Comparative Research and Facilitation of Science-Policy Dialogues in Colombia (Consultant 1)

Reference number: 2418
Job status: In-progress
Job category: Consultancy
Duty station: Colombia
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CIFOR-ICRAF
The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) envision a more equitable world where trees in all landscapes, from drylands to the humid tropics, enhance the environment and well-being for all. CIFOR and ICRAF are non-profit science institutions that build and apply evidence to today’s most pressing challenges, including energy insecurity and the climate and biodiversity crises. Over a combined total of 65 years, we have built vast knowledge on forests and trees outside of forests in agricultural landscapes (agroforestry). Using a multidisciplinary approach, we seek to improve lives and to protect and restore ecosystems. Our work focuses on innovative research, partnering for impact, and engaging with stakeholders on policies and practices to benefit people and the planet. Founded in 1993 and 1978, CIFOR and ICRAF are members of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food secure future dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources.

Overview

The Consultant will support CIFOR-ICRAF’s project on fostering collaborative relationships in conservation areas across the Amazon region of Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. The project aims to examine the dynamics between Indigenous Peoples, local communities, and/or Afro-descendent people and conservation area implementers to understand the enabling conditions necessary to promote collaboration. This position requires conducting comparative research, mapping spaces that promote collaboration in conservation areas in Colombia, and organizing Science-Policy Dialogues in Bogotá to validate findings and develop strategies for enhancing collaboration.

Key result areas

• Map and analyze existing spaces for promoting collaboration in conservation areas in Colombia.
• Conduct a comparative analysis of interactions between communities and conservation area implementers in the Colombian Amazon.
• Coordinate and facilitate Science-Policy Dialogues in Bogotá, ensuring effective stakeholder engagement.
• Contribute to the development of a typology of interactions between conservation implementers and communities, proposing pathways for improvement.
• Produce reports and summaries of research findings and dialogue outcomes.
• Engage with stakeholders to validate research findings and co-develop conservation roadmaps.

Duties and responsibilities

1.Research and analysis

• Conduct comparative research on
  two conservation areas in the Colombian Amazon.
  
• Map existing spaces and
  practices aimed at fostering collaboration in conservation areas.
  
• Contribute to the development
  and refinement of a typology of interactions between conservation implementers
  and communities.

2.Facilitation and coordination

• Facilitate two Science-Policy
  Dialogues in Bogotá to present research findings (November 2024, April 2025).
  
• Coordinate logistical
  arrangements for one Science-Policy Dialogue in November 2024, ensuring the
  participation of key stakeholders.
  
• Collaborate with the project
  team to design and implement dialogue methodologies.

3.Reporting and dissemination

• Prepare and submit reports
  detailing the mapping of dialogue spaces, comparative case studies, and
  findings from Science-Policy Dialogues.
  
• Disseminate research findings
  through presentations, and other appropriate channels.

4.Supervision and reporting

• Report to the project’s
  Principal Investigator and collaborate with CIFOR-ICRAF’s team, including other
  consultants.
  
• Ensure alignment with project
  objectives and timelines through regular check-ins.

Education, knowledge and experience

• Postgraduate degree in Anthropology, Geography, Sociology, or a related field.
• Proven experience in research, particularly within conservation and Indigenous/community relations in the Amazon.
• Experience with qualitative research methods; knowledge of Q-methodology is a plus.
• Familiarity with conservation policy and legal frameworks in Latin America, especially in Colombia.
• Proven experience in organizing and facilitating dialogues or workshops with diverse stakeholders.

Personal attributes and competencies

• Strong interviewing, analytical, and writing skills.
• Ability to synthesize complex information for non-academic audiences.
• Excellent organizational skills to manage logistics and stakeholder engagement.
• Proficiency in Spanish.

Terms and conditions

• This is a consultancy position.

• Period of the consultancy: October 2024 to April 2025.

• Work location: Colombia.

• Coordinated work is required between the consultant 1 and consultant 2 for this consultancy

To apply, please visit our career site at: https://www.cifor-icraf.org/about/work-with-us/

To learn more about CIFOR-ICRAF, please visit our websites at: https://www.cifor-icraf.org

CIFOR-ICRAF promotes Gender Diversity – Applications from women professionals are encouraged.

CIFOR-ICRAF is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity.

Application process

The application deadline is 13 Sep 2024
We will acknowledge all applications, but will contact only short-listed candidates.