SHiFT Initiative: study of the influence of SHiFT’s capacity development and engagement activities in national food systems transformation processes in Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and Vietnam

Background

Starting from an innovative, consumer-focused perspective, the CGIAR Research Initiative on Sustainable Healthy Diets through Food Systems Transformation (SHiFT) aims to identify effective policy options through research; strengthen capacity; and develop robust metrics and tools that support stakeholders’ decisions when developing pathways to transform food systems toward sustainable healthy diets, improved livelihoods, gender equity, and social inclusion. The research is divided into five work packages (WP).

• WP1: Consumers and their food environments
• WP2: Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and the informal sector
• WP3: Governance and inclusive food systems
• WP4: Trade-off scenario analysis
• WP5: Catalyzing food systems transformation

SHiFT is led by IFPRI together with the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT (the Alliance) in collaboration with Wageningen University and Research (WUR) and the International Potato Center (CIP).

Objective

SHiFT is nearing the end of its first three-year funding cycle (2022-2024). IFPRI seeks a qualified Consultant to coordinate and implement a study to assess the influence of SHiFT’s capacity development and engagement activities on national-level stakeholders in Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and Vietnam. Specifically, the study will assess the influence of the activities on (1) stakeholder awareness of trade-offs and the governance and political economy issues in national food systems transformation and (2) stakeholder willingness and ability to engage in governance and political economy issues and navigate trade-offs.

The activities that are the focus of this study come from the work of WP5, WP4, and WP3 and include, but are not limited to, an e-course, a training of trainers (ToT) program, consultative workshops, and policy dialogues.

Deliverables

• Inception report with proposed evaluation methodology
• Final report

Duration: From August through November 2024

Level of effort: Estimated at 30 days

Location: Remote

Required qualifications

• Post‐graduate qualification, at least at master’s level, in a field such as international development, public health, nutrition, economics or other social science.
• Relevant work experience in food systems or complex agricultural research for development programs or projects.
• Publications in the field of analysis and evaluation of programs linked to capacity development, governance, country engagement/partnerships in food systems or complex agricultural research for development programs or projects.
• Competencies in collecting, analyzing, and reporting disaggregated data, including qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• Competencies in structuring and managing interviews, focus group discussions, and stakeholder workshops.
• High level of attention to detail and accuracy of work.
• Excellent communication skills in English.

Application criteria

• For individuals: Please confirm your daily rate when submitting your online application for consideration.
• For Firms: Please submit a financial proposal with your online application, including CV/resume of staff.