Consultant / Survey Team Leader

Job Posting Organization:
The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) is a global research institution that seeks sustainable solutions for ending hunger and poverty. Established in 1975, IFPRI operates in over 40 countries and employs more than 300 staff members, including researchers, policy analysts, and support staff. The organization focuses on providing evidence-based policy solutions to improve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and nutrition, particularly in developing countries. IFPRI collaborates with various stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and the private sector, to enhance food systems and agricultural practices worldwide.

Job Overview:
The position of Consultant / Survey Team Leader at IFPRI involves leading a project aimed at reducing food loss in conflict-affected regions of Northeast Nigeria through the application of AI-assisted technologies. The consultant will be responsible for developing AI programs that facilitate photo-based quality assessments and food loss evaluations specifically for tomatoes. This role requires a deep understanding of agricultural practices and the ability to implement innovative technological solutions to enhance food quality and reduce waste. The consultant will also engage with local stakeholders to ensure the successful deployment of these technologies, contributing to the overall goal of improving food systems in developing countries.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Consultant / Survey Team Leader will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Conducting a proof-of-concept trial for tomato quality classification and waste estimation using AI technologies.
• Developing a cloud-integrated operational system that supports the AI programs.
• Deploying an integrated market survey platform to gather data on tomato quality and loss.
• Collaborating with local farmers and stakeholders to understand the challenges in the supply chain and how AI can address these issues.
• Providing training and support to local teams on the use of AI tools for quality assessment and waste reduction.
• Preparing detailed reports on findings and recommendations for future interventions.
• Ensuring that all deliverables, including AI programs and measurement methods, are completed on time and meet the project's objectives.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for this position must possess the following qualifications:

• Proven experience in developing and training AI systems, particularly in agricultural contexts.
• A strong background in applying AI technologies to enhance agricultural practices and improve food quality.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively collaborate with international researchers and local stakeholders.
• A demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and deliver results within specified timelines.
• Familiarity with the challenges of food loss in developing countries, particularly in the context of tomatoes and other perishable goods.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a PhD in a relevant field such as agricultural science, computer science, or a related discipline. This educational background is essential to ensure a deep understanding of both the technical aspects of AI development and the agricultural practices involved in food production and loss.

Experience:
A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in AI development, particularly in agricultural applications, is required. Candidates should have a track record of successfully implementing AI solutions in real-world agricultural settings, demonstrating their ability to translate theoretical knowledge into practical applications that yield measurable results.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, as the consultant will be required to communicate effectively with international teams and stakeholders. Knowledge of Japanese is preferred but not essential. Familiarity with local languages spoken in Northeast Nigeria would be an added advantage, facilitating better communication with local farmers and communities.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is expected to run from April 2026 to March 2027, with the possibility of extension based on project needs and performance. This is a full-time position, and the consultant is expected to be based in Japan. The role may involve travel to Nigeria for fieldwork and collaboration with local partners. Compensation will be commensurate with experience and qualifications, and additional benefits may be provided as per IFPRI's policies.