(RFP300741) - Consultant - Desk-based Researcher

The Organization
The International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) is part of the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT. CIAT delivers research-based solutions that harness agricultural biodiversity and sustainably transform food systems to improve people's lives. CIAT solutions address the global crisis of malnutrition, climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation.
CIAT works with local, national and multinational partners across Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia and Africa, and with the public and private sectors. CIAT is part of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food-secure future, dedicated to transforming food, land and water systems in a climate crisis.

About the position
As a part-time consultant of CIAT, the successful candidate will play a critical role in the Climate Resilience Study, an initiative endorsed by the PepsiCo Global Sustainability team.
This is home-based position with the option to work from the Hanoi office if so desired. The scope of work focuses on literature review on key climate stress impacts on crop yield and current adaptation practices in crop production systems in growing regions: specifically potato, rice, cotton and sugar cane production in Central America, South America, Southern Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, North America, Middle Africa.
The researcher will identify the primary crop-specific farm and landscape management practices that are needed to respond to key climate risks of heat, drought, extreme rainfall and occasionally, frost. The recommendations will be used to inform local teams about their sustainability strategies- and is a unique opportunity to influence corporate strategy towards more sustainable investments in farmers' resilience.

Key responsibilities
Conduct comprehensive desk-based research and literature reviews focused on climate change implications for potato, rice, cotton and sugar cane production in Central America, South America, Southern Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, North America, Middle Africa. This involves researching various scientific and agricultural studies to understand how climate change is impacting these crops specifically in these regions;
Work collaboratively with the team to analyse findings and develop the climate risk thresholds and practical, actionable recommendations for adapting agricultural practices to changing climate conditions;
Systematically populate and manage an Excel database with a wide range of adaptation practices. This includes detailing each practice's impact on crop yields, its effectiveness in responding to specific climatic risks, and its influence on greenhouse gas emissions;
Maintain precise and detailed documentation, synthesizing data into a comprehensive practice bank to support the development and execution of adaptation strategies, with a particular focus on English editing;
Conduct interviews and consultations with subject matter experts such as agronomists, to gain understanding of how climate change affects agricultural productivity and costs, as well as to validate proposed recommendations.

Requirements Required qualifications and skills
Bachelor's or master's degree in agronomy, soil science, sociology, rural development, climate studies, or similar fields;
Profound knowledge of agricultural livelihood and crop production;
Experience with desk research, literature reviews, and the utilization of existing datasets for research purposes;
Experience with climate risk assessment or tools (e.g., IPCC, FAO, or crop modelling);
Advanced proficiency in data analysis tools, including Excel;
Fluency in English, with strong written and verbal communication skills.

Benefits Terms of contract
This position will be part-time, home-based, and tailored to the context of the targeted regions and crops. The contract will be for 6 months and may be renewed depending on performance and availability of funds.  Approximately 20 hours per week (flexible scheduling). Expected start date: August 20th, 2025.
CIAT is committed to fair, safe, and inclusive workplaces. We believe that diversity powers our innovation, contributes to our excellence, and is critical for our mission. We encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability statuses, sexual orientations, marital status, and gender identities. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applications
Please send applications to Nguyen Thanh Nga (Nga.Nguyen@cgiar.org) with the subject line: Desk-Based Researcher on Climate Resilience as position being applied for. In your email, please include:
1. A cover letter illustrating your motivation to apply and suitability for the above position against the listed qualifications and work responsibilities, and
2. A detailed Curriculum Vitae.
CIAT collects and processes personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws.
Applications closing date: August 15th, 2025
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
We invite you to learn more about us at:
http://alliancebioversityciat.org