The Organization
The Alliance of Bioversity International delivers research-based solutions that harness agricultural biodiversity and sustainably transform food systems to improve people's lives. Alliance solutions address the global crises of malnutrition, climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation.
The Alliance works with local, national and multinational partners across Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia and Africa, and with the public and private sectors. The Alliance is part of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food-secure future, dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources and ecosystem services.
About the position
The Alliance of Bioversity-CIAT is seeking a passionate, flexible and qualified professional with the technical skills required for leading projects in the growing portfolio of Data Driven Sustainability projects. The Research Associate will assist in delivering high-impact projects for major international brands and producers that translate emerging research on climate and the environment into practical processes and services. The Data Driven Sustainability team is leading several multi-year projects in the land use sector that seek to prepare low-income farmers for more climate change resilience and zero-deforestation production. We work with sustainability-minded companies buying primarily in Southeast Asia and West Africa regions, who know the practices needed to adapt to climate change and protect the environment but need support learning how to improve sustainable adoption of those practices.
The ideal candidate is passionate about social and environmental sustainability issues. They will also have highly developed spoken and written communication skills in English and be an avid writer. Experience in consulting or managing demanding external stakeholders such as clients or donors is essential.
Key duties & responsibilities
Act as a point of contact between external stakeholders and the CIAT team for 2-3 specific projects, facilitating collaborative partnerships, and positioning CIAT favorably for opportunities with new donors by ensuring clear communication and understanding of project objectives and expectations.
Regularly review project progress against milestones and deliverables, making necessary adjustments to keep the project on track;
Liaise with external partners, suppliers, or consultants as necessary, ensuring their timely and qualitative contributions to the project;
Evaluate the project's performance post-completion, gathering feedback and insights to inform future initiatives and best practices;
Support proposal development and literature review or related tasks when required.
Internal support to CIAT team members on various planning, coordination and reporting tasks related delivery of sustainability focused projects, including:
Monitor and report on risks associated with the project, putting in place mitigation strategies and escalating when necessary;
Facilitate regular project status meetings and updates, ensuring all team members are informed and aligned;
Establish and maintain a documentation system for all project-related materials, ensuring ease of access and organization;
Collaborate with the finance department to manage project finances, including tracking of expenditures and budget forecasting;
Monitor adherence to all organizational and external regulations, standards, and best practices in project execution.
Contribute to the cohesion and development of the team, identifying ways to increase engagement and capacity
Provide mentorship and coaching to less experienced team members, aiding in their professional development;
Foster a positive and inclusive team culture, promoting collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.