Scientist-Bioeconomy Job World Agroforestry Centre

AI summary

World Agroforestry Centre is hiring a Scientist-Bioeconomy in Nairobi. The role involves leading research on sustainable value chains, bio-economy, and private sector engagement. Candidates need experience in applied research and stakeholder engagement.

• Lead research on sustainable value chains and bio-economy
• Develop stakeholder engagement strategies
• Supervise junior researchers and publish findings
• Based in Nairobi with full-time commitment

Description

Job Title: Scientist-Bioeconomy Date Posted: 09/07/2026 Job Type: Full Time Job Level: Management Employer: World Agroforestry Centre Industry: Project Management Salary: Open Location: Nairobi Country: Kenya Deadline: 23/07/2026 Summary: Looking for an agricultural job in Kenya? World Agroforestry is hiring a Scientist – Bioeconomy to lead research and support sustainable development initiatives. The role is based in Nairobi and experience in applied research is required. Key Responsibilties Design and implement stakeholder engagement strategies linking research institutions, private companies, and government; Develop and operationalize matchmaking between Northern and Southern businesses in the bio-economy; Produce high-quality outputs for targeted audiences, including policy briefs, guidance notes, platform content, and practitioner-oriented tools on sustainable value chains and bio-economy; Provide leadership on design of methods and frameworks related to sustainable value chains, responsible sourcing and investment, bio-economy, and private sector engagement; Lead and co-author at least 3 peer-reviewed publications, as well as technical reports, and knowledge products linked to the project research agendas; Translate scientific evidence into actionable insights for policy, private-sector practice, and investment decision-making; Identify policy and regulatory mechanisms that support producer countries attract and enhance the social and environmental performance of investments in the agricultural, forestry and associated bio-economy; Supervise and mentor junior researchers, enhancing their capacity to conduct high-quality research independently; Contribute to the design of various types of capacity development initiatives (e.g., trainings, workshops, round-tables, peer learning) within the bio-economy that enhance the capacity of the private sector that enhances corporate social and environmental performance; Enhance the internal visibility and uptake of improved methods and approaches on value chain development and integrated landscape management; Disseminate research findings through high profile international conferences and policy fora; Represent CIFOR-ICRAF in national, and international workshops, dialogues, and industry-facing events related to sustainable value chains and investment; Coordinate and/or contribute to the policy-science dialogue in producer countries in Asia and Africa on sustainable value chain development and the bio-economy through organization of round tables, workshops, and policy dialogues; Coordinate and/or contribute to communications activities targeted at policy makers (including workshops, website and policy briefs) of relevant projects; Translate research findings into practical policy tools and frameworks and disseminate them through strategic networks and platforms; Support identification of strategic opportunities, themes, and donors to guide SVCI fund-raising activities and related CIFOR-ICRAF strategies, especially within the research-for-development space; Lead the development of at least 2 research proposals per year (>1m USD) aligned with CIFOR-ICRAF’s sustainable value chains, bio-economy, and private-sector engagement strategies; Build relations with donor agencies, foundations, and investors to explore and unlock innovative new funding opportunities that support development of a more programmatic approach and the development of co-investment platforms; Cultivate and maintain partnerships with research institutions, government agencies, private companies, investors, and development partners across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Europe that support the team and institutional strategy; Contribute to the development and implementation of an institutional bio-economy strategy; Foster improved coordination between themes and regions, identifying actionable avenues for knowledge sharing, joint project implementation, and synergies. Qualifications A PhD in development studies, environmental policy, natural resource management, or a related field. At least 10 years of experience in applied research on sustainable value chains. Demonstrated experience working with research institutions, policymakers, and/or private companies on value-chain development or innovation partnerships. Experience working on sustainable sourcing and standard development as well as multi-stakeholder roundtables and partnership facilitation involving government, private companies, and research institutions at the global level. Experience in project management, including large and multi-country budgets, and facilitating and managing partnerships. Experience designing and implementing engagement strategies to accelerate development and research impact. Experience supervising or mentoring staff and consultants across different regions. Strong communication skills, and excellent written and spoken English; additional languages are an asset. How to Apply Click here to apply Browse Related Jobs: Lab