Project Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) is a research institution 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 more than 300 staff members, including researchers, policy analysts, and support staff. The organization focuses on agricultural development, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, and nutrition, leveraging data and research to inform policy decisions and improve livelihoods, particularly in developing countries. IFPRI collaborates with various partners, including governments, NGOs, and academic institutions, to implement innovative projects and initiatives that address pressing global challenges related to food systems and climate change.

Job Overview:
The Project Consultant position within the Agrifood Innovation and Resilience (AIR) Unit at IFPRI is designed to support the implementation of the VIKAS-AI initiative, which aims to provide AI-enabled climate advisory services to rural women workers in Gujarat, India. The consultant will play a crucial role in coordinating field activities, engaging with community stakeholders, and ensuring the effective delivery of project objectives. This position requires a strong field orientation, analytical skills, and the ability to translate field observations into actionable insights for research and implementation teams. The consultant will work closely with the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) and Gram Vaani, ensuring that the needs and preferences of the target community are met through effective advisory content and user engagement strategies. The role also involves supporting qualitative research, documentation, and user testing to refine the advisory system and enhance its relevance and usability for rural women.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including:

• Supporting the field implementation of VIKAS-AI and CASP, which involves user onboarding, pilot activities, and field studies to identify climate finance gaps.
• Collaborating with SEWA field teams and Aagewans to document user needs, preferences, and barriers to adopting climate-resilient practices.
• Conducting qualitative research activities such as focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and usability testing with SEWA members and field coordinators.
• Assisting in the testing and validation of the advisory system from a user perspective, ensuring clarity and relevance of the advisory content.
• Identifying and documenting system errors or weaknesses, maintaining structured logs and trackers for feedback and issues.
• Coordinating training activities for Aagewans and AI Stewards, including preparation of materials and follow-up support.
• Supporting the development of an AI-ready knowledge base by organizing field questions and feedback on advisory content.
• Monitoring user engagement and advisory effectiveness, ensuring that findings are documented for project reporting and evaluation.
• Preparing meeting notes, action trackers, and concise briefs for project stakeholders. 1
• Ensuring compliance with project protocols on data use and privacy, particularly when handling sensitive information.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in economics, development studies, data science, rural management, or a closely related field. They should have demonstrated experience in field-based research, program implementation, or community engagement, particularly in rural settings and preferably in Gujarat. Strong qualitative research skills, including the ability to conduct interviews and focus group discussions, are essential. Candidates should also have experience in organizing and analyzing survey data, with familiarity in statistical programming languages such as STATA or R. Excellent writing skills are required for preparing field notes and analytical reports. The ability to coordinate effectively with multiple partners and a comfort level with AI and digital tools are also necessary.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in a relevant field such as economics, development studies, data science, or rural management is required for this position. This educational background should provide the candidate with a solid foundation in research methodologies, data analysis, and community engagement strategies, which are critical for the successful execution of the project.

Experience:
Candidates should have substantial experience in field-based research, program implementation, or community engagement, particularly in rural contexts. Experience working with community-based organizations, women's collectives, or in sectors related to agriculture, climate resilience, or social protection programs is highly desirable. Familiarity with qualitative research methods and data analysis is also important, as is the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English and Hindi is mandatory for this position, as effective communication with project stakeholders is crucial. Additionally, working proficiency in Gujarati is preferred, as it will facilitate engagement with local communities and enhance the consultant's ability to understand and address their specific needs and concerns.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is for a duration of 180 days following the receipt of a fully signed contract. The consultant will be required to travel regularly within Gujarat to engage with field teams and community members. This position is based in Ahmedabad, and candidates must be willing to spend time in field settings. The role may involve working closely with various partners and requires a commitment to compliance with project protocols regarding data privacy and responsible use.