Dear all, CATIE looking for a strong candidate in economics of ecological agriculture. I am attaching the position below, but ask that you please broadcast broadly. This is a fantastic position which provides research, teaching, development an extension activities, primarily in Mesoamerica but will global ties (EU, USA, Africa in particular). Its a fantastic position for a young, hard-working or motivated individual wanted to pursue a career with a broad and real impact in the Latin American region.
Ecological Agriculture Economist Internal/External Vacancy Division: Research and Development Program: Livestock and Environmental Management (GAMMA) Immediate Supervisor: Leader of GAMMA Program Job Type: International Professional Staff Venue: Central CATIE, Turrialba, Cartago, Costa Rica JOB PURPOSE Mesoamerica and many parts of South America are characterized with pasture-dominated landscapes. Agricultural expansion tied to cattle ranching has been identified as a primary cause of deforestation and the degradation of ecosystem services. The Livestock and Environmental Management Group (GAMMA) at CATIE is a pioneer in the management of silvopastoral systems for competitive livestock systems, and the restoration of ecosystem services in degraded pasture landscapes. In this respect it has as one of its main priority to promote climate smart cattle production systems in the Tropical Latin American Region. The group has led regional initiatives on Payments for Ecosystem Services in pasture dominated landscapes, and with Rainforest Alliance, developed sustainable management standards for the certification of cattle farms. Currently it is implementing several projects to evaluate how¨policymixes¨ contribute to the effectiveness of conservation of biodiversity and provision of ecosystem services in agricultural landscape dominated by cattle. As such, GAMMA is seeking a highly qualified, interdisciplinary scientist to lead our efforts in developing competitive livestock systems based on silvopastoral practices; and in implementing market based incentives and regulatory frameworks for Meso-and South-America. sustainable management of cattle farms and landscapes in DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Participate in multi disciplinary team environment working on sustainable livestock systems. Analyze multiple value chains in landscapes dominated by cattle to determine how implementation of silvoapstoral systems contributes to competitiveness of livestock farms. Lead research and development projects on incentive schemes for sustainable farming systems including best management practices, certification, and payment for ecosystems services (carbon, water, biodiversity). Lead research on the valuing and payment of ecosystem services in cattle dominated landscapes including research on the costs and benefits of ecosystem service provision to society (at different scales: farm, community, county, national level). Coordinate research to evaluate the economic, social and ecological impacts of climate smart silvopastoral systems. Contribute to CATIE¹s education program by supervising Masters and Doctoral students and participation in CATIE courses. Participate in CATIE¹s extension activities, including farmer training programs. Collaborate with other programs at CATIE including: Climate Change and Watersheds; Production and Conservation in Forests; Agroforestry and Sustainable Agriculture. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Publish results in peer reviewed international journals, as well as in regional extension publications. Participate in elaboration and negotiation of research and development proposals related to sustainable and climate smart livestock systems and ecosystem services. TECHNICAL SKILLS: At least a PhD degree from a recognized University in the field of Agricultural Economics, or Ecological Economics or Environmental Economics At least five years experience in the development of sustainable livestock systems (preference for ruminant production systems) or related fields Experience in modeling using system approaches At least five articles related to livestock and environment or ecosystem services published in international journals Billingual-english and spanish Experience in Latin America preferred Capacity to manage tools (software, GIS, etc.) to be applied in modeling or simulation studies DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Located in Costa Rica, CATIE combines science, graduate education and technical cooperation. Its campus is located in a tranquil and secure natural area, rich in biodiversity, providing a high quality of life. Innovation, excellence, service, integration and appreciation of diversity, are some of the values of an institution which promotes professional growth, international and multicultural exchange. For more information go to: www.catie.ac.cr Interested persons should send letter of application, curriculum vitae and salary requirements to economista...@catie.ac.cr <mailto:economista.ae@> Deadline for receipt of documents: February 12, 2012. CATIE does not discriminate by gender, ethnicity, age status, creed religious or political. It urges men and women on equal terms to participate.
