Individual Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) is a research institution that focuses on food policy and aims to provide evidence-based solutions to reduce hunger and improve nutrition. Established in 1975, IFPRI operates in multiple countries and employs a diverse team of researchers and policy experts. The organization is committed to addressing global security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security challenges through innovative research and partnerships, particularly in the areas of gender, climate change, and nutrition.

Job Overview:
The position of Individual Consultant at IFPRI involves developing a comprehensive background paper and three briefs that analyze the policy landscape regarding land tenure in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Nigeria. The consultant will be tasked with reviewing the existing policies and legal frameworks governing land rights, particularly focusing on women's land rights. This role is crucial in understanding the challenges and opportunities present in these countries regarding land tenure security. The consultant will engage with key stakeholders and policymakers to gather insights and provide recommendations that aim to enhance land governance and empower women in land-related decision-making processes. The work will contribute to the broader goals of the Gender, Climate Change, and Nutrition Integration Initiative (GCAN), which seeks to integrate gender considerations into agricultural policies and practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for several key deliverables, including:

• Preparing a comprehensive background paper that outlines the policy and legal context of land tenure in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Nigeria, identifying challenges and proposing solutions beyond mere certification of land rights.
• Developing three concise briefs (2-3 pages each) that summarize the findings and recommendations from the background paper for each focal country.
• Conducting a thorough review of the implementation of land policies and laws, assessing their effectiveness and identifying areas of conflict or debate.
• Engaging with local stakeholders to gather qualitative data and insights on land governance issues.
• Highlighting the benefits of secure land rights, particularly for women, and providing examples from the focal countries to illustrate these benefits.
• Ensuring that the deliverables are completed within the specified timelines, including an outline by September 19, 2025, a draft discussion paper by October 31, 2025, and final briefs by January 30, 2026.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must demonstrate a strong background in land governance, with specific experience in land rights and equity issues. They should possess extensive knowledge of the policy landscape and legal frameworks governing land rights in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Nigeria. Additionally, candidates should have a proven track record of managing projects focused on land governance and producing relevant publications or research outputs. An advanced degree in law, particularly with training in land governance and administration, is essential for this role.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced degree in law, with a specialization or certification in land governance and administration. This educational background is critical to ensure that the consultant has the necessary legal expertise to analyze and provide insights on land tenure issues effectively.

Experience:
Candidates should have substantial experience working on governance issues related to land and natural resources, particularly in the context of land rights and equity. Experience in managing projects that focus on land governance and providing legal advice to policymakers is highly desirable. A history of producing research publications related to land governance will also be beneficial for this role.

Languages:
While the job posting does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the international context of the work. Knowledge of local languages in the focal countries (Ethiopia, Kenya, and Nigeria) may be advantageous for engaging with local stakeholders and understanding regional nuances in land governance.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this consultancy is expected to be until January 30, 2026, with a maximum level of effort not exceeding 35 days. The position is open until filled, and applicants should note that only selected candidates will be contacted for further discussions. This role is likely to be part-time, given the specified level of effort and deliverables.