Consultancy to examine how innovations in soil health science and measurement can be translated into meaningful resources for farmers and other stakeholders
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The CGIAR Multifunctional Landscapes (MFL) Science Program is part of the CGIAR 2025–2030 Research and Innovation Portfolio. CGIAR is a global partnership that unites organizations engaged in research for a food-secure future. Established in 1971, CGIAR operates in over 50 countries and employs thousands of researchers and support staff dedicated to improving agricultural productivity, enhancing security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, and promoting sustainable management of natural resources. The MFL Science Program specifically focuses on integrated management of food, land, water, and ecosystems, aiming to create coherent, system-wide changes that benefit both farmers and the environment.
Job Overview:
This consultancy position is designed to examine how innovations in soil health science and measurement can be effectively translated into practical resources for farmers and other stakeholders. The role will involve conducting research under the CGIAR Multifunctional Landscapes Science Program, which emphasizes the importance of soil health in addressing land degradation and enhancing biodiversity, ecosystem services, and climate resilience. The consultant will engage in a detailed analysis of soil health governance, focusing on knowledge production, dissemination, and structural reforms. The work will include case studies in India and Ethiopia, aiming to identify effective governance arrangements and policy mixes that can support sustainable soil management practices.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for conducting comprehensive research activities, including:
Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a doctoral degree in environmental social science, natural resources, or science and technology studies. A minimum of 5 years of experience in interdisciplinary research, particularly related to environmental knowledge and institutions, is required. The consultant should have experience in designing and implementing mixed-methods research projects in areas such as natural resource management, rural sociology, political economy, or socio-ecological issues. Additionally, experience working in international contexts, especially in India, is preferred. A strong track record of publishing peer-reviewed articles in top-tier journals on topics related to soil health, agricultural policy, data-driven governance, and sustainability is essential.
Educational Background:
A doctoral degree is mandatory for this position, with a focus on fields such as environmental social science, natural resources, or science and technology studies. This advanced educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of soil health governance and the interdisciplinary nature of the research involved.
Experience:
The position requires at least 5 years of relevant experience in interdisciplinary research, particularly in the areas of environmental knowledge and institutions. Candidates should have a proven ability to design and implement mixed-methods research projects, demonstrating a deep understanding of socio-ecological issues and natural resource management. Experience in international research contexts, particularly in India, is highly desirable, as it will enhance the consultant's ability to navigate the specific challenges and opportunities present in these environments.
Languages:
While the job posting does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential for communication and reporting purposes. Knowledge of local languages in India and Ethiopia may be advantageous for conducting interviews and engaging with stakeholders effectively.
Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last from July 2026 to December 2026, with a total level of effort estimated at 45-50 days. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter detailing their relevant experience, a resume or curriculum vitae, a writing sample, and their proposed daily rate. The application deadline is set for July 31, 2026.
The CGIAR Multifunctional Landscapes (MFL) Science Program is part of the CGIAR 2025–2030 Research and Innovation Portfolio. CGIAR is a global partnership that unites organizations engaged in research for a food-secure future. Established in 1971, CGIAR operates in over 50 countries and employs thousands of researchers and support staff dedicated to improving agricultural productivity, enhancing security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, and promoting sustainable management of natural resources. The MFL Science Program specifically focuses on integrated management of food, land, water, and ecosystems, aiming to create coherent, system-wide changes that benefit both farmers and the environment.
Job Overview:
This consultancy position is designed to examine how innovations in soil health science and measurement can be effectively translated into practical resources for farmers and other stakeholders. The role will involve conducting research under the CGIAR Multifunctional Landscapes Science Program, which emphasizes the importance of soil health in addressing land degradation and enhancing biodiversity, ecosystem services, and climate resilience. The consultant will engage in a detailed analysis of soil health governance, focusing on knowledge production, dissemination, and structural reforms. The work will include case studies in India and Ethiopia, aiming to identify effective governance arrangements and policy mixes that can support sustainable soil management practices.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for conducting comprehensive research activities, including:
- Analyzing the historical development of soil testing systems in India and assessing the Soil Health Card (SHC) program's impact on these systems.
- Conducting document analysis and interviews with key policymakers and implementing agencies to understand the policy rationale behind the SHC scheme.
- Exploring the integration of digital agricultural innovations within the SHC program and identifying opportunities and barriers for fostering innovation.
- Leading a comparative analysis of soil health information delivery models in India and Ethiopia, focusing on how these models build trust and enhance public investment reach.
- Delivering reports that detail the findings from the historical institutional analysis, comparative studies, and case studies, along with policy recommendations for improving soil health governance.
Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a doctoral degree in environmental social science, natural resources, or science and technology studies. A minimum of 5 years of experience in interdisciplinary research, particularly related to environmental knowledge and institutions, is required. The consultant should have experience in designing and implementing mixed-methods research projects in areas such as natural resource management, rural sociology, political economy, or socio-ecological issues. Additionally, experience working in international contexts, especially in India, is preferred. A strong track record of publishing peer-reviewed articles in top-tier journals on topics related to soil health, agricultural policy, data-driven governance, and sustainability is essential.
Educational Background:
A doctoral degree is mandatory for this position, with a focus on fields such as environmental social science, natural resources, or science and technology studies. This advanced educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of soil health governance and the interdisciplinary nature of the research involved.
Experience:
The position requires at least 5 years of relevant experience in interdisciplinary research, particularly in the areas of environmental knowledge and institutions. Candidates should have a proven ability to design and implement mixed-methods research projects, demonstrating a deep understanding of socio-ecological issues and natural resource management. Experience in international research contexts, particularly in India, is highly desirable, as it will enhance the consultant's ability to navigate the specific challenges and opportunities present in these environments.
Languages:
While the job posting does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential for communication and reporting purposes. Knowledge of local languages in India and Ethiopia may be advantageous for conducting interviews and engaging with stakeholders effectively.
Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last from July 2026 to December 2026, with a total level of effort estimated at 45-50 days. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter detailing their relevant experience, a resume or curriculum vitae, a writing sample, and their proposed daily rate. The application deadline is set for July 31, 2026.
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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.