
• Highly dynamic and able to closely monitor the evolution of REDD+ implementation, activities and policies in the DRC. Strong motivation and ability to communicate with non-academic audiences to ensure that scientific knowledge effectively benefits civil society.
• High level of ethics and professionalism.
• Fluency in French and English (written and spoken) is essential. An in-person or video conference interview will be conducted in both languages.
• Knowledge of national languages (Lingala and Swahili).

CIFOR-ICRAF promotes Gender Diversity – Applications from women professionals are encouraged.

CIFOR-ICRAF is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity.