Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Employment Type: Local Position
Reference: 2513
Duration: Through February 2026 (with possible extension)
About the Role
CIFOR-ICRAF is looking for a Senior Researcher to drive applied research on sustainable value chains, landscape governance, green financing, and payments for ecosystem services. As part of this role, you will generate high-quality scientific outputs, mentor interns and students, and represent CIFOR-ICRAF among government, private sector, and smallholder stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
Research & Science Production
- Conduct applied research on sustainable value chains, green certification, landscape investment, and policy bottlenecks.
- Benchmark local practices against global models of sustainable value chains and investment.
- Produce peer-reviewed articles, policy briefs, working papers, manuals, and guidelines.
- Maintain and manage databases of policy, regulatory, and market information.
- Support work plan, reporting, and budgeting with project leads and principal investigators.
Capacity Building & Leadership
- Strengthen the capacity of national and subnational partners via workshops, training, and stakeholder engagement.
- Design and supervise research activities for interns and junior staff.
- Support inclusive, gender-responsive value chain development, especially with smallholder communities.
Innovation & Solutions
- Lead in designing traceability tools, e-market platforms, and systems for green certification.
- Introduce digital and AI-based solutions and innovative financing instruments to enhance landscape investment.
- Represent CIFOR-ICRAF in national/global policy forums; engage with public, private, and smallholder stakeholders.
Project Accountability & Reporting
- Contribute to donor reporting, monitoring, and evaluation frameworks.
- Support in maintaining accountability and ensuring the timely delivery of project outputs.
Education & Experience
- Master’s or Doctoral degree in ecological/environmental economics, agricultural economics, agribusiness, or sustainable finance.
- Deep expertise in payment for ecosystem services, green finance, sustainable agriculture, and landscape investment.
- Knowledge of Sri Lankan policy, regulation, and governance in agriculture, forestry, ecosystem services, and green finance.
- 3–5 years of relevant research experience in national or international institutions.
- Proven publication record: journal articles, policy briefs, technical reports.
- Experience in project management, M&E, donor engagement, and resource mobilization.
- Strong track record working with NGOs, smallholder farmers, and government actors.
Terms & Conditions
- Locally Recruited Staff (LRS) position; salary in local currency.
- Appointment is until February 2026, with extension dependent on performance and funding.
- Duty station: Colombo, Sri Lanka.
- Application Deadline: 10 December 2025.
- Equal Opportunity: CIFOR-ICRAF actively promotes gender diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.
Source: CIFOR-ICRAF Careers Page
