Consultancy to Support Mainstreaming Agroecology into National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) in India

IFPRI is seeking an individual consultant to support the CGIAR Multifunctional Landscapes Science Program on mainstreaming agroecology into National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) in India.

Background and Rationale

The CGIAR Multifunctional Landscapes (MFL) Science Program seeks to generate knowledge and tools to support sustainable, inclusive, and resilient landscapes. This assignment contributes to Area of Work 4 (AoW4) on Policies, Institutions, Governance, and Social Inclusion. Within AoW4 of MFL, the work looks at leverage points for institutional change to support agroecological transitions in landscapes. An often-overlooked aspect of agroecology is the role of National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) in enabling technological development and maintaining public goods that support agroecological transitions at scale. This research project aims to better understand the role that NARS can play in fostering long-term institutional and policy changes towards more sustainable and socially just food systems.

The overarching research question is:

What would an agroecological National Agricultural Research System (NARS) look like, and how can such a system be promoted across different national contexts?

The broader research initiative will generate comparative evidence from Peru, Tunisia and India to support long-term applied research collaborations on institutional and policy change towards agroecologically-oriented NARS. The India case study will contribute evidence on the institutional, policy, and governance dimensions required to mainstream agroecology within public agricultural research systems.

Scope of Consultancy:

The consultant will produce one comprehensive analytical output:

1. Report on mainstreaming agroecology in India’s National Agricultural Research System (NARS): current drivers of public agricultural research. This output is intended to generate policy-relevant evidence that contributes to both the India case study and the project’s comparative international analysis.

Deliverable 1 – Mainstreaming Agroecology in NARS

This deliverable requires primary data collection and analysis, including:

• Development of the research methodology and interview instruments;
• Identification and coordination of key stakeholders;
• Implementation of a minimum of 10 semi-structured Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with representatives from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and relevant Indian-based agricultural research organizations and governmental bodies (e.g., universities, the Ministry of Agriculture and other relevant public actors);
• Systematic review of institutional documentation (annual reports, strategic plans, financial reports, research agendas and policy documents);
• Review of relevant scientific and grey literature;
• Qualitative coding, analysis and triangulation of interview and documentary evidence;
• Preparation and revision of a comprehensive analytical report.

Duration: Receipt of signed contract to December 31, 2026, for approximately 45 days. No fieldwork is required for this consultancy.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in Social Sciences
• Advanced understanding of the agricultural sector and relevant organizations in India
• Track record of peer-reviewed publications on relevant topics (e.g., institutional analysis, agrifood systems, agroecology)

Preferred qualifications:

• PhD in Social Sciences
• Experience conducting and coding interviews
• Peer-reviewed publications on the topic of agricultural research organizations in India

Application: Please upload your CV, at least one writing sample and a cover letter detailing relevant experience. Submissions will only be considered if a writing sample, cover letter and daily rate in USD are provided in the online application.

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We are unable to respond to all applications – only the selected consultant will be contacted.