Consultant for Mainstreaming Agroecology into National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS)
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) is a global research organization established in 1975, dedicated to providing research-based policy solutions to sustainably reduce poverty and end hunger and malnutrition. IFPRI operates in over 40 countries and employs a diverse team of researchers and experts who work collaboratively to address the challenges of security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and agricultural development. The organization focuses on generating knowledge and tools that support sustainable, inclusive, and resilient landscapes, particularly through its CGIAR Multifunctional Landscapes Science Program.
Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in supporting the CGIAR Multifunctional Landscapes Science Program by focusing on the integration of agroecology into National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) in India. This position is designed to generate comprehensive analytical outputs that will inform policy and institutional changes necessary for fostering agroecological transitions. The consultant will be responsible for producing a detailed report that assesses the current drivers of public agricultural research in India, with a specific emphasis on how NARS can be transformed to support sustainable and socially just food systems. The overarching research question guiding this consultancy is to explore what an agroecological NARS would look like and how it can be effectively promoted across various national contexts. The consultant will engage in primary data collection, stakeholder coordination, and qualitative analysis to provide evidence-based recommendations for policy change.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's primary duties will include:
Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in Social Sciences, with a strong understanding of the agricultural sector and relevant organizations in India. A proven track record of peer-reviewed publications on topics such as institutional analysis, agrifood systems, and agroecology is essential. Preferred qualifications include a PhD in Social Sciences, experience in conducting and coding interviews, and additional peer-reviewed publications specifically related to agricultural research organizations in India.
Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should have an advanced degree, either a Master’s or PhD, in Social Sciences or a closely related field. This educational background is critical for understanding the complexities of agricultural systems and the socio-political dynamics that influence research and policy in India.
Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, particularly in the areas of social science research, agricultural policy analysis, and stakeholder engagement. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in conducting qualitative research, including interviews and data analysis, as well as a history of contributing to peer-reviewed publications in relevant fields.
Languages:
While the job posting does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential for conducting interviews and preparing reports. Knowledge of local languages may be beneficial for engaging with stakeholders in India, although it is not explicitly required.
Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last from the receipt of the signed contract until December 31, 2026, with an estimated commitment of approximately 45 days of work. No fieldwork is required for this consultancy, allowing for a flexible working arrangement. Interested candidates must submit their CV, at least one writing sample, and a cover letter detailing their relevant experience, along with their daily rate in USD. It is important to note that only selected candidates will be contacted, as the organization is unable to respond to all applications.
The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) is a global research organization established in 1975, dedicated to providing research-based policy solutions to sustainably reduce poverty and end hunger and malnutrition. IFPRI operates in over 40 countries and employs a diverse team of researchers and experts who work collaboratively to address the challenges of security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and agricultural development. The organization focuses on generating knowledge and tools that support sustainable, inclusive, and resilient landscapes, particularly through its CGIAR Multifunctional Landscapes Science Program.
Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in supporting the CGIAR Multifunctional Landscapes Science Program by focusing on the integration of agroecology into National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) in India. This position is designed to generate comprehensive analytical outputs that will inform policy and institutional changes necessary for fostering agroecological transitions. The consultant will be responsible for producing a detailed report that assesses the current drivers of public agricultural research in India, with a specific emphasis on how NARS can be transformed to support sustainable and socially just food systems. The overarching research question guiding this consultancy is to explore what an agroecological NARS would look like and how it can be effectively promoted across various national contexts. The consultant will engage in primary data collection, stakeholder coordination, and qualitative analysis to provide evidence-based recommendations for policy change.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's primary duties will include:
- Developing a robust research methodology and interview instruments tailored to the objectives of the consultancy.
- Identifying and coordinating with key stakeholders, including representatives from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and other relevant agricultural research organizations and governmental bodies.
- Conducting a minimum of 10 semi-structured Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) to gather qualitative insights from stakeholders involved in agricultural research in India.
- Performing a systematic review of institutional documentation such as annual reports, strategic plans, financial reports, research agendas, and policy documents to contextualize the findings.
- Reviewing relevant scientific and grey literature to support the analysis.
- Engaging in qualitative coding, analysis, and triangulation of the data collected from interviews and documents.
- Preparing and revising a comprehensive analytical report that synthesizes the findings and provides policy-relevant evidence for mainstreaming agroecology in India’s NARS.
Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in Social Sciences, with a strong understanding of the agricultural sector and relevant organizations in India. A proven track record of peer-reviewed publications on topics such as institutional analysis, agrifood systems, and agroecology is essential. Preferred qualifications include a PhD in Social Sciences, experience in conducting and coding interviews, and additional peer-reviewed publications specifically related to agricultural research organizations in India.
Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should have an advanced degree, either a Master’s or PhD, in Social Sciences or a closely related field. This educational background is critical for understanding the complexities of agricultural systems and the socio-political dynamics that influence research and policy in India.
Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, particularly in the areas of social science research, agricultural policy analysis, and stakeholder engagement. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in conducting qualitative research, including interviews and data analysis, as well as a history of contributing to peer-reviewed publications in relevant fields.
Languages:
While the job posting does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential for conducting interviews and preparing reports. Knowledge of local languages may be beneficial for engaging with stakeholders in India, although it is not explicitly required.
Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last from the receipt of the signed contract until December 31, 2026, with an estimated commitment of approximately 45 days of work. No fieldwork is required for this consultancy, allowing for a flexible working arrangement. Interested candidates must submit their CV, at least one writing sample, and a cover letter detailing their relevant experience, along with their daily rate in USD. It is important to note that only selected candidates will be contacted, as the organization is unable to respond to all applications.
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We are not liable for any decisions or actions taken by applicants in response to this job listing. By applying, you agree that all application processes, interviews, and potential job offers are managed exclusively by the listed employer or organization.
Beware of fraudulent job offers. Do not provide sensitive personal information or make any payments to secure a job.