ILRI Consultancy- Evidence Synthesis at International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)

Background

The Impact Area Platforms play a crucial role in driving achievement of CGIAR’s results and target impacts aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. Each Platform does this via four key functions: a) Convening communities of practice across CGIAR’s three Global Divisions and close partners; b) Deepening CGIAR and partner capacities; c) Amplifying CGIAR’s external profile and pathways to impact; and d) Advising portfolio-level management and strategy.

Scope of Work

• Help synthesize CGIAR’s peer reviewed journal articles on climate change using tools of rigorous evidence synthesis and well-established review methods.
• Based on above synthesis, construct a list of relevant topics for meta-analysis that can be taken up in the future.
• Assess gaps in CGIAR’s climate portfolio, identify key lines of inquiry, and make recommendations for extending CGIAR's work in this area.
• Contribute, as a lead author or contributing author, to at least 2 systematic review papers on selected topics related to climate change impacts, adaptation with a particular focus on technologies, policy and governance, including construct annotated bibliographies on identified topics.

Final Products

• A synthesis report that synthesizes major themes of CGIAR’s research in the climate change space in the last 10 years, including list of relevant topics for meta-reviews, and gaps in the CGIAR literature vis-à-vis global literature in the climate change and agri-food sector.
• Three journal ready papers based on the above tasks, including at least 2 synthesis papers as lead or contributing author on specific topics related to climate change impacts and adaptation.

Consultancy Fee:  By mutual agreement based on agreed milestones and deliverables.

Post location:  Homebased

Expected places of travel: No

Duration:   6 months

Contract dates: July till December (6 months) up to December 2024

Essential skills and qualifications

The selected Consultant should possess.

• An advanced degree (Master’s degree or PhD) in a social science discipline such as human geography, political science, economics, sociology, or related discipline that provides a strong grounding in understanding the impacts, vulnerability, and adaptation to climate change on agri-food systems.
• At least 7 years of research/academic experience, and particularly proven experience of conducting meta reviews in related fields of study.
• Demonstrated experience of carrying out scientific assessment, analysis and research related to climate change impacts and adaptation.
• Experience conducting meta-analysis including scoping reviews, evidence (gap) maps, systematic reviews, including experience of working with large teams.
• Experience of publishing papers using systematic reviews as methodology. A good publication record is a pre-requisite.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Qualitative and quantitative skills and the ability to think analytically and conceptually.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders across and beyond CGIAR including developing and delivering presentations to a diverse range of audiences.
• A strong commitment to addressing the challenges of climate change and promoting sustainable development.
• The ability to engage with senior scientists and work both collaboratively and confidently.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative, while also being a team player.
• Interpersonal skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse audiences in multicultural settings, with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Consistent record of upholding the highest ethical standards by inspiring trust and treating all people with respect.