(RFP500309) - Consultant, Global NARS Consortium, GFAiR

(RFP500309) - Consultant, Global NARS Consortium, GFAiR

The Organization

The Global Forum on Agricultural Research and Innovation (GFAiR) is a voluntary multi-stakeholder network and movement for change, uniquely bringing together actors from 11 constituencies interested in the transformation of the Agri-Food System. GFAiR is made up of around 1.000 member networks and institutions, working together through collective action and advocacy to shape the future of agriculture and food and their roles in achieving sustainable development. The members and partners in GFAiR come from around the world and from diverse constituencies, including small-scale producers and farmers, consumers and civil society organizations, women and youth organizations, private sector representatives, public national and international research systems, agricultural advisory services, education systems, funding partners and UN Organizations. GFAiR’s reach is achieved through these organizations and the many millions of people they involve.  

GFAiR mobilizes dialogue, facilitates  Collective Actions (CAs) and other relevant initiatives (such as the Global NARS Consortium (GNC) between the many partners who make up the Forum and who share GFAiR’s common vision of making agri-food research and innovation more effective, responsive and equitable towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. The GFAiR Secretariat helps to identify and facilitate these CAs among GFAiR partner institutions, who are themselves the agents of change. GFAiR helps inspire and enable the transformation and strengthening of agri-food research and innovation for development systems and processes to become more inclusive and equitable, more effective and impactful and catalyzes changes, fostering dialogue and new forms of multi-stakeholder collaboration at different levels, through its extensive networks. 

About the position

On behalf of GFAiR, the Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) is seeking a qualified consultant to work with GFAiR partners to conceptualize and implement GFAiR’s “mega Collective Action”, the Global NARS Consortium based on GFAiR’s Charter, the EC funded project, GFAiR’s Partnership Principles and Engagement Principles.  Reporting to the Team Leader, GFAiR, the incumbent will facilitate the processes establishing GFAiR-enabled multi-stakeholder “mega CA”, ensuring equitable participation of partners from different regions. The selected consultant will coordinate and support partners in fundraising, MEL and outreach, inter alia by using GFAiR’s MEL system.

Responsibilities

1.       GFAiR business development:

a.       Provides support to the GFAiR Secretariat, the GFAiR governing bodies and GFAiR representatives in governance activities such as Steering Committees meetings, Executive Committees meetings, conferences and workshops

b.       Strengthens connections and cultivates enhanced value within relationships involving EC, NARS, Subregional Fora, Regional Fora, CGIAR/ABC, IFAD, FAO, and other pivotal stakeholders

c.       Develops corporate documents (PPPs, plans, concept notes, annual reports and minutes)

2.       Global NARS Consortium:

a.       Leads the development and establishment of the GNC including related meetings

b.       Mobilizes NARS and other key stakeholders (EC, NARS, Subregional Fora, Regional Fora, CGIAR, IFAD, FAO, BMGF et al to join / support the GNC initiative

c.       Leads the development of a GNC basic document (“principles / guidelines”) including related meetings

d.       Provide inputs on deciding the GNC pilot with NARS and support in designing the pilot

3.       GFAiR platforms / systems:

a.       Supports the implementation of methodologies, tools, systems and global database that enable the planning, delivery and monitoring of GFAiR programmes of work (Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) system, project management and reporting etc.)

4.       Other related duties as required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree supplemented by master’s degree in agriculture, economics, social sciences, development studies, international relations, regional studies or related fields
  
• Previous relevant professional experience (minimum 5 years) with project(s) in the field of agrifood systems transformation, international research/systems management and / or facilitation.  
  
• Experience with database management and reporting, and complex geographically dispersed systems and multicultural organizations.
  
• Understanding of issues related to systems transformation, with a network in agricultural research and development.
  
• Experience in countries of the Global South and/ or in an international context/organization.
  
• Understanding and interest in leveraging information and AI for programme efficiency in a geographically distributed organization.
  
• Excellent drafting skills and proficiency in written and spoken English; knowledge of other languages highly desirable.
  

Benefits

This is a remote, part-time (50%) 6-month international consultancy opportunity, renewable based on extended needs and requirements. The total amount of the consultancy will be USD 20,000, to be paid within 6 months of the contract's signature.  All consultancy fees and conditions will be administered in line with the Alliance approved policy for consultants.

Applications

Please apply online through the website (https://alliancebioversityciat.org/careers) no later than 22 May 2025, attaching the following:

1)      A detailed curriculum vitae (CV) (using the candidate’s last name, first name for ease of sorting).

2)      In the CV, including the names and email addresses of three professional referees who have worked with you and are knowledgeable about your    skills and professional abilities.

3)      A technical proposal that demonstrates candidate’s capacity, alignment with GNC's mission, and added value to the consortium (maximum 1 page).

4)      Proposed consultancy fees for the period, indicated in daily USD.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Closing date for applications: 22 May 2025

We invite you to learn more about us at:

http://alliancebioversityciat.org

Please visit our careers page at:

https://alliancebioversityciat.org/careers