Consultant for Sahel Observatory of Landscape Dynamic and Land Restoration 

About our organization

The World Agroforestry (also known as the International Centre for Research in Agroforestry or ICRAF) is an independent research institution which generates science-based knowledge about the complex role trees play in agricultural landscapes and rural livelihoods. As part of the Centre’s work to bring tree-based solutions to bear on poverty and environmental problems, researchers – working in close collaboration with partners – are developing new technologies, tools and policy recommendations for increased food security and ecosystem health.

The Centre’s headquarters are located in Nairobi, Kenya, and research is conducted in more than 30 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. We are supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and receive funding from over 50 different donors.

Our vision is an equitable world where all people have viable livelihoods supported by healthy and productive landscapes.

Background 

In 40 years of presence in the Sahel, ICRAF has gradually built unique expertise on Sahelian landscapes, ecosystems, and communities through numerous projects. Such expertise should be capitalized through an evidence-based knowledge product that would highlight ICRAF’s contribution to key livelihood indicators and would provide decision support for national and regional strategies and international commitments. Such a tool should be fed from datasets produced by past projects, to further improve understanding of the factors that impact the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in the region.

To learn more about our organization, please visit our website: www.worldagroforestry.org

 About the position

ICRAF West and Central Africa, Sahel Office, is searching for a consultant, who will work closely with the Sahel office scientists and the Geoscience Lab scientists based in Nairobi to create a database of past projects that would serve to feed a Decision Support Tool on landscape dynamics and land restoration. The tool should improve understanding of the key factors that drive landscape dynamics in the region and generate evidence that will support decisions both at national (countries) and regional levels.

Background

In 40 years of presence in the Sahel, ICRAF has gradually built unique expertise on Sahelian landscapes, ecosystems, and communities through numerous projects. Such expertise should be capitalized through an evidence-based knowledge product that would highlight ICRAF’s contribution to key livelihood indicators and would provide decision support for national and regional strategies and international commitments. Such a tool should be fed from datasets produced by past projects, to further improve understanding of the factors that impact the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in the region.

Purpose

The purpose of this consultancy is to systematically analyze datasets from past projects and define key variables that capture biophysical and socio-economical factors affecting land degradation dynamic and restoration initiatives in the Sahel as assessed through baseline and endline studies of the reviewed projects. By past projects we mean those conducted by ICRAF but also by CIFOR because of the recent merger of the two institutions.

Expected outcome

The consultant would develop a database product based on curated evidence-based project data, containing key indicators identified as affecting land degradation dynamics, through biophysical and socio-economic variables. This would imply:

• Review past projects in Sahel zone
• Review baseline/endline studies
• Analyze dataset to identify key factors
• Create a database of curated datasets from past projects

Specific Objectives of the consultancy

• Define eligibility criteria for Sahel projects to be included in the assessment
• Identify impacts of projects on land degradation dynamics and restoration
• Engage with the Geoscience lab to validate data analysis process
• Provide written methodology
• Adopt a systematic approach

Consultancy Requirements:

• Minimum of 5-10 years working experience in the drylands (particularly in the Sahel)
• Good knowledge of Geospatial data analysis
• Strong IT, numerical and computational skills, to handle large data sets
• Flexibility and the ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Ability to express ideas and findings clearly, both orally and in writing, to produce reports and make presentations
• Analytical, problem-solving and good project-management skills.

Start Date:  October 15, 2020

Duration:  30 days maximum. 

How to apply 

Please send your resume with a cover letter to: icraf-mali@cgiar.org

Applications will be considered until 09 October 2020.  Please note that only short-listed applicants meeting the above requirements will be contacted.