CIFOR-ICRAF
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The Biodiversity for Resilient Ecosystems in Agricultural Landscapes (B-REAL) project seeks conserve and restore biodiversity in intensively farmed, climate-stressed regions of Kenya, Peru, and Colombia by integrating biodiversity conservation and management more effectively into agricultural practices. This is anticipated to lead to increased productivity and diversified income streams, thus contributing to poverty reduction among local communities. B-REAL will be implemented by the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, with core partners including CIFOR-ICRAF and the Coady Institute, along with supporting and local partners. The project will ensure critical ecosystems are conserved, focusing on biodiversity hotspots such as the Kakamega and Aberdare forests in Kenya, the paramos ecosystem in the Southern Andes of Colombia, and the Amazon forest in Colombia and Peru. Leveraging innovations and experience from previous work, namely CGIAR’s Nature Positive Solutions and Agroecology Initiatives (2022-2024), B-REAL will mainstream site-specific combinations of nature-positive, agroecological solutions, practices, and technologies into agricultural systems by March 2026, laying the foundations for generating even more significant biodiversity gains by 2030. Working with farmers, value chain actors, policymakers, and other stakeholders within the selected landscapes, B-REAL will demonstrate that managing production through approaches that also conserve and enhance biodiversity can better achieve multiple goals, such as nutritious food production, diversified income streams, improved livelihoods, land restoration, and equitable socio- economic benefits for women, youth, and marginalized groups, including indigenous people in Peru and Colombia, and female-headed and traditional farming households in Kenya. Emphasizing gender equity, youth engagement, and social inclusion (GEYSI), B-REAL will scale proven biodiversity-enhancing approaches and the Vision of Adapted Crops and Soils (VACS) model, focusing on adapting crops and soils to local environments and changing climates.
Duties and responsibilities
Summary of responsibilities
The purpose of the consultancy is to provide integrated scientific leadership and project management for the B-REAL project, ensuring the timely delivery of its objectives. The consultant will be responsible for the end-to-end management of the research cycle, from co-designing agroecological intensification guidelines and principles to disseminating findings, and for translating robust socio-ecological evidence into actionable tools and strategies for scaling agroecology.
Key Responsibilities
1. Research Design, Implementation, and Analysis
- Lead the participatory design and execution of mixed-methods research on the ecological foundations of agroecology.
- Conduct stakeholder mapping and ensure all engagement activities are strategically aligned with agricultural seasons.
- Facilitate Participatory Action Research (PAR) activities, co-designed with local communities and partners, to generate actionable evidence.
- Develop and apply rigorous quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method approaches, including protocol and sampling design, data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
- Lead or support multi-stakeholder workshops to co-produce knowledge with farmers, policymakers, and other actors.
2. Project Management and Coordination
- Manage the day-to-day implementation of project activities in close coordination with partners, ensuring alignment with the overall project work plan and strategic goals.
- Monitor progress against project deliverables and milestones, proactively identifying and mitigating risks.
- Oversee and synchronize data collection efforts, performance tracking, and the development of periodic learning reports across the B-REAL project portfolio.
- Ensure strict adherence to all internal and donor reporting timelines and requirements.
3. Stakeholder Engagement and Co-Creation
- Lead the coordination and engagement of a diverse range of stakeholders within agroecological landscapes (e.g., farmers, community leaders, government officials, NGOs).
- Organize and facilitate regular meetings and multi-level (county and national) workshops designed to foster genuine collaboration.
- Create an inclusive environment for the co-creation of knowledge and the development of collaborative action plans.
4. Dissemination, Communication, and Uptake
- Translate research findings into practical applications, including the development of field training modules and trainer guides for various audiences.
- Author and co-author high-quality scientific publications, policy briefs, and blog posts to contribute to the global evidence base on agroecology.
- Work closely with the Agroecology TPP Communications Officer and CIFOR-ICRAF COE to develop and disseminate communication products (e.g., for social media, websites, reports) that highlight project activities and outcomes.
- Ensure research outputs are promptly compiled and published to support evidence-based decision-making and accelerate agroecological transitions.
Requirements
Education, knowledge and experience:
- Master’s degree in relevant disciplines (agriculture, agroecology, international development, sociology, environmental studies, human geography, etc.) with a strong focus on social science is required.
- Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience within research projects, NGOs, or international organizations with a clear focus on food system transformation and/or agroecology. Thorough knowledge and understanding of agroecology, including its social and social-movement dimensions is a key asset for this position.
- Good connection with key stakeholder involved in agroecological networks and platforms in Kenya is crucial. Previous working experience in holistic approaches to measuring agroecology and its performance is mandatory.
Personal attributes and competencies:
- Excellent report writing, presentation, and stakeholder engagement abilities.
Education, knowledge and experience
•Master’s degree in relevant disciplines (agriculture, agroecology, international development, sociology, environmental studies, human geography, etc.) with a strong focus on social science is required.
•Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience within research projects, NGOs, or international organizations with a clear focus on food system transformation and/or agroecology. Thorough knowledge and understanding of agroecology, including its social and social-movement dimensions is a key asset for this position.
•Good connection with key stakeholder involved in agroecological networks and platforms in Kenya is crucial. Previous working experience in holistic approaches to measuring agroecology and its performance is mandatory.
Terms and conditions
•This is a consultancy position
•This contract shall commence on 15th September 2025 and shall end on 31st March 2026.
•Work location: Nairobi, Kenya.