The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) is pleased to invite proposals from individual consultants or teams of researchers affiliated with recognized institutions to undertake systematic evidence syntheses on critical climate change and agri-food systems topics. This initiative is part of the CGIAR Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Impact Area, implemented under the Climate Action Science Program’s Area of Work 1.
ILRI, a member of CGIAR and the only research center focusing entirely on livestock research for the developing world, operates to improve food security and nutrition, and reduce poverty through research in efficient, safe, and sustainable livestock use. Headquartered in Kenya and Ethiopia, ILRI maintains a strong presence across Africa, South and Southeast Asia, supporting regional development goals through cutting-edge agricultural research.
Overview of the Assignment
The consultancy involves conducting five comprehensive evidence syntheses addressing various interlinked aspects of climate change and agri-food systems in the Global South. The reviews will leverage structured, systematic methodologies to draw out insights, highlight gaps, and inform strategic climate action across regions of Africa, Asia, and South America. Applications are welcomed from diverse, interdisciplinary teams capable of delivering scientifically rigorous and policy-relevant outcomes.
Scope of the Evidence Synthesis Topics
Consultants are invited to submit proposals aligned with one of the following five thematic areas:
Topic 1: Impacts of Climate Change on Agri-Food Systems
The evidence synthesis in this topic should cover:
- Health-related impacts from climate-induced extreme events (heat, floods, droughts), including human, animal, and environmental health.
- Economic and livelihood impacts of climate change on agri-food sectors in LMICs, including GDP and loss and damage analysis.
- The influence of climate change on smallholder producers, especially marginalized groups such as women farmers, Indigenous Peoples, and rural fisherfolk.
- Effects on agrifood landscapes and ecosystems, focusing on land degradation, biodiversity loss, water quality, and soil health.
Topic 2: Effectiveness of Adaptation Measures to Climate Shocks in Agri-Food Systems
This area will focus on adaptation strategies including:
- Climate information systems, early warnings, and agro-advisories.
- Climate insurance products for smallholders.
- Genetic and agronomic innovations (e.g., drought-tolerant seeds) coupled with sustainable management practices.
- Migration strategies and alternative livelihoods as risk mitigation approaches.
- Locally led adaptation initiatives and socio-technical innovation bundles.
Topic 3: Mitigation and Low Emissions Pathways in Agri-Food Systems
Proposals in this area should examine:
- Emissions reduction strategies in agri-food systems without compromising food security.
- Fertilizer-related nitrous oxide emission reductions.
- Land and water as carbon sinks and their changing dynamics.
- Agri-food systems’ contributions to deforestation.
- Measures to reduce emissions along the energy and logistics chains of agri-food systems.
Topic 4: Innovations in Climate Finance and National R&D Systems
Proposals may investigate:
- Climate finance mechanisms and the effectiveness of their deployment in Global South economies.
- Readiness and performance of national agricultural research organizations in addressing climate change impacts and agri-food transitions.
Topic 5: Methodological Innovations in Impact Measurement
This topic invites reviews that advance:
- Methods to quantify impacts of climate change on food, water, and land systems.
- Approaches to measure adaptation effectiveness and risk reduction for smallholders.
- Techniques for greenhouse gas emissions measurement across the agri-food value chain, including Tier 2 and Tier 3 methodologies.
Each submission may adopt a broad or narrow scope depending on the chosen topic. Thematic proposals should concentrate on specific hazards, geographies, or population groups, allowing deep exploration while maintaining relevance for Global South contexts.
Expected Methodology
The evidence syntheses must apply a structured methodology appropriate for environmental and agricultural sciences. Key requirements include:
- A clear protocol with defined scope, methodology (systematic, scoping, mapping reviews, meta-analyses, etc.), and inclusion/exclusion criteria.
- Comprehensive literature search and classification strategy.
- Identification of subsectors within the agri-food system as review targets.
- Incorporation of scientometric analysis where applicable.
- Critical appraisal of literature, coding, data extraction, and synthesis using standard tools.
- Generation of key insights, identification of research gaps, and policy-relevant recommendations.
Deliverables and Timeline
The consultancy will span nine months, and consultants will be required to deliver the following:
- Month 1: Inception Report
- Month 2: First draft of scoping and mapping review protocol
- Month 3: Final protocol published on CGSpace or public repository
- Month 4: Draft scoping review and systematic map
- Month 5: Final scoping review published or submitted for publication
- Month 6: First draft of systematic review/meta-analysis protocol
- Month 7: Final protocol published on public repository
- Month 8: Draft of systematic review/meta-analysis
- Month 9: Final draft ready for publication and a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation highlighting all deliverables and insights
Consultancy Conditions
- Location: Fully remote/home-based, with occasional travel to Kenya if necessary.
- Duration: Nine months.
- Fee: Negotiated based on milestones and deliverables.
- Reporting: Regular virtual reporting twice a month to the ILRI project manager.
Eligibility Criteria
Ideal applicants (individual or teams) will meet the following:
- An advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in a relevant field such as environmental science, agricultural development, climate policy, or related disciplines.
- At least five years of experience in research, systematic reviews, or meta-analyses in climate and agri-food systems.
- Strong record of publishing in peer-reviewed journals, especially in systematic reviews.
- Experience working with interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary teams.
- For Indigenous Knowledge topics, inclusion of an Indigenous Knowledge holder in the team is mandatory.
Proposal Submission Guidelines
Submissions must include:
- Title Page (not included in word limit): Title of the review, selected topic number (e.g., 1.1, 2.3), names, affiliations, and roles of team members.
- Summary (2 pages): Should include problem definition, research questions using PICO/PECO framework, methodology overview, eligibility criteria, critical appraisal plans, stakeholder engagement, and dissemination strategies.
- Section 1: Background and Justification (1 page): Policy relevance, current knowledge gaps, and contribution of the proposed synthesis.
- Section 2: Objectives and Research Questions (½ page): Clear articulation using the PICO/PECO framework.
- Section 3: Review Method (3.5 pages): Detailed protocol design, search strategy, data coding, analysis, bias assessment, and outputs.
- Section 4: Stakeholder Engagement (½ page): Identification of primary stakeholders and engagement strategy.
- Section 5: Dissemination Plan (½ page): Journals for submission and outreach methods.
Annex (not counted in page limit):
- CVs (2 pages per team member).
- Prior work related to systematic reviews (1 page).
- Gantt chart for activities and deliverables.
- Names and contact details of three professional referees with experience in systematic reviews.
Application Instructions
Interested applicants should send a cover letter and full proposal (maximum 8 pages excluding annexes) addressed to the Head of People and Culture via the ILRI recruitment portal: ilri.simplicant.com. The position title and reference number 1935/2025 must appear in the subject line of the cover letter.
Deadline for applications: 22 July 2025
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. ILRI maintains a strict no-fee policy throughout its recruitment process and does not require personal financial details at any stage.
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