Consultancy for Seed System Assessment on Promoting Resilient Seed Systems

Job Posting Organization:
The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) is a research center that aims to provide evidence-based solutions to reduce poverty and end hunger and malnutrition. Established in 1975, IFPRI operates in over 40 countries and employs a diverse team of researchers and experts dedicated to improving food systems and agricultural policies. The organization focuses on generating research that informs policy decisions and promotes sustainable agricultural practices, particularly in developing countries.

Job Overview:
The consultancy position is focused on conducting a comprehensive seed system assessment in Northern Ethiopia, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected settings. The consultant will be responsible for leading field data collection, coordinating stakeholder engagement, and contributing to the analysis and synthesis of findings. The goal is to generate actionable evidence that informs a practical roadmap for rebuilding resilient seed systems in the region. This involves understanding local seed systems, assessing the impact of digital solutions, and facilitating a consultative policy design process with various stakeholders, including government agencies and farmer organizations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake two main components of work: conducting a seed systems assessment and facilitating a consultative process for policy roadmap development. Key responsibilities include reviewing background documents, refining data collection tools, developing a sampling frame for interviews and discussions, securing local approvals for fieldwork, conducting Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), analyzing qualitative data, and synthesizing findings into structured documentation. The consultant will also be responsible for managing the logistics of fieldwork, ensuring ethical data handling, and providing structured inputs into the final assessment report and policy recommendations.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a multidisciplinary team led by a Principal Investigator with a PhD in Public Policy Analysis, Agricultural Economics, Development Economics, or a related field. Candidates should have at least 8 years of relevant experience in qualitative or mixed-methods research, particularly in agriculture and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security within fragile or conflict-affected settings. Strong analytical and report-writing skills in English are essential, and familiarity with Northern Ethiopia's seed sector is highly desirable. The team should also include experts in qualitative research, seed systems, and data management.

Educational Background:
A PhD in a relevant field such as Public Policy Analysis, Agricultural Economics, Development Economics, or Development Studies is required for the Principal Investigator. Team members should possess relevant qualifications and expertise in their respective areas, particularly in agricultural research and policy analysis.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 8 years of experience leading research or policy analysis in agriculture, food security, or rural development, with a focus on fragile or conflict-affected settings. Experience in conducting qualitative research, including KIIs and FGDs, is crucial, as is familiarity with the local context in Northern Ethiopia.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with strong report-writing skills required. Knowledge of Tigrigna and Amharic is considered a plus, as it may facilitate data collection and stakeholder engagement in the local context.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to be completed within 7 weeks of signing the contract. The consultant will work under the technical leadership of IFPRI researchers and will need to coordinate closely with government counterparts and stakeholders in Northern Ethiopia. Regular progress reports and check-in meetings will be required to address any challenges that arise during the assignment.