Summary of responsibilities

The purpose of the consultancy is to provide integrated scientific leadership and project management for the B-REAL project, ensuring the timely delivery of its objectives. The consultant will be responsible for the end-to-end management of the research cycle, from co-designing agroecological intensification guidelines and principles to disseminating findings, and for translating robust socio-ecological evidence into actionable tools and strategies for scaling agroecology.

Key Responsibilities

1. Research Design, Implementation, and Analysis

• Lead the participatory design and execution of mixed-methods research on the ecological foundations of agroecology.
  
• Conduct stakeholder mapping and ensure all engagement activities are strategically aligned with agricultural seasons.
  
• Facilitate Participatory Action Research (PAR) activities, co-designed with local communities and partners, to generate actionable evidence.
  
• Develop and apply rigorous quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method approaches, including protocol and sampling design, data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
  
• Lead or support multi-stakeholder workshops to co-produce knowledge with farmers, policymakers, and other actors.
  

2. Project Management and Coordination

• Manage the day-to-day implementation of project activities in close coordination with partners, ensuring alignment with the overall project work plan and strategic goals.
  
• Monitor progress against project deliverables and milestones, proactively identifying and mitigating risks.
  
• Oversee and synchronize data collection efforts, performance tracking, and the development of periodic learning reports across the B-REAL project portfolio.
  
• Ensure strict adherence to all internal and donor reporting timelines and requirements.
  

3. Stakeholder Engagement and Co-Creation

• Lead the coordination and engagement of a diverse range of stakeholders within agroecological landscapes (e.g., farmers, community leaders, government officials, NGOs).
  
• Organize and facilitate regular meetings and multi-level (county and national) workshops designed to foster genuine collaboration.
  
• Create an inclusive environment for the co-creation of knowledge and the development of collaborative action plans.
  

4. Dissemination, Communication, and Uptake

• Translate research findings into practical applications, including the development of field training modules and trainer guides for various audiences.
  
• Author and co-author high-quality scientific publications, policy briefs, and blog posts to contribute to the global evidence base on agroecology.
  
• Work closely with the Agroecology TPP Communications Officer and CIFOR-ICRAF COE to develop and disseminate communication products (e.g., for social media, websites, reports) that highlight project activities and outcomes.
  
• Ensure research outputs are promptly compiled and published to support evidence-based decision-making and accelerate agroecological transitions.