International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit a consultant to assess the impact of climate change, rangeland productivity, livestock carrying capacity and to provide recommendations in terms of adaptation options in Eastern Africa region.

ILRI works to improve food and nutritional security and reduce poverty in developing countries through research for efficient, safe and sustainable use of livestock. It is the only one of 15 CGIAR Research Centres dedicated entirely to animal agriculture research for the developing world. Co-hosted by Kenya and Ethiopia, it has regional or country offices and projects in East, South and Southeast Asia as well as Central, East, Southern and West Africa. www.ilri.org

Scope of Work

The consultant will be expected to carry out the following tasks:

1. Under the work package on quantifying climate change impact, find out how climate change will affect the capacity of grasslands/rangelands to support livestock productions by;

• Quantifying impact of climate change on grassland productivity (remote sensing and machine learning)
• Quantifying subsequent impact on grassland carry capacity (carrying capacity model)

2. Find out what options are available to livestock producers in East Africa to reduce vulnerability and the effectiveness of the options under the work package on adaptation options through:

• Machine learning using climate and remote sensing data
• Carrying out capacity model
• Literature review.

Deliverables:

Expected deliverables are:

• Maps of the current and future grassland carrying capacity in East Africa
• Maps of hotspot zones (based on current spatial patterns of livestock production)
• Report describing adaptation options available and their effectiveness to reduce vulnerability
• Climate Atlas (ArcGIS StoryMap).

Consultancy Fee:  Lumpsum or by mutual agreement based on agreed milestones and deliverables

Post location: Home base

Duration 6 months

Essential skills and qualifications

• PhD in Environmental Systems Analysis, Geographic Information Systems and Environmental Modelling
• At least 10 years’ experience in GIS and environmental modeling
• Working experience within Eastern Africa
• Impeccable English writing and editing skills
• Highly organized, detail oriented and strong self-starter

How to apply: 

Applicants should send a cover letter, three writing samples and CV expressing their interest in the position, what they can bring to the job and the names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three references who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to the Director, People and Organizational Development by clicking on the "Apply Now" tab above before 19 March 2021.  The position title and reference number CCAFS /03/2021 should be clearly marked on the subject line of the cover letter.

We thank all applicants for their interest in working for ILRI. Due to the volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

ILRI does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, or training). ILRI also does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.

To find out more about ILRI, visit our websites at http://www.ilri.org/

ILRI is an equal opportunity employer.