Research Associate – Programmer-SEI

Reference number: 202634

Job status: In-progress

Job category: Local Position

Duty station: Nairobi, Kenya

Download PDF

CIFOR-ICRAF The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) envision a more equitable world where trees in all landscapes, from drylands to the humid tropics, enhance the environment and well-being for all. CIFOR and ICRAF are non-profit science institutions that build and apply evidence to today’s most pressing challenges, including energy insecurity and the climate and biodiversity crises. Over a combined total of 65 years, we have built vast knowledge on forests and trees outside of forests in agricultural landscapes (agroforestry). Using a multidisciplinary approach, we seek to improve lives and to protect and restore ecosystems. Our work focuses on innovative research, partnering for impact, and engaging with stakeholders on policies and practices to benefit people and the planet. Founded in 1993 and 1978, CIFOR and ICRAF are members of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food secure future dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources.

CIFOR-ICRAF is looking for a

Research Associate – Programmer-SEI

Overview

About our organization:
Stockholm Environment Institute is an international non-profit research institute that tackles climate, environment and sustainable development challenges. We empower partners to meet these challenges through cutting-edge research, knowledge, tools and capacity building. Scientific quality and integrity are foundations of our work. Partnership is at the heart of our approach, leading to change that lasts.

Our work connects science to policy and practice, aiming to drive tangible impacts. It spans climate change, natural resources, water, air, and health, and addresses questions of governance, innovation, finance, poverty, gender equality and social equity.

Through SEI’s HQ and seven centres around the world, we engage with policy, practice and development action for a sustainable, prosperous future for all. SEI Africa is based in Nairobi, Kenya, and is hosted by the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) based in Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya. We invite you to learn more about SEI and World Agroforestry by accessing our websites: www.sei.org and www.worldagroforestry.org

SEI is looking for a:
Research Associate – Programmer

The Research Associate – Programmer will play a key technical role in advancing SEI Africa’s climate services work, with a strong focus on climate data systems, analytics, and applications. The position supports the development and operational use of high-quality climate information products, working closely with National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs), Regional Climate Centers (RCC), and sectoral partners.
The role combines data analysis, modeling, research, and capacity development, contributing to both operational systems (e.g., Maprooms, ENACTS datasets and tools) and applied research outputs. The Research Fellow will report to the Energy and Climate Cluster Lead and work closely with the Climate Services Lead and multidisciplinary teams across SEI Africa. The position combines:
•Applied research
•Climate data analysis
•Scientific programming
•Capacity development
•Operational support to National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs)

Duties and responsibilities

1.Climate Data Analysis and Systems
Development

  • Develop, manage, and analyze high-resolution climate datasets (e.g., ENACTS products combining station, satellite, and reanalysis data).
  • Conduct statistical and geospatial analysis to support climate monitoring, variability, and change assessments.
  • Develop workflows and tools (primarily in Python and R) for data processing, analysis, and visualization.
  • Contribute to the development and enhancement of climate data platforms (e.g., Maprooms, APIs, decision-support tools).

2.Capacity Building and Training

  • Design and deliver technical training for NMHS and RCC staff and sectoral users.
  • Support training-of-trainers approaches to scale climate services uptake.
  • Work closely with partners to strengthen institutional capacity in climate data management, analysis, and use.

3.Modeling and Forecasting
Applications

  • Support numerical modeling efforts, including regional and weather models (e.g., PyCPT, WRF, RegCM).
  • Contribute to climate diagnostics, seasonal forecasting, and scenario analysis.
  • Apply modeling outputs to sectoral applications (agriculture, water, health, DRM).

4.Research and Knowledge Generation

  • Conduct applied research on climate services, climate variability, and climate change impacts.
  • Contribute to technical reports, policy briefs, and peer-reviewed publications.
  • Translate climate data into actionable climate information for decision-making.

Requirements

  • Master’s degree (or bachelor’s with 5-year experience) in Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, Climate Science, Physics, Mathematics, or related field.
  • At least 3 years of relevant professional experience, preferably working at NMHSs or climate-related institutions.
  • Demonstrated experience contributing to research, operational climate services, or technical project implementation.
  • Strong understanding of:

oClimate data systems and observational
networks

oClimate analysis and forecasting
processes

oClimate service delivery frameworks.

Education, knowledge and experience

  • Master’s degree (or bachelor’s with 5-year experience) in Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, Climate Science, Physics, Mathematics, or related field.
  • At least 3 years of relevant professional experience, preferably working at NMHSs or climate-related institutions.
  • Demonstrated experience contributing to research, operational climate services, or technical project implementation.
  • Strong understanding of:

o Climate data systems and observational networks

o Climate analysis and forecasting processes

o Climate service delivery frameworks.

Terms and conditions

  • This is a Locally Recruited Position (LRS). CIFOR-ICRAF offers competitive remuneration in local currency commensurate with skills and experience.
  • The appointment will be for a period of two (2) years, inclusive of a six-month probationary period, with the possibility of extension contingent upon performance, continued relevance of the position and available resources.
  • The duty station will be in Nairobi, Kenya.
  • We will acknowledge all applications but will only contact short-listed candidates.

Application process

The application deadline is 19 Jun 2026.

We will acknowledge all applications, but will contact only short-listed candidates.

At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.