ILRI Consultancy - Develop resilient and low emissions crop-livestock systems in Mexico

International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit a consultant for rapid research to build understanding of the demand for crop residues, especially maize, as a livestock feed in Mexico.

ILRI works to improve food security and nutrition and reduce poverty in developing countries through research for efficient, safe, and sustainable use of livestock. It is the only one of 11 CGIAR research centers dedicated entirely to animal agriculture research for the developing world. Co-hosted by Kenya and Ethiopia, ILRI 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

Research Questions

• • What is the extent of use of crop residues for livestock feeding in different parts of Mexico and how has this changed over time?
  • Are crop residues, especially from maize, traded in formal/informal markets? What is the volume/significance of this trade? What are indicative prices paid for maize stover and how do these compare to grain prices? Identify the areas where premium price is paid for high quality maize residues along with different price point for maize residue.
  • Is there any premium for residues of high nutritional quality?
  • Is there any evidence of growing demand for the development of a “dual purpose maize” or other dual purpose crops (i.e. for both grain and fodder production)?

Indicative Methods

• Review of literature – both formal and “grey literature”
• Review of fodder markets and demand -both formal and informal.
• Potentially use of key informant interviews/virtual focus group discussions with knowledgeable experts across the country
• Regional price data for maize stover and grain from government reports or market surveys
• Map trade routes or corridors, especially between maize-producing regions and livestock-intensive areas

Final Products

• Structured research report (20-30 pages) and/or a working paper that could be published.
• Appendices containing data and sources of information.

Consultancy Fee:  By mutual agreement based on agreed milestones and deliverables.

Post location: Homebased

Expected places of travel: 

Duration:   October 2024 to 31 December 2024 (Maximum working days:  30 days)

Essential skills and qualifications

The selected Consultant should possess ;

• Masters or PhD in agriculture, agricultural economics or a related discipline
• Spanish language required and the consultant needs to have good written English too.
• Consultants are invited to submit short proposals outlining their approach to the assignment along with periodic deliverables (Final deliverable due 15 Dec 2024).
• Examples of previous work and a CV should also be submitted.
• Proposals should include a budget statement. As a rough guide we envisage this assignment involving 30 days of work

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 Chief, People and Culture Officer by clicking on the "Apply Now" tab above before 23 October 2024.  The position title and reference number LCE/ 1631/2024 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