CCAFS Careers & Calls Feeds

Thematic Lead: Policies and Institutions for Scaling Climate-Smart Agriculture Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa project (AICCRA)

Tue, 26 Oct 2021 13:25:12 +0200

Nov, 15 2021

Background

The Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR1 Climate Research for Africa project (AICCRA) is administered by the Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) (“Alliance”), the lead center for the CGIAR Program on Climate Change Agriculture, and Food Security (CCAFS). AICCRA is funded by the International Development Association (IDA). CCAFS brings together some of the world’s best researchers in agricultural, climate and earth science to deliver innovative research-based solutions that catalyze positive change towards low-carbon and climate resilient food systems.

AICCRA will help make the products of cutting-edge CGIAR-led science available throughout Africa. AICCRA can play a vital catalytic role in strengthening the agriculture research architecture in Africa. Activities financed under AICCRA will be implemented by a broad coalition of CCAFS partners working at regional, sub-regional, and national level. AICCRA investments will be concentrated in six anchor countries: Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mali, Senegal, and Zambia, but spill-over benefits are expected in other countries as AICCRA will also work with Africa’s regional economic communities (RECs) and their associated regional agricultural research and climate change networks. The project runs from 2021 to 2023.

The Project Development Objective (PDO) is to strengthen the capacity of targeted CCAFS partners and stakeholders, and to enhance access to climate information services and validated climate-smart agriculture technologies in IDA-eligible countries in Africa. The project has four components: (a) knowledge generation and sharing; (b) strengthening partnerships for delivery; (c) validating climate-smart agriculture innovations through piloting; and (d) project management
AICCRA is seeking to recruit a Thematic Lead for “Policies and Institutions for Scaling Climate-Smart Agriculture”, who will take over from the out-going lead. The Thematic Lead will preferably be based at one of the African offices of the participating CGIAR Centers and be employed by an appropriate CGIAR Center.

SCOPE OF WORK

The Thematic Lead will provide leadership on the theme of policies and institutions for scaling climate-smart agriculture (CSA) and be responsible for ensuring the successful implementation of activities related to that theme.

The duties and responsibilities of the Thematic Lead will include, among others:

Provide scientific leadership for planning, implementing, monitoring and reporting of the Project’s agenda related to policies and institutions for scaling CSA.
Coordinate theme activities among CGIAR Centres and relevent partners.
To assist the leadership team to foster synthesis work and integration across themes and across continental to local scales of activities.
To keep in close contact with the Regional Leads to ensure that the Theme research activities in each region contribute to the overall achievements of the Project.
To provide guidance and oversight on monitoring and evaluation on the project.
Any other task derived from the above or that naturally belongs to them.

REPORTING LINE/COMMUNICATION

The Thematic Lead shall report to the Project Coordinator of AICCRA.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

A PhD degree or Masters degree plus appropriate experience in a discipline relevant to policies and institutions for scaling CSA.
At least 10 years experience in agricultural research for development in areas relevant to AICCRA (e.g. climate-smart agriculture, scaling agricultural innovations, enabling conditions for agricultural development, policies and institutions, monitoring and evaluation)
Experience in working in Africa
Minimum 5 years working experience at international organizations.
Proven experience and skills in managing projects and partnerships.
Proven capacity to work across multiple stakeholders, including government entities, civil society organizations (CSOs), local communities, and the private sector.
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English. Written and oral communication in French is an added advantage.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

Leadership skills – Understands how to motivate teams and partners and manage for results.
Knowledge and experience in international development – Understands policy making process; distils operationally relevant recommendations/lessons for clients.
Policy Dialogue Skills – Identifies and assesses policy issues and plays an active role in the dialogue with the government and/or other stakeholders.
Integrative Skills – Working to develop an integrated view across all facets of a large and complex project and the development context within which it is embedded.
Client Orientation – Takes personal responsibility and accountability for timely response to client queries, requests or needs, working to remove obstacles that may impede execution or overall success.
Drive for Results – Takes personal ownership and accountability to meet deadlines and achieve agreed upon results and has the personal organization to do so.
Teamwork (collaboration) and inclusion – Collaborates with other team members and contributes productively to the team's work and output, demonstrating respect for different points of view.
Knowledge, Learning and Communication – Actively seeks knowledge needed to complete assignments and shares knowledge with others, communicating and presenting information in a clear and organized manner.
Business Judgment and Analytical Decision Making – Analyse facts and data to support sound, logical decisions regarding own and others' work.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

This is an international recruited position, the initial contract will be for up to two (2) years, subject to a probation period of six (6) months, and is renewable depending on performance and availability of resources. The CGIAR offers a multicultural, collegial research environment with competitive salary and excellent benefits. We are an equal opportunity employer, and strive for gender, diversity and inclusion in our staff, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, marital status, or any other characteristic.

APPLICATIONS

Applicants are invited to send a cover letter illustrating their suitability for the above position against the qualifications, competencies, skills together with a detailed curriculum vitae, including names and addresses of three referees knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience. All correspondence should be addressed to the Human Resources Office, at (t.solis@cgiar.org) and should clearly indicate “Application: AICCRA Theme Leader”.

Closing date for applications: Nov/15/2021.
We invite you to learn more about us at:
https://alliancebioversityciat.org/ | https://alliancebioversityciat.org/2020-annual-report

Project Coordinator - AICCRA

Thu, 07 Oct 2021 10:13:33 +0200

Nov, 1 2021

Project Coordinator
Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA)

1. BACKGROUND

The Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa project (AICCRA) is administered by the Alliance of Biodiversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) (“Alliance”), the lead center for the CGIAR Program on Climate Change Agriculture, and Food Security (CCAFS).

AICCRA is funded by the International Development Association (IDA). CCAFS brings together some of the world’s best researchers in agricultural, climate and earth science to deliver innovative research-based solutions that catalyze positive change towards low-carbon and climate resilient food systems.

AICCRA will help make the products of cutting-edge CGIAR-led science available throughout Africa.

AICCRA can play a vital catalytic role in strengthening the agriculture research architecture in Africa.

Activities financed under AICCRA will be implemented by a broad coalition of CCAFS partners working at regional, sub-regional, and national level. AICCRA investments will be concentrated in six anchor countries: Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mali, Senegal, and Zambia, but spill-over benefits are expected in other countries as AICCRA will also work with Africa’s regional economic communities (RECs) and their associated regional agricultural research and climate change networks.

The project runs from 2021 to 2023.

The project has four components: (a) knowledge generation and sharing; (b) strengthening partnerships for delivery; (c) validating climate-smart agriculture innovations through piloting; and (d) project management.

The Alliance is seeking to recruit a Project Coordinator, who will take over the project from the out-going Coordinator.

The Project Coordinator will be based at one of the African offices of the participating CGIAR Centers or at the headquarters of the Alliance and CGIAR in Rome.

2. SCOPE OF WORK

The Project Coordinator will provide overall leadership to AICCRA and be responsible for ensuring the successful implementation of AICCRA.

The duties and responsibilities of the Project Coordinator will include, among others:

• Provide scientific leadership for planning, implementing, monitoring and reporting of the Project’s agenda including designing activities and the continual improvement of collaborative mechanisms for implementation.

• Catalyze and coordinate the project activities among Project participants 2 and their respective partners to further the implementation of strategies and priorities.

• Support and facilitate the oversight function of the Independent Steering Committee (ISC).

• Provide oversight of the project’s activity portfolio, including annual work plans, budgets and fund distribution, project implementation, and ensuring that reporting requirements are met.

• Develop and implement a communications strategy for the Project.

• Facilitate and promote communications and linkages across Project participants and the Project’s ISC as well as the donor’s designated control committee to support the implementation of activities and delivery of outcomes and impacts.

• Any other task derived from the above or that naturally belongs to them.

• Be the primary contact person for the World Bank

3. REPORTING LINE/COMMUNICATION

The Project Coordinator shall report to the Director General of the Alliance and the Chair of the Independent Steering Committee.

4. QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

A PhD degree, in a discipline relevant to AICCRA from either the agricultural, social, or natural sciences.
At least 12 years’ experience in agricultural research for development in areas relevant to AICCRA (e.g. climate smart agriculture, climate information services, scaling agricultural innovations, enabling conditions for agricultural development)
Experience in working in Africa
Good knowledge of the relevant regulations/directives and operations of multilateral development organizations and executing agencies.
Minimum 8 years working experience at international organizations.
Proven experience and skills in managing projects and partnerships.
Proven capacity to work across multiple stakeholders, including government entities, civil society organizations (CSOs), local communities, and the private sector.
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English. Written and oral communication in French an added advantage.

5. REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

• Leadership skills – understands how to motivate teams and partners and manage for results.

• Knowledge and experience in international development - understands policy making process; distils operationally relevant recommendations/lessons for clients.

• Policy Dialogue Skills - Identifies and assesses policy issues and plays an active role in the dialogue with the government and/or other stakeholders.

• Integrative Skills - Working to develop an integrated view across all facets of current sector.

• Client Orientation - Takes personal responsibility and accountability for timely response to client queries, requests or needs, working to remove obstacles that may impede execution or overall success.

• Drive for Results - Takes personal ownership and accountability to meet deadlines and achieve agreed upon results and has the personal organization to do so.

• Teamwork (collaboration) and inclusion - Collaborates with other team members and contributes productively to the team's work and output, demonstrating respect for different points of view.

• Knowledge, Learning and Communication - Actively seeks knowledge needed to complete assignments and shares knowledge with others, communicating and presenting information in a clear and organized manner.

• Business Judgment and Analytical Decision Making - Analyze facts and data to support sound, logical decisions regarding own and others' work.

6. TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

The Alliance offers a multicultural, collegial research environment with competitive salary and excellent benefits.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and strive for gender, diversity and inclusion in our staff, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, marital status, or any other characteristic.

7. APPLICATIONS

All correspondence should be addressed to the Human Resources Office, at (t.solis@cgiar.org) and should clearly indicate “Application: AICCRA Project Coordinator”.

Closing date for applications: Nov/01/2021.

Social Safeguards Specialist

Fri, 13 Aug 2021 14:04:08 +0200

Aug, 29 2021

Terms of Reference

Social Safeguards Specialist for Project Management Unit

Project: Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa project (AICCRA)

BACKGROUND

The Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa project (AICCRA) is administered by the Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), the lead center for the CGIAR Program on Climate Change Agriculture, and Food Security (CCAFS). AICCRA is funded by the International Development Association (IDA). CCAFS brings together some of the world’s best researchers in agricultural, climate and earth science to deliver innovative research-based solutions that catalyze positive change towards low-carbon and climate resilient food systems.

A critical part of the project work is ensuring compliance with the environmental and social risk management requirements of the financing institutions and national legislation. In order to strengthen capacity under the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework (ESF), one environmental specialist and one social specialist will be hired by the Project Management Unit (PMU) is to work on project activities in the PMU under this project. One specialist will be based in West Africa and the other in East Africa, but both with project-wide mandates.

SCOPE OF WORK

The Social Specialist’s overall responsibility will be ensuring alignment of project implementation activities with commitments under the ESF and the Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP) and national legislation.

Activities to be performed by the Social Specialist include but are not limited to the following:

Provide overall technical social safeguards oversight for the project preparation, implementation and monitoring under the general management of the PMU head (CCAFS Director). Focus will be on social risk management and monitoring, including measures for addressing inclusive stakeholder engagement and the grievance mechanism (GM), social accountability, social inclusion, conflict reduction, addressing disadvantage and vulnerability and strengthening social inclusion, restoration of livelihoods and land acquisition if applicable, addressing requirements related to Indigenous peoples under the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) , labor risks and management, gender inclusive methodologies and mainstreaming, and familiarity with social methodologies (qualitative and quantitative), and other social issues that may arise in the project. Familiarity and experience with addressing SEA/SH risks in projects is also preferred.
Provide necessary coordination and relevant input into and monitoring of the Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) and the Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP).
Undertake regular field visits to project sites to assess social impacts and verify social monitoring information provided in the reports of contractors and implementing partners, including photo documentation as applicable (upon community consent).
Undertake stakeholder consultation in accordance with the Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) ;
Keep accurate records of social supervision of project activities in a systemic manner that allows easy search-and-find of all documents upon request of the PMU, the World Bank, and national authorities.
Screening of sub-projects identified under the projects, ensuring the screening process complies with the ESCP; and advise on the site-specific safeguards instruments required (e.g. Environmental and Social Management Plan – ESMP). Ensure that screening of sub-projects is completed accurately and mitigation measures and plans are implemented as it relates to social risks and issues. Follow up with field visits as necessary.
Coordinating recruitment of social safeguards consultants, including drafting TORs, estimating budgets, providing assistance in shortlisting and evaluation firms/individuals consultants proposals/qualifications, negotiating and preparing contracts.
Ensuring that bidding documents and contracts include necessary social provisions, including sexual exploitation and abuse/sexual harassment (SEA/SH) risks, security risk, and requirements related to Indigenous Peoples Plans (IPPs) (if applicable) in management provisions.
Analyzing project implementation reports to ensure that all work is completed in alignment with the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework and as agreed to under the ESCP; supervising contractors’ performance in handling specific social issues, such as SEA/SH (and monitoring measures related to the Codes of Conduct), IPPs, security measures, the Labor Management Procedures, and the Grievance Mechanism; providing corrective instruments as needed.
Preparing relevant parts of required social monitoring reports, including reports on Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs) implementation status. Preparation of regular safeguards monitoring reports for the PMU, including preparation of the social safeguards, gender sensitivity and stakeholder engagement content of project progress reports submitted to the World Bank. This includes being responsible for drafting sections of the project implementation documentation as well as guiding partners in the updating of the project implementation manual related to social development, gender, livelihoods, and social risk management.
Ensuring the Grievance Mechanism (GM) is functioning properly (and ensure the GM action plan agreed to with the World Bank is being implemented within the stipulated deadlines), and report back to the PMU in quarterly reports on GM outcomes and issues.
Review for quality social risk management instruments (e.g. ESMP) as per the ESCP that are prepared by consultants prior to being sent to the World Bank for clearance and provide inputs and edits as needed.

REPORTING LINE/COMMUNICATION

The Social Safeguard Specialist shall report to the PMU head, but work closely with the thematic, regional and country leaders of AICCRA as well as pertinent national agencies and development partners. The Social Safeguard Specialist will work as a team with the Environmental Safeguards Specialist.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

A social science degree, preferably at Masters level, in one of the following disciplines: political science or policy, sociology, anthropology, gender studies, social assessment studies, development studies, international relations, or related fields.
At least 8 years of experience in areas relevant to social risk management such as vulnerable groups and individuals, gender and social inclusion, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, livelihoods, stakeholder engagement, social impact analysis, assessment of social risks, etc.).
Experience in Africa in compliance with social safeguards policies, especially with working with safeguards of international financial institutions.
Good knowledge of the relevant regulations/directives and operations of multilateral development organizations and executing agencies. Minimum 2 years working experience at international organizations.
Proven experience and skills in managing projects.
Proven capacity to work across multiple stakeholders, including government entities, civil society organizations (CSOs), local communities, and the private sector.
Solid knowledge of Microsoft Office, with advanced Power Point/presentation skills
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
Multiple safeguards specialists are required, and for the specialist operating in West Africa, proficiency in written and oral communication in French is essential.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

Knowledge and experience in international development - understands policy making process; distils operationally relevant recommendations/lessons for clients.
Policy Dialogue Skills - Identifies and assesses policy issues and plays an active role in the dialogue with the government and/or other stakeholders.
Integrative Skills - Working to develop an integrated view across all facets of current sector.
Client Orientation - Takes personal responsibility and accountability for timely response to client queries, requests or needs, working to remove obstacles that may impede execution or overall success.
Drive for Results - Takes personal ownership and accountability to meet deadlines and achieve agreed-upon results and has the personal organization to do so.
Teamwork (collaboration) and inclusion - Collaborates with other team members and contributes productively to the team's work and output, demonstrating respect for different points of view.
Knowledge, Learning and Communication - Actively seeks knowledge needed to complete assignments and shares knowledge with others, communicating and presenting information in a clear and organized manner.
Business Judgment and Analytical Decision Making - Analyse facts and data to support sound, logical decisions regarding own and others' work.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

This is an international recruited position, the initial contract will be for up to two (2) years, subject to a probation period of six (6) months, and is renewable depending on performance and availability of resources. The Alliance Bioversity-CIAT offers a multicultural, collegial research environment with competitive salary and excellent benefits. We are an equal opportunity employer, and strive for gender, diversity and inclusion in our staff, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, marital status, or any other characteristic.

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants are invited to send a cover letter (in English) illustrating their suitability for the above position against the qualifications, competencies, skills together with a detailed curriculum vitae, including names and addresses of three referees knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience. All correspondence should be addressed to the Human Resources Office, at (t.solis@cgiar.org) and should clearly indicate “Application: Safeguards Experts”.

The deadline for applications is Sunday 29 August. We reserve the right to recruit a suitable candidate before this deadline.

Please note that applications that do not include all the information described above will not be considered. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews.

Environmental Safeguards Specialist

Fri, 13 Aug 2021 13:51:36 +0200

Aug, 29 2021

Terms of Reference

Environmental Safeguards Specialist for Project Management Unit

Project: Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa project (AICCRA)

BACKGROUND

A critical part of the project work is ensuring compliance with the environmental and social risk management requirements of the financing institutions and national legislation. In order to strengthen capacity under the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework (ESF), one environmental specialist and one social specialist will be hired by the Project Management Unit (PMU) is to work on project activities in the PMU under this project. One will be based in West Africa and the other in East Africa, but both with project-wide mandates.

SCOPE OF WORK

The Environmental Specialist’s overall responsibility will be ensuring alignment of project implementation activities with commitments under the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) and the Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP) and national legislation.

Activities to be performed by the Environmental Safeguards Specialist include but are not limited to the following:

Provide overall technical environmental safeguards oversight for the project preparation and implementation under the general management of the PMU head (CCAFS Director). Focus will be on environmental risk management, including measures for addressing pollution (including noise pollution), inappropriate fertilizer use, pest management, land degradation, biodiversity loss and familiarity with environmental methodologies, and other environmental issues that may arise in the project.

Coordinate closely with the project team, including the social specialist, consultants, contractors, and implementing partners in planning, managing, monitoring and reporting environmental risks and performance in the project, and provide necessary technical assistance

Provide necessary coordination and relevant input into the Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) and the Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP) and other safeguards documents deemed necessary during implementation.

Undertake regular field visits to project sites to assess environmental impacts and verify environmental monitoring information provided in the reports of contractors and implementing partners, including photo documentation as applicable.

Keep accurate records of environmental supervision of project activities in a systemic manner that allows easy search-and-find of all documents upon request of the PMU, the World Bank, and national authorities.

Conduct environmental due diligence and impacts of projects and develop implementable environmental action plans for implementation.

Provide guidance to borrowers on management of complex E&S risks. This could involve capacity building of borrowers, providing, and guiding them through implementation of E&S corrective action plans.

Recommending hiring of subject matters specialists when significantly complex issues are identified in projects. For instance, if a project is likely to have an impact on critical habitat, the consultant may recommend hiring of a biodiversity expert to assess the impact and recommend the way forward.

Screening of sub-projects identified under the projects, ensuring the screening process complies with the ESCP and ESMF; and advise on the site-specific safeguards ‘instruments required (e.g., Environmental and Social Management Plan [ESMP], Pest Management Plans, Biodiversity Management Plans, Cultural Heritage Plans). Ensure that screening of sub-projects is completed accurately, and mitigation measures and plans are implemented as it relates to environmental risks and issues. Follow up with field visits as necessary.

Coordinating recruitment of environmental safeguards consultants, including drafting TORs, estimating budgets, providing assistance in shortlisting and evaluation firms/individuals consultants proposals/qualifications, negotiating, and preparing contracts.

Ensuring that bidding documents and contracts include necessary environmental and monitoring provisions.

Analyzing project implementation reports to ensure that all work is completed in full compliance with environmental and social standards under the ESF; supervising contractors’ performance in handling specific environmental issues, such as related to fertilizer use, pollution management, Occupational Health and Safety, etc.

Preparing relevant parts of required environmental monitoring reports, including reports on Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs) implementation status. Preparation of regular safeguards monitoring reports for the PMU, including preparation of the environmental safeguards content of project progress reports submitted to the World Bank. This includes being responsible for drafting sections of the project documentation and guiding partners in the updating of the project implementation manual related to environmental safeguards.

Provide coordination support to review environmental instruments and liaise with the World Bank for clearance. Review for quality environmental risk management instruments (e.g., ESMP) as per the ESCP that are prepared by consultants prior to being sent to the World Bank for clearance and provide inputs and edits as needed.

REPORTING LINE/COMMUNICATION

The Environmental Safeguard Specialist shall report to the PMU head, but work closely with the thematic, regional, and country leaders of AICCRA as well as pertinent national agencies and development partners. The Environmental Safeguard Specialist will work as a team with the Social Safeguards Specialist.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

An environmental science or agricultural science degree, preferably at Master’s level, or in a related relevant degree; that includes a focus on the environmental impacts of agricultural development.
At least 8 years of experience in areas relevant to environmental risk management such as biodiversity loss, fertilizer pollution, land degradation, climate change, natural habitats etc.).
Experience in Africa in compliance with environmental safeguards policies.
Good knowledge of the relevant regulations/directives and operations of multilateral development organizations and executing agencies. Minimum 2 years working experience at international organizations.
Proven experience and skills in managing projects.
Proven capacity to work across multiple stakeholders, including government entities, civil society organizations (CSOs), local communities, and the private sector.
Solid knowledge of Microsoft Office, with advanced Power Point/presentation skills
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
Multiple safeguards specialists are required, and for the specialist operating in West Africa, proficiency in written and oral communication in French is essential.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

Knowledge and experience in international development – understands policy making process and the international treaties on climate change; distils operationally relevant recommendations/lessons for clients.
Policy Dialogue Skills - Identifies and assesses policy issues and plays an active role in the dialogue with the government and/or other stakeholders.
Integrative Skills - Working to develop an integrated view across all facets of current sector.
Client Orientation - Takes personal responsibility and accountability for timely response to client queries, requests or needs, working to remove obstacles that may impede execution or overall success.
Drive for Results - Takes personal ownership and accountability to meet deadlines and achieve agreed-upon results and has the personal organization to do so.
Teamwork (collaboration) and inclusion - Collaborates with other team members and contributes productively to the team's work and output, demonstrating respect for different points of view.
Knowledge, Learning and Communication - Actively seeks knowledge needed to complete assignments and shares knowledge with others, communicating and presenting information in a clear and organized manner.
Business Judgment and Analytical Decision Making - Analyze facts and data to support sound, logical decisions regarding own and others' work.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

This is an international recruited position, the initial contract will be for up to two (2) years, subject to a probation period of six (6) months, and is renewable depending on performance and availability of resources. The Alliance Bioversity-CIAT offers a multicultural, collegial research environment with competitive salary and excellent benefits. We are an equal opportunity employer, and strive for gender, diversity and inclusion in our staff, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, marital status, or any other characteristic.

HOW TO APPLY

The deadline for applications is Sunday 29 August. We reserve the right to recruit a suitable candidate before this deadline.

Please note that applications that do not include all the information described above will not be considered. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews.

Communications Consultant – Gender & Social Inclusion

Mon, 21 Jun 2021 11:10:05 +0200

Jun, 30 2021

The CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS) marshals the science and expertise of the global CGIAR partnership to catalyze positive change towards a climate-smart future in agriculture and food systems. It scales up the practices, technologies and institutions that enable agriculture to meet triple goals of food security, adaptation and mitigation.

CCAFS’ Gender & Social Inclusion (GSI) team is seeking a candidate for a six-month part-time communications consultancy (July–December 2021). The consultant will be hired under a standard consultancy contract, operating independently for CCAFS.

The Communications Consultant will support the GSI team in two primary ways: (i) Coordinating the work of GSI with stakeholders ensuring high-quality and timely outputs; and (ii) Supporting the Global Communications and Knowledge Manager on events and advocacy primarily focused on the UN COP26 climate negotiations.

The role

The consultant will work part-time (8-10 days a month), delivering the following duties:

Draft GSI content for the CCAFS website (news, blogs, research highlights, in the news).
Write, edit, proof and approve blogs by the GSI team, providing feedback and ensuring the blogs meet website and publishing guidelines.
Create and post engaging social media content (utilizing programs like Canva or Adobe Creative Cloud) that effectively disseminate GSI research findings to key audiences or supports GSI events.
Create and Coordinate online campaigns around international days and other key events
Manage and further develop gender and social inclusion-specific communication channels, including contributions to the CGIAR GENDER Platform, cgxchange, and the Gender, Agriculture, and Climate Change Network on LinkedIn.
Coordinate with external communication teams including the CGIAR GENDER platform
Coordinate with other CCAFS teams and regions to determine gender/youth components that can be promoted
Collaborate across CCAFS and with external partners to capture gender and social inclusion-related project outcomes and disseminate this information through e-learning, webinars, etc.
Contribute to global communications projects and events including the CCAFS legacy films, and pre-COP26 events
Contributions to the CCAFS Communications Annual Report and MARLO reporting for 2021
Edit and proof GSI publications including Working papers, InfoNotes and journal articles
Assist in the planning and implementation of GSI events
Other tasks as required.
Provide communications support to a new project being launched by CCAFS this year -Accelerating the Impact of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) - with exact duties and responsibilities to be confirmed.

About you

The consultant must be fluent in English, and able to write and edit English language content to a high standard.
The consultant should have a proven interest in strategic communications, innovative campaigns and social media engagement that can inform and influence audiences and key stakeholders.
While knowledge of climate change, agriculture, gender and food security are of course advantageous, we are more concerned with finding someone with an analytical mind who can look afresh at CCAFS research to find creative ways to communicate our ideas, constructively challenging our assumptions and ways of working.
They must be able to write creatively and create content that speaks to different audiences.
They must be highly organized—being able to manage competing demands—with good attention to detail.
Consultants familiar with web-based platforms that help us create digital content for social media—e.g. Canva and Headliner—will be preferred.

How to apply

To apply, please email a letter of interest, a resume, one writing sample, contact information for two references to Nitya Chanana, CCAFS GSI Science Officer at n.chanana@cgiar.org no later than Wednesday 30 June 2021.

CCAFS strives for diversity in gender and nationality among its consultants and staff.

Other details

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted about this consultancy.

We reserve the right to appoint a candidate before the advertised deadline.

Sustainable Finance Specialist

Fri, 23 Apr 2021 15:09:06 +0200

May, 8 2021

The Accelerating the Impact of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa project (AICCRA) is looking for a talented, creative and dynamic sustainable finance professional who is highly driven and has the skills and network required to tackle the most pressing challenges facing our food systems and related water and land systems. The Sustainable Finance Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation and growth of AICCRA sustainable finance work. This will include using sustainable finance to foster adoption of bundled climate-smart agriculture (CSA) solutions (including bundled practices/technologies and climate information services) and providing guidance to countries’ led work in the six priority countries (Ghana, Senegal, Mali, Kenya, Ethiopia and Zambia). This position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Please find more detailed information in the attached document.

Terms of employment

This is an internationally recruited position placed at a BG8, on a scale of 14 levels, with level 14 being the highest.

The initial contract will be for up to two years, subject to a probation period of six months, and is renewable depending on performance and availability of resources. The Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT offers a multicultural, collegial research environment with a competitive salary and excellent benefits. We are an equal opportunity employer, and strive for gender, diversity and inclusion in our staff, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, marital status, or any other characteristic.

Applications

Applicants are invited to send a cover letter illustrating their suitability for the above position against the qualifications, competencies, skills, together with a detailed curriculum vitae, including names and addresses of three referees knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience. All correspondence should be addressed to the Human Resources Office, at (t.solis@cgiar.org) and should clearly indicate “Application: Sustainable Finance Specialist”.

Please note that applications that do not include all the information described above will not be considered. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews.

Closing date for applications: May/08/2021.

We invite you to learn more about us at:

https://alliancebioversityciat.org/ ; https://annualreport2019.alliancebioversityciat.org/

Global Communications Consultant

Thu, 15 Apr 2021 14:39:08 +0200

Jun, 20 2021

CCAFS’ Program Management Unit (PMU) is seeking a candidate for a six-month consultancy (June–December 2021) focused on our global communications and campaigns. The consultant will be hired under a standard consultancy contract, operating independently for CCAFS.

The Global Communications Consultant will report to the Global Communications and Knowledge Manager, and support the PMU in two primary ways: (i) Coordinating the work of the Regional and Flagship Communications Officers, ensuring high-quality and timely outputs; and (ii) Support the Global Communications and Knowledge Manager, the Global Events Manager and Head of Partnerships and Outreach on events and advocacy primarily for the UN Food Systems Summit and the UN COP26 climate negotiations.

The Global Communications Consultant will work remotely—ideally close to Central European Time—but once COVID-19 restrictions ease, they will be welcome to travel to work at the PMU office on the Wageningen campus in the Netherlands, on occasions to be agreed. Depending on COVID-19 restrictions in late 2021, the consultant is expected to travel to meetings and events internationally.

The CCAFS communications team is comprised of ten Communications Officers covering four flagships, five regions and one cross-cutting theme. Their global work is coordinated by a Global Communications and Knowledge Manager based in the PMU, which is hosted by Wageningen University & Research in the Netherlands.

From June 2021, the Global Communications and Knowledge Manager and Global Communications Consultant will be supported by one student research assistant that works on a part-time basis.

The role

The consultant will work full-time (approximately 40 hours a week) delivering the following duties:

Draft content for the CCAFS website (news, blogs, research highlights, in the news).
Edit, proof and approve blogs by the communications team, providing feedback and ensuring the blogs meet website and publishing guidelines.
Support content management on the website and the intranet.
Create and post engaging social media content (utilizing programs like Canva or Adobe Creative Cloud) that effectively disseminate our research findings to key audiences or support CCAFS events.
Edit/approve social media posts submitted by CCAFS Communications Officers.
Coordinate online campaigns around international days and other key events, supporting or delegating to CCAFS Communications Officers where necessary.
Coordinate entries from CCAFS Communications Officers into the quarterly newsletter, proof-reading content and checking links.
Note-taking at the monthly CCAFS Communications Meeting, ensuring action points are disseminated to the team in a timely manner.
Track key performance indicators for CCAFS communications every quarter and submit them to the CGIAR System Organization.
Manage the CCAFS web support team through an online ticketing system and Zoom calls once every two weeks, ensuring that issues raised are addressed in a timely manner.
Coordinate contributions to the CCAFS Communications Annual Report for 2021 in the final quarter of the year.
Write scripts, record, produce, edit and publish videos and/or podcasts.
Draft and edit presentations that align to the CCAFS brand.
Assist in the planning and implementation of CCAFS events.
Other tasks as required.
Provide ad-hoc communications support to a new project being launched by CCAFS this year: Accelerating the Impact of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA). Exact duties and responsibilities to be confirmed.

About you

The consultant must be fluent in English, and able to write and edit English language content to a high standard.
The consultant should have a proven interest in strategic communications, innovative campaigns and social media engagement that can inform and influence audiences and key stakeholders.
While knowledge of climate change, agriculture and food security are of course advantageous, we are more concerned with finding someone with an analytical mind who can look afresh at CCAFS research to find creative ways to communicate our ideas, constructively challenging our assumptions and ways of working.
They must be able to write creatively and create content that speaks to different audiences.
They must be highly organized—being able to manage competing demands—with good attention to detail.
Consultants with video editing skills (especially those adept at storyboarding and editing for social media platforms) are highly sought after. Likewise, those familiar with web-based platforms that help us create digital content for social media—e.g. Canva and Headliner—will be preferred.

How to apply

To apply, please email a letter of interest, a resume, two writing samples, contact information for two references to Rhys Bucknall-Williams, CCAFS Global Communications & Knowledge Manager at r.bucknall@cgiar.org no later than Sunday 20 June 2021.

CCAFS strives for diversity in gender and nationality among its consultants and staff.

Other details

CCAFS will pay the amount the consultant invoices, based on agreed quotes. CCAFS will pay a proportion of the agreed invoice amount in three installments, upon satisfactory delivery of agreed responsibilities.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted about this consultancy.

We reserve the right to appoint a candidate before the advertised deadline.

Gender-Smart Investing Specialist

Fri, 26 Mar 2021 19:32:53 +0100

May, 12 2021

We are currently seeking applications for the position of Gender-Smart Investing Specialist. The overall objective is to help CGIAR and AICCRA mainstream gender and climate change into the risk management, investment decision and capital allocation processes as to radically increase the volume of capital that flows to women-led SMEs as well as increase the number of women that run impact funds with a climate focus. This position will be based at Dakar, Senegal or Nairobi, Kenya

*Please find more detailed information in the attached document.

Terms of employment

This is an internationally recruited position placed at a BG8, in a scale of 14 levels, with level 14 being the highest.

The initial contract will be for up to two (2) years, subject to a probation period of six (6) months, and is renewable depending on performance and availability of resources. The Alliance Bioversity-CIAT offers a multicultural, collegial research environment with competitive salary and excellent benefits. We are an equal opportunity employer, and strive for gender, diversity and inclusion in our staff, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, marital status, or any other characteristic.

Applications

Please note that applications that do not include all the information described above will not be considered. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews.

Closing date for applications: May/12/2021.

We invite you to learn more about us at:

Sustainable Finance Originator Climate-Smart Agriculture in Latin America (Consultant)

Tue, 23 Mar 2021 16:31:25 +0100

May, 21 2021

Background

This is a key growth area for CCAFS, as we receive greater demand from public and private investors for our cutting-edge research, advisory services, global operational capacity, and innovation focus. We focus on providing innovative science-based solutions that drive sustainable economic growth while delivering positive climate and development outcomes.

As part of on-going advisory work, we are looking for an individual with investment and finance background to assist with market research and pipeline building. This work aims to develop a pipeline of climate smart agriculture (CSA) business models in food systems across Latin American countries (LAM) to support investment matchmaking.

Results will inform financial institutions, impact investors and private companies about promising business models and investment opportunities in LAM that contribute to large-scale impacts (climate change mitigation, climate change adaptation and improved productivity amongst others).

Responsabilities

Support CCAFS to develop a pipeline of potential investees that can be matched to impact investors by sourcing investment opportunities, developing business cases, and preparing investment memorandums for climate-smart agriculture (CSA) business models in food systems.
Identify CSA project and business models: interviews and reviews to map out cases
across the region on sustainable livestock, landscape restoration, agroforestry, and other
types of sustainable agriculture and food supply chains.
Validation (or refutation) of the investment strategy of promising investment opportunities (i.e. if there is a market need for the investment instruments envisioned and sufficient demand).
Validation (or refutation) of the impact thesis of promising investment opportunities (i.e. is
there a potential for a substantial and measurable impact with the envisioned investment strategy). Technical input on CSA will be provided by CCAFS scientists and researchers.
Support project teams to disaggregate problems and provide innovative solutions through close collaboration with the project team by diagnosing bottlenecks.
Support CCAFS scientists and researchers to characterize projects and business models based on climate smartness and mitigation potential of business models. Technical input
on CSA will be provided by CCAFS scientists and researchers to support the consultant.
Long-list of potential investment enterprises complimented with a ‘Deal Book’ of ~4 that matches the thesis of the proposed project. The final ‘Deal Book’ of ~4 will include an investment memorandum report for each.

THE CANDIDATE SHALL HAVE THE FOLLOWING COMPETENCIES, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE

Advanced degree in Economics, Finance or Business Administration required.
Minimum 7 years working experience at the international level in the area of sustainable finance, climate finance, and/or impact investing or in the commercial sector closely related to the topic.
Minimum 7 years working experience at the international level in the area of sustainable finance, climate finance, and/or impact investing or in the commercial sector closely related to the topic.
Strong understanding or interest in impact investments, including for low-carbon and climate-resilient food systems.
Sound experience working with asset owners, asset managers, corporates, public & private donors, etc.
Solid knowledge of innovative financial instruments in sustainable land use and climate-smart food systems.
Good understanding of agricultural systems and climate-related challenges in developing countries, and how environmental and social issues related to business risks and opportunities.
Solid knowledge of Microsoft Office, with advanced PowerPoint/presentation skills.
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Portuguese; a third language (Spanish) is strongly preferred. For the Latin America consultancy, besides English, a second language (Spanish or Portuguese) is strongly preferred.

TERMS OF THE CONSULTANCY

This consultancy call is globally recruited. It will be hosted by the Alliance of
Bioversity International and CIAT and funded by CCAFS. It will be based in LAC
and homebased work may be considered.

The consultancy for Latin America will be based in any country of Latin America and home-based work may be considered.

The consultancy contract will be for a maximum of a 4-month period (May/June
2021 – August/September 2021). We offer a challenging position with remuneration commensurate with experience, high degree of independence and a very flexible and multicultural working environment. The candidate will report to Alberto Millan (Global Lead, Sustainable Finance).

HOW TO APPLY

Applications should be submitted before May 21, 2021, to Ciniro Costa Junior (c.costajr@cgiar.org). All applications must include curriculum vitae, cover letter, salary expectations (USD monthly salary expectation) and contact information of three professional referees who may be contacted. Please note that applications that do not include all the information described above will not be considered. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Global Policy Engagement Consultant

Thu, 11 Feb 2021 20:22:55 +0100

Feb, 19 2021

Background

The CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS) is led by the Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), one of the research centers of CGIAR. We bring together the world’s best researchers in agricultural, climate and earth science to deliver innovative research-based solutions that catalyze positive change towards low-carbon and climate resilient food systems. CCAFS places considerable emphasis on linking science to policy to achieve development outcomes which benefit rural communities. In the lead up to the UN Food Systems Summit and COP26, we seek to strengthen our capacity to engage in global policy processes in partnership with our key partners. We are looking for a talented, creative and dynamic consultant who is highly driven and have the skills and networks required to tackle the most pressing challenges facing our food systems. Specifically, she/he will focus on the key duties and responsibilities outlined below.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Activities	Deliverables	Frequency
Support management of global projects on policy research and engagement for policy impact	Management support for policy engagement campaigns for COP26 and UN Food Systems Summit	Upon submission of monthly progress report to CCAFS Director, Bruce Campbell
Support management of global level capacity enhancement projects	Design and deliver capacity enhancement events as part of the policy engagement campaigns	Upon submission of monthly progress report to CCAFS Director, Bruce Campbell
Production of written outputs for policy audiences	Policy briefs and meeting/event documentation as part of the policy engagement campaigns	Upon submission of monthly progress report to CCAFS Director, Bruce Campbel
Co-management of CCAFS inputs to global processes and events	Support the organization of Food Systems Summit Dialogues and other global events linked to the policy engagement campaigns	Upon submission of monthly progress report to CCAFS Director, Bruce Campbell
Management of selected external partnerships at the global level	Support partnerships with key stakeholders of the policy engagement campaigns	Upon submission of monthly progress report to CCAFS Director, Bruce Campbell
Support for CCAFS engagement in the UN Food Systems Summit	Organize meetings, support events, and produce documentation	Upon submission of monthly progress report to CCAFS Director, Bruce Campbell
Support for CCAFS engagement efforts in the lead up to COP26	Organize meetings, support events, and produce documentation	Upon submission of monthly progress report to CCAFS Director, Bruce Campbell

THE CANDIDATE SHALL HAVE THE FOLLOWING COMPETENCIES, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Advanced degree in Climate Change, Agriculture, Economics, Finance or Business Administration.
Minimum 3 years working experience at international level in the global policy arena on climate change, agriculture, and food security.
A solutions and results-oriented approach.
Critical thinker able to analyse complex information and produce high-quality work products in an easy-to-understand manner.
Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.
Ability to work both independently and in a team-oriented, collaborative and decentralized environment, and operate under tight deadlines.
Solid knowledge of Microsoft Office, with advanced PowerPoint/presentation skills.
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English; a second language (French or Spanish) is strongly preferred.

TERMS OF THE CONSULTANCY

This will be managed through a global scope search and will be hosted by the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT and funded by CCAFS. It will be home based in Europe.

The consultancy contract will be until 31 December 2021. We offer a challenging role with remuneration commensurate with experience, a high degree of independence and a very flexible and multicultural working environment. The selected candidate will report to the Head of Partnerships and Outreach and work closely with the Global Events Manager and the Global Communications and Knowledge Manager.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications should be submitted by February 19, 2021, to ccafs@cgiar.org. All applications must include curriculum vitae, cover letter, expected remuneration (USD daily rate) and contact information of two professional referees who may be contacted. Please note that applications that do not include all the information described above will not be considered. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.