(RFP500194) – Consultant, Partnerships & Communication Liaison, Italian Engagement
Rome, Italy
JOB DETAIL
The Organization
The Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) deliver 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.
The Alliance works with local, national and multinational partners across Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia and Africa, and with the public and private sectors. The Alliance is part of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food-secure future, dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources and ecosystem services.
With novel partnerships, the Alliance generates evidence and mainstreams 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.
About the position
Based in Rome, Italy, and under the supervision of the Senior Manager, Partnerships & Innovative Finance, the candidate will join the Global Partnerships Unit team. This role is pivotal in maintaining a strong and consistent pipeline of partners and funders who are meaningfully engaged with the Alliance’s mission. By supporting the organization’s engagement efforts, the Consultant will enhance the Alliance’s ability to secure essential resources for research projects and ensure the smooth implementation of bilateral initiatives.
Responsibilities
- Assist in developing and monitoring funder engagement strategies and annual work plans with Italian MAECI, AICS, and other relevant institutions.
- Leverage existing initiatives and proactively search for new funding opportunities to support the Alliance/CGIAR’s research agenda and projects.
- Foster and advance relationships with Italian research institutions (e.g., CREA, ISPRA, CNR, ENEA, IIT) to co-design project proposals, improve coordination, and enhance research outcomes.
- Draft, edit, and organize new proposals to ensure clarity, coherence, and alignment with donor requirements, collaborating with scientists and subject matter experts for technical inputs.
- Attend regional workshops and engage with key stakeholders, including local government representatives, community leaders, and partners, to present proposals, gather feedback, and build consensus during consultations.
- Plan and execute high-profile events to raise the organization’s profile, highlight its initiatives, and strengthen strategic relationships with Italian funders and partners.
- Provide operational support for meetings, consultations, workshops, and events by preparing analysis and content (e.g., briefing notes, concept notes, PowerPoint presentations, speaking points).
- Develop project documentation, including Terms of Reference, workplans, agendas, and reports.
- Complete administrative tasks, ensure quality deliverables, and report progress to the project lead.
- Schedule meetings, record minutes, and document action points.
- Support communication activities by creating content and promotional materials using graphic design tools (e.g., Canva).
Requirements
Essential Requirements
- A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in agriculture, Environmental Sciences, Sustainable Development, Business, Entrepreneurship, International Relations, or other relevant subjects is highly desirable.
- Preferably a minimum of 3 years experience in a similar role.
- Excellent writing, storytelling, design, and organizational skills, with the ability to convey complex and technical content in engaging, succinct, and clear formats.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skills; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people of different cultural and national backgrounds.
- Proficiency in both English and French, with strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to organize and write clear and concise reports.
- Strong priority-setting and problem-solving skills.
- Entrepreneurial and innovative mindset, demonstrated through extracurricular activities.
- Sound judgment and initiative; ability to work independently within assigned areas.
Benefits
Terms of employment
This is a full time, 11-month consultancy opportunity, based in Rome, Italy renewable based on extended needs and requirements. All consultancy fees and conditions will be administered in line with the Alliance approved policy for consultants.
Applications
Please apply online through the website (https://alliancebioversityciat.org/careers ), including reference number RFP500194 in the Cover Letter (CL) no later than 7 March 2025, attaching the following:
- A detailed curriculum vitae (CV) and cover letter (CL) (using the candidate’s last name, first name for ease of sorting).
- In the CV, including the names and email addresses of three professional referees who have worked with you and are knowledgeable about your skills and professional abilities.
- Proposed consultancy fees for the period, indicated in daily USD.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Closing date for applications: 7 March 2025
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