Join to apply for the (RFP500479) – Consultant, Global NARS Consortium Specialist, GFAiR role at Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT.
On behalf of GFAiR, the Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) is seeking a qualified consultant to drive the implementation of the GNC Roadmap and advance its further development to ensure the GNC fulfills its mission. The role will also ensure that the voices of NARS are elevated and that NARS are actively engaged in – and positioned to lead – international agrifood systems R4D.
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. 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.
About The Position
The Consultant will drive the implementation of the GNC Roadmap and advance its further development.
Responsibilities
- Activate and further develop the GNC roadmap.
- Ensure the voices of NARS are elevated through major events, influencing investments, policy, etc.
- Ensure regular communications with the GNC members.
- Work with GNC members, including the Regional Fora, to identify and implement high‑profile activities.
- Lead major promotion of GNC and its activities through the website, social media, mass media and other channels.
- Maintain and support effective functioning of GNC governance.
- Fundraise to support the GNC.
- Identify and pursue areas of collaboration with all the GFAiR Collective Actions.
- Track the effectiveness and impacts.
- Provide reports as required about the progress of GNC.
- Collect and manage data and inputs for databases, planning, delivery, monitoring and reporting.
- Contribute to GNC corporate documents (PPPs, plans, concept notes, project proposals, annual reports, meeting minutes) and produce communication materials on GNC for the GFAiR website and social media.
- Provide support to the GFAiR Executive Secretary, the GFAiR governing bodies and GFAiR representatives in governance activities such as Steering Committee meetings, Executive Committee meetings, conferences and workshops.
- Strengthen relationships and enhance collaboration with key stakeholders such as NARS, Regional FORA, EC, CGIAR/ABC, IFAD, FAO and other pivotal stakeholders, mobilizing their engagement in the GNC initiative.
- Perform other related duties as required.
Deliverables
- Updated and fully validated GNC Roadmap 2025–2027, including priorities, milestones and KPIs (30 March 2026 or as soon as possible).
- Annual GNC Implementation Plan derived from the roadmap by 30 March 2026.
- Quarterly progress dashboards tracking roadmap activation (quarterly).
- At least two major GNC events organized (global, regional, policy forums).
- At least two policy briefs on positioning NARS priorities for donors and partners (30 April 2026 and 30 July 2026).
- Bi‑monthly report and update on GNC to the Executive Committee Members (bi‑monthly).
- Set of regular meetings and communication with the GNC team/Regional FORA/NARS (mailing list, groups, virtual meetings) (ongoing).
- Implementation plans for at least 2–3 flagship activities per year with co‑leadership from NARS and Regional Fora (31 December 2026).
- A refreshed GNC webpage and social media hosting news, tools, events and resources, and at least three high‑visibility media placements (articles, interviews, op‑eds) (ongoing).
- Finalized and operational GNC governance framework (ToRs, committees, processes, calendars).
- Updated membership records (ongoing).
- Proposed GNC–Collective Actions collaboration map outlining joint work streams (30 August 2026).
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree supplemented by a master’s degree in agriculture, economics, social sciences, development studies, international relations, marketing, communications or related fields.
- Previous relevant professional experience (minimum seven years) in agrifood systems transformation international research management and/or facilitation of partnerships.
- Proven track record designing and implementing strategies in complex, geographically dispersed and multicultural organisations.
- Previous experience supporting successful development, planning, execution and monitoring of major programmes, projects and events.Strong understanding of issues related to systems transformation, with a network in agricultural research and development.
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain positive, cooperative and effective relationships with colleagues and external partners, including research, development, private sector and funding partners.
- Exceptional facilitation, communication and people skills, including the ability to effectively interact across all levels and build consensus in a multicultural disciplinary environment.
- Enterprising spirit to identify and pursue new opportunities.
- Understanding and interest in leveraging information and AI for programme efficiency in a geographically distributed organization.
- Excellent writing skills and proficiency in written and spoken English; knowledge of other languages highly desirable.
Terms of Employment
This is a remote, full‑time 12‑month consultancy opportunity. 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 3rd December 2025.
- A detailed curriculum vitae (CV) (using the candidate’s last name, first name for ease of sorting).
- A 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.
- A technical proposal outlining your experience managing a network or advocacy in the past, and a short suggestion for building the profile of GNC (maximum one page).
- Proposed consultancy fees for the period, indicated in daily USD.
Closing date for applications: 3rd December 2025.
Visit our careers page at https://alliancebioversityciat.org/careers.