Job Description
SENIOR ASSOCIATE – RESEARCH
THE ORGANIZATION
The Alliance of Bioversity International (www.bioversityinternational.org) and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) (www.ciat.cgiar.org) delivers research-based solutions that harness agricultural biodiversity and sustainably transform food systems to improve people’s lives. Alliance solutions address the global crises of malnutrition, climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation.
With novel partnerships, the Alliance generates evidence and mainstream innovations to transform food systems and landscapes so that they sustain the planet, drive prosperity, and nourish people in a climate crisis.
The Alliance is part of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food-secure future.
The Climate Action Lever focuses on both climate change mitigation and adaptation, emphasizing research-driven insights, cutting-edge digital innovations, strategic finance and investments, supportive policies, and commitment to gender and social inclusion.
Our work involves equipping diverse stakeholders—from smallholder farmers to government agencies and private-sector entities—with the tools and knowledge to identify and anticipate climate risks, develop innovative responses to absorb and recover from shocks, and shape policies and investments that foster sustainable growth and equitable outcomes.
About the position
The Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT is looking for a highly skilled Senior Research Associate to support the climate action team’s finance and investments research area.
The candidate will provide support to the finance and investment area on policy support, stakeholder engagement, and capacity-building initiatives in climate-smart agriculture and broader climate finance pathways. The position involves assisting in the preparation and review of key policy documents such as Climate-Smart Agriculture Investment Plans (CSAIPs), NDC 3.0, LT-LEDS, and NAPs, alongside supporting the development of evidence to inform global policy processes (e.g., IPCC, UNFCCC). A strong emphasis is placed on facilitating multi-stakeholder platforms to promote inclusive, gender-responsive, and science-driven adaptation policies.
The successful candidate will also coordinate and deliver training sessions to enhance stakeholder capacities—particularly for NDAs, National Focal Points, and policymakers—ensuring robust access to climate finance. Additional responsibilities include collecting and synthesizing evidence on climate risks and finance flows, preparing evidence-based reports, and documenting best practices for scaling investments in agriculture.
Main responsibilities
- Assist in the preparation and review of Climate-Smart Agriculture Investment Plans (CSAIPs), profiles and agriculture components of NDCs, LT-LEDS, and NAPs.
- Provide technical inputs for policy development through collaboration with national and regional organizations and partners.
- Contribute to the generation of evidence at the continental level to support global policies and processes such as IPCC, UNFCCC.
- Support multi-stakeholder platforms to advance inclusive, gender-responsive, and science-driven climate adaptation and peace-building policies.
- Assist in the design and delivery of training sessions to strengthen stakeholder capacities, ensuring inclusivity in policy development, and MEAL for climate finance project
- Coordinate with external service providers and partners to support on-site capacity-building activities.
- Contribute to the development of frameworks and capacity-building initiatives for NDAs, National Focal Points, and policymakers to access and execute climate finance program pipelines.
- Assist in documenting lessons learned and best practices for climate finance access in the agricultural sector.
- Collect, analyze, and synthesize global, regional and national data related to climate risks, climate finance flows, and adaptation/mitigation investment commitments.
- Support the development of evidence-based reports to inform climate finance investments.
- Ensure data quality, consistency, and alignment with project objectives and milestones.
Requirements
Education qualifications and experience
Education
Bachelor’s degree with specialization or equivalent, in Climate Change, Environmental Science, Agriculture, Economics, or a related field, Master’s degree desirable.
Experience
- Extensive experience in process-oriented work, particularly in research or policy development related to climate adaptation and mitigation.
- Experience in stakeholder engagement and capacity-building initiatives, preferably in the climate finance or agricultural sector.
- Familiarity with climate policy frameworks such as NDCs, NAPs, and LT-LEDS.
Skills
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and translate it into actionable insights.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for engaging with multi-stakeholder groups.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
Languages
- English required, French (Desirable)
Benefits
Terms of employment
This is a nationally recruited position based in Nairobi, Kenya. The initial contract will be for up to One (1) year, subject to a probation period of Three (3) months, and is renewable depending on performance and availability of resources. This position is at BG07 level, in a scale of 14 levels, with level 14 being the highest.
The Alliance Bioversity-CIAT offers a multicultural, collegial research environment with a competitive salary and excellent benefits. We are an equal opportunity employer, and strive for
gender, diversity and inclusion in our staff, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, marital status, or any other characteristic.
Applications
Applicants are invited to visit https://www.bioversityinternational.org/jobs/ to get full details of the position and to submit their applications. Applications MUST include reference number Ref: (RFP300362) – Senior Associate – Research as the position applied for. Application and CV should be saved as one document using the candidate’s last name, first name for ease of sorting. The application must contain:
- A cover letter illustrating your motivation to apply and suitability for the above position against the listed qualifications and work responsibilities.
- A detailed curriculum vitae, including the names and email addresses of three professional referees who have worked either as your professional or academic supervisors and are knowledgeable about your skills and professional abilities
Note: The Alliance does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. (application, interview meeting, processing or training). The Alliance also does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.
Applications closing date: 24th March 2025
Please note that email applications will not be considered.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
We invite you to learn more about us at:
http://alliancebioversityciat.org
