ILRI Consultancy- Learning study for Livestock and Climate Initaitive

International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit a consultant (s) to develop a learning study to support the ongoing implementation of a large project on Livestock and Climate, funded by the OneCGIAR (https://www.cgiar.org/initiative/34-livestock-climate-and-system-resilience/). As part of the Monitoring, Learning Evaluation and Impact Assessment requirements embedded into the Performance and Results Management, the project is required to undertake several learning studies, to test some of the assumptions underlying our theories of change, or to identify opportunities that could inform the project going forward.  We seek a consultant to undertake the following study on producer-led learning approaches for smallholder producers. 

The International Livestock Research Institute (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

Background

Work package 1 of the Livestock and Climate Initiative focuses on developing “climate smart” technologies and practices in partnership with livestock producers across gender and age groups, to ensure social inclusion. These include both practices that help adapt production to climate risk and future climate change and practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGe).  Many of these practices can be considered social innovations, and this work package is responsible for “scaling out” practices so that ultimately thousands of producers are using them. Central to the approach for scaling is working with “pioneers,” or producers who have developed innovations themselves. After understanding what makes those pioneers (or positive deviants) successful, we establish producer to producer networks.  These networks are intended to remain in place and grow, through a process of providing information, reaching out, capacity building, and learning loops.

Although other approaches such as Farmer Field Schools, Farmer2Farmer extension, Farmer Research Groups, Model demonstration farms etc.  are based in a similar producer-centered approach, we have found little documentation of the impact of these approaches once projects end. We seek a consultant to undertake a study that re-visits some long running producer-led learning projects, to document their successes and shortcomings in maintaining social innovation networks.

Scope of Work

The consultant will undertake tasks as described below using materials that can be found through web and literature searches, with some virtual interviews as well.

1. Exhaustive literature review on producer-led learning approaches for smallholder producers in Sub-Saharan African and South/ Southeast Asia.
2. Identification of ten significant projects for further probing.
3. Interviews with staff involved in those projects to interrogate success and failures.
4. Up to 5 interviews/project with project participants (if they can be found) representing male and female participants of different age groups.

Final Products

• Brief plan of work
• One completed and approved study

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

Post location:  Consultant’s base

Expected places of travel: N/A

Duration:   6 months (Maximum working days: 45 days)

Essential skills and qualifications

• Masters’ Degree in a development -related field
• Demonstrated experience conducting learning or evaluation studies.
• Strong written English skills

How to apply: 

Applicants should send a cover letter 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 referees 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 2 March 2023.  The position title and reference number SLS/ 798/2023 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