Chief Technical Advisor (CTP) - Civil Society REDD+ Monitoring

About the role

CIFOR-ICRAF is implementing the SC-REDD project, which strengthens civil society's role in REDD+ in the Democratic Republic of the Congo through the REDD+ Climate Working Group – Renovated (GTCR-R). The Chief Technical Advisor (CTP) leads the CIFOR-ICRAF project management team in Kinshasa and acts as the interface with the GTCR-R, the donor and the project steering committee.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the project management team in Kinshasa, overseeing operations, staffing, resource allocation, administration, monitoring and evaluation, communication and financial management.
• Act as the link between CIFOR-ICRAF, the GTCR-R, the donor and the steering committee, and ensure donor obligations and compliance with CIFOR-ICRAF, FONAREDD, CAFI procedures and DRC law.
• Coordinate with the GTCR-R project coordinator and provide technical advice and assistance on REDD+ and governance, while the GTCR-R coordinator runs day-to-day activities on the ground.
• Supervise monitoring and evaluation of project activities and prepare regular reports for the donors.
• Strengthen the link between civil society and the research community, connect with the international REDD+ process and represent the project in subnational, national and international forums.

Required profile

• MSc or PhD in a relevant environmental science discipline, with a strong understanding of governance.
• At least 5 years of experience for PhD holders or 10 years for MSc holders in research for development, with stakeholder dynamics, institutions, gender considerations and civil society engagement in the REDD+ process in the Congo Basin, focused on the DRC.
• Demonstrated team leadership, project management, conflict mediation and participatory process management.
• Strong understanding of REDD+ and climate change mitigation in the Congo Basin, and deep knowledge of REDD+ governance at national and subnational levels in the DRC.
• Experience in a research institute and with civil society is an advantage.

Required skills

• Ability to manage a small in-country unit and communicate effectively with the national office, headquarters and thematic groups.
• Scientific research methods, data analysis and writing of peer-reviewed publications in environmental sciences are an asset.

The application deadline is 31 March 2025; only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applications are made through the CIFOR-ICRAF careers site.