N-26-31 Research Associate

The International Potato Center (CIP), on behalf of the Landscape Alliance (CIFOR & ICRAF in action), seeking a talented and motivated Research Associate in Agroforestry invites applications for a Research Associate in Agroforestry to be based in Ucayali, Peru. About Landscape Alliance: Landscape Alliance (LA) is the operating name of the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and the International Centre for Research on Agroforestry (ICRAF). It transforms science into action, unlocking the power of trees, forests and agroforestry landscapes to advance planetary health and human well-being. CIFOR and ICRAF are independent International Organizations and CGIAR Research Centers. About the position: This position, embedded in Peru country team, sits at the heart of the Landscape Alliance's Agroforestry theme including collaborative, field-embedded working at the interface of research, practice, and policy. The role actively engages with the Multifunctional Landscapes (MFL) Science Program of CGIAR https://www.cgiar.org/cgiar-research-portfolio-2025-2030/multifunctional-landscapes , one of the most ambitious global research portfolios for 2025–2030, generating evidence for science-based solutions at the intersection of food systems, biodiversity, climate resilience, and landscape governance. This is a long-term institutional opportunity, beginning with an initial 8 months contract with strong potential for renewal and professional growth within the Landscape Alliance. From day one, the role contributes to a rich ecosystem of partnerships — with local organizations, producer associations, and institutional stakeholders in Ucayali and nationally, reflecting the Alliance's commitment to science co-produced with and for the communities it serves. Core Focus: The Research Associate will play a central role in consolidating and expanding a farmer-led Network of Co-learning Sites for Tree-Based and Agroforestry Systems along the Pucallpa–Aguaytía Agrforestry corridor and within the framework of activities of the Multifunctional Landscapes (MFL) Science Program. This network is a cornerstone of the Alliance's agroforestry scaling strategy in Peru, combining technical assistance, innovation, and knowledge exchange to catalyze farmer-driven landscape transformation. The work strengthens the Alliance's agroforestry presence in Ucayali and advances its national scale-up agenda through evidence-based technical assistance and knowledge co-production. This role offers a unique opportunity to grow within a world-class research institution, contribute to frontier agroforestry science, and help shape the future of sustainable landscapes in the Amazon. Key responsibilities: • Lead the establishment, implementation, and monitoring of co-learning and demonstration sites for tree-based systems in Ucayali, following Landscape Alliance (CIFOR&ICRAF) methodologies and information management standards. • Support the institutional coordination and positioning of the co-learning network within the corridor’s multi-stakeholder platforms, ensuring fluid coordination among all actors involved in field implementation. • Contribute to the development, testing, and iterative refinement of plot, farm, and community assessment and planning methodologies, with a focus on practical usability under field conditions. • Collaborate in the organization, facilitation, and reporting of training sessions, peer-exchange events, and participatory workshops linked to the co-learning site network and translation into innovative approaches to technical assistance. • Participate in MFL institutional activities and partner coordination; assist in the preparation of technical reports, progress summaries, communication, and documentation contributing to Landscape Alliance’s research outputs and to institutional learning and communication processes in Ucayali. Requirements What are we looking for? · Master’s degree in agroforestry, environmental management or related fields is desirable. · Education: Bachelor’s degree (with completed thesis) in Forestry, Environmental Sciences, Agronomy, or a related field. · Experience: A minimum of 8 years of field experience leading agroforestry, sustainable agriculture, restoration, or natural resource management activities preferentially in smallholder contexts · Demonstrated experience designing, implementing and monitoring agroecology based agoreforestry practices in production systems (oil palm, cacao, coffee), including the integration of trees species, vegetative cover, and restoration actions at plot, farm, and landscape scale. · Languages: Full professional proficiency in Spanish; working knowledge of English. · Desirable: Familiarity with sustainability standards and supply-chain sustainability approaches applied in the Amazon region, and experience in environmental monitoring, carbon assessment, biodiversity-related activities, or agroecosystem evaluation (considered a strong asset). · Desirable: Previous working experience in the Peruvian Amazon, particularly in Ucayali, and familiarity with the socio-environmental context, local production systems, and stakeholder dynamics in the region. Benefits What are we offering? · Fixed-term contract from August 2026 to March 2027, with strong possibility of renewal based on performance and fund availability. · Integration into a world-class, multidisciplinary research team within the Landscape Alliance (CIFOR & ICRAF) and the CGIAR network. · Access to international research and field methodologies, tools, and knowledge networks in agroforestry and landscape management. · A collaborative, diverse, and equal-opportunity working environment committed to inclusion and professional development. · The opportunity to contribute to high-impact science for development in one of the most ecologically and socially significant landscapes in the Amazon. How to apply? Please visit the following link: http://cipotato.org/open-vacancies/ to submit your cover letter of no more than three pages, including evidence of relevant experience and the contact details of at least two references (recent supervisors preferred). We welcome the use of AI tools in the preparation of application materials. However, candidates must include a brief declaration specifying how AI was used (e.g., drafting, editing, translation). Applications that include AI-generated content without declaration may be excluded from consideration. The deadline for the receipt of applications is July 29, 2026. This position WILL NOT have contact with children or vulnerable adults. We look forward to receiving applications from individuals with disabilities who are willing to contribute their talents and skills to our team. If you require specific accommodation for the selection process due to a disability, please do not hesitate to inform us. Learn more about CIP by accessing our web site at http://www.cipotato.org CIP is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified women and professionals from developing countries are particularly encouraged to apply.