Consultant- GESI: Responsible and Inclusive Scaling

CGIAR; United States; Remote; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

CGIAR is seeking a consultant to support the application of Responsible Research and Innovation principles using the GenderUp methodology. This role involves leading efforts to integrate gender and social inclusion within CGIAR’s scaling frameworks, adapting methodologies, and presenting findings at key conferences. Successful candidates should have advanced degrees and extensive experience in agricultural innovation and gender-focused research.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 15 years of relevant professional experience.
• Familiarity with scaling work within CGIAR.
• Strong understanding of Innovation Packages and Scaling Readiness methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Conduct a comprehensive review of existing scaling activities.
• Embed RRI principles into scaling strategies.
• Develop and apply CGIAR-adapted scaling tools.

Skills

Facilitation

Attention to detail

Independent work

Understanding of gender equality

Knowledge of agricultural innovation systems

Education

Advanced degree in agriculture or gender studies

Job description

The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) is an international non-profit, research-for-development organization that works with governments, civil society, and private sector organizations to address water-related challenges in developing countries and scale up solutions. IWMI is headquartered in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and is a CGIAR research center with offices in 15 countries and a global network of researchers operating in approximately 56 countries.

We are seeking a consultant (firm or individual) to support the application of Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) principles using the GenderUp methodology and other inclusive approaches. The consultant will be responsible for leading a process that facilitates systemic and transformative shifts toward creating an enabling environment for the inclusive scaling of innovations. This work will build on the testing, validation, and application of the GenderUp methodology, as well as other inclusive scaling approaches used across CGIAR.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Assess the Current Context

• Conduct a comprehensive review of existing scaling activities under CGIAR initiatives and bilateral projects, with a particular focus on responsible and inclusive scaling efforts.

2. Integrate Gender and Social Inclusion into Scaling Frameworks

• Embed principles of Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI), as well as gender and social differentiation, into CGIAR’s scaling strategies.
• Strengthen cross-cutting collaboration to ensure inclusive approaches are systematically integrated into key methodologies, such as Innovation Packages and Scaling Readiness (IPSR) under AoW2, and other adaptive scaling tools.

3. Develop and Apply CGIAR-Adapted Scaling Tools

• Utilize the GenderUp methodology as a foundation to co-develop customized tools that assess the impact of innovations on marginalized populations.
• Adapt these tools for integration into CGIAR’s broader scaling frameworks.

4. Consolidate the GenderUp Methodology

• Synthesize the various applications of GenderUp across CGIAR into a consolidated manual or handbook.
• Include real-world case studies and practical guidance to support AoW2 and other CGIAR stakeholders in applying GenderUp to cross-disciplinary innovation scaling.
• Present the findings at the CGIAR Gender Conference in South Africa, October 2025.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Advanced degree in agriculture, gender studies, economics, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 15 years of relevant professional experience.
• Familiarity with scaling work within the CGIAR system.
• In-depth knowledge of social transformation issues and the integration of inclusivity within agricultural innovation systems.
• Strong understanding of Innovation Packages and Scaling Readiness (IPSR) methodologies, particularly as they relate to innovation in the agricultural sector.
• Proven experience facilitating GenderUp methodology training and the ability to design tailored, inclusive, and responsible scaling tools that support agricultural decision-making processes.
• Demonstrated experience publishing in academic journals on topics related to responsible scaling.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Proven ability to facilitate multi-stakeholder processes that lead to tangible results.
• High level of professionalism with strong attention to detail and accuracy in deliverables.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and deliver with minimal supervision.
• Strong background in agricultural innovation systems, enabling environments, public policy, and gender-focused research in the Global South.
• In-depth knowledge of gender equality, social inclusion, and agricultural development issues, particularly within the African context.
• Demonstrated experience in facilitating the GenderUp methodology and applying other inclusive scaling approaches.

LANGUAGE PROFICINECY:

• Excellent English writing and communication skills.

This is a globally hired consultancy; therefore, individuals or firms with relevant qualifications and experience are encouraged to apply. IWMI offers a competitive monthly rate for this assignment. The duration of the contract will be five (05) months.

HOW TO APPLY: Apply for this consultancy position by following the application instructions at www.iwmi.org/jobs. We will be accepting applications until 24:00 (IST) on July 17, 2025 (applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis). For firms, application must include a company profile, a project proposal and financial proposal. For individuals, application must include a CV and a cover letter. For both individuals and firms three (3) references should be included in the application, which may be contacted if you are shortlisted. Receipt of all applications will be acknowledged, but only shortlisted firms will be contacted.

IWMI believes that diversity powers our innovation, contributes to our excellence, and is critical to our mission. We offer a multicultural, multicolored, multigenerational, and multidisciplinary working environment. We are consciously creating an inclusive organization that reflects our global character and our commitment to gender equity. We, therefore, encourage applicants from all cultures, races, ethnicities, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability statuses, sexual orientations, and gender identities.