(RFP500479) Consultant, Global NARS Consortium Specialist, GFAiR

(RFP500479)

Consultant Global NARS Consortium (GNC) Specialist GFAiR

The Organization

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. The 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. GFAiRs reach is achieved through these organizations and the many millions of people they involve.

The Global Forum on Agricultural Innovation and Research (GFAiR) promotes inclusive collaborative and forward-looking approaches to agricultural innovation. The Global NARS Consortium (GNC) launched under GFAiR seeks to strengthen collaboration and visibility of National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) globally.

About the position

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 inand positioned to leadinternational agrifood systems R4D.

Responsibilities

• Activate and further develop the GNC roadmap.
  
• Ensure the voices of NARS are elevated through e.g. major events influencing investments policy etc.
  
• Ensure regular communications with the GNC members.
  
• Work with the GNC members including the Regional Fora to identify and implement a number of high profile activities.
  
• Lead major promotion of GNC and its activities through the website social media and mass media and other channels as required.
  
• Maintain and support the 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 (e.g. PPPs plans concept notes project proposals annual reports and 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 Committees meetings Executive Committees meetings conferences and workshops.
  
• Strengthen required relationships and enhance collaboration 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

1. Updated and fully validated GNC Roadmap including priorities milestones and KPIs. 30 March 2026 or as soon as possible

2. Annual GNC Implementation Plan derived from the roadmap by 30 March 2026.

3. Quarterly progress dashboards tracking roadmap activation (quarterly)

4. At least 2 major GNC events organized (global regional policy forums).

5. At least two policy briefs on positioning NARS priorities for donors and partners 30 April 2026 and 30 July 2026

6. Bi-monthly report and update on GNC to the Executive Committee Members. Bi-monthly

7. Set of regular meetings and communication with the GNC team/Regional FORA/NARS (mailing list groups virtual meetings). Ongoing

8. Implementation plans for at least 23 flagship activities per year with co-leadership from NARS and Regional Fora. 31 December 2026

9. A refreshed GNC webpage and social media hosting news tools events and resources and at least 3 high-visibility media placements (articles interviews op-eds). Ongoing

10. Finalized and operational GNC governance framework (ToRs committees processes calendars).

11. Updated membership records. Ongoing

12. Proposed GNCCollective Actions collaboration map outlining joint work streams. 30 August 2026

Requirements

• Bachelors degree supplemented by masters degree in agriculture economics social sciences development studies international relations marketing communications or related fields.
  
• Previous relevant professional experience (minimum 7 years)in the field of agrifood systems transformation international research management and / or facilitation of partnerships
  
• Proven track record designing and implementing strategies in complex geographically dispersed and multicultural organizations.
  
• 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.
  

Benefits

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 ( no later than 3rd December 2025.

1) A detailed curriculum vitae (CV) (using the candidates last name first name for ease of sorting).

2) 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.

3) A technical proposal outlining your experience managing a network or advocacy in the past. Additionally please provide your suggestions for building the profile of GNC (maximum 1 page).

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Closing date for applications: 3rd December 2025

We invite you to learn more about us at:

Please visit our careers page at:

Skills:

Bachelors degree supplemented by masters degree in agriculture economics social sciences development studies international relations marketing communications or related fields. Previous relevant professional experience (minimum 7 years)in the field of agrifood systems transformation international research management and / or facilitation of partnerships Proven track record designing and implementing strategies in complex geographically dispersed and multicultural organizations. 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.