Consultant, Gender and Tree Diversity Bioversity International

Consultant, Gender and Tree Diversity
Bioversity International (“Bioversity” for short) is the world’s largest organization undertaking research on agricultural biodiversity, dedicated to addressing global issues related to food security, poverty, climate change and environmental degradation. We are a non profit organization, active in over 100 countries worldwide, with more than 350 staff working from some 16 country offices. We are one of 15 centres of the Consortium of International Agricultural Research Centres (CGIAR).

For further information on Bioversity International, consult the Web page at

http://www.bioversityinternational.org

Purpose

Bioversity International is seeking a Consultant to conduct a scoping study on gender analysis in tree diversity research. Bioversity’s research on forest and trees focuses on the analysis of genetic diversity of tree species, its distribution, threats to it, and opportunities for its enhanced use. Much of the research is clearly biological in nature, and it is not always evident when and how gender considerations would need to be taken into account in the research process. The scoping study will guide the development of a programme of work on gender for Bioversity’s research on forest and trees in the CGIAR Research Programme on Forest, Trees and Agroforestry (CRP6) ¹.

Under the overall supervision of the Programme Leader, the consultant will be responsible for:

· Reviewing literature and relevant Bioversity and CGIAR research documents; interviews of key informants such as Bioversity staff, CRP 6 and national partners; and leading organizations in gender research and advocacy;

· Assessing the needs and opportunities for incorporating gender analysis in the conservation and management of tree species and their genetic diversity, in the context of developing countries;

· Identifying research areas where positive impacts of the inclusion of gender analysis are notable, yet possibly often overlooked;

· Analyzing reasons for the lack of such gender considerations in past research;

· Proposing approaches for their incorporation in Bioversity’s research area on forest and trees;

· Evaluating of partnership opportunities with organizations and networks involved in gender research and advocacy;

· Delivering the outputs as follows:
o Analysis and recommendations on the entry points for and incorporation of gender analysis in the conservation and management of tree species and their genetic diversity throughout the research cycle, as and where relevant

o Analysis of key organizations and networks which are involved in research on tree and forest diversity and which have good gender strategies or approaches

o Analysis and recommendations on partnership opportunities with leading gender research or advocacy institutions

o Recommendations on staffing and capacity requirements.

¹ CIFOR, World Agroforestry Centre, Bioversity International and CIAT. 2011. Forests, Trees and Agroforestry: Livelihoods, Landscapes and Governance. CGIAR Research Program 6. Available from: http://www.cifor.org/crp6/

Qualifications and Competencies:

· MSc in a social science or related field.

· Experience working issues related to natural resource management including in developing countries.

· Proven capacity to conduct detailed literature search using different search engines.

· Demonstrated competency in analysis and synthesis of information.

· Fluency in written and spoken English.

Terms and conditions: This is an international consultancy opportunity for a period of three months. Allconsultancy fees and conditions will be administered in line with Bioversity’s approved policy for consultants.

Applications: Please apply online through Bioversity Job Opportunities web page

(http://www.bioversityinternational.org/about_us/job_opportunities.html)

by clicking the “Apply” button, completing the online application and attaching the required information, no later than 20 May 2012.

Please note that in the application you are required to provide the contact details (address, telephone number and e-mail address) of at least three referees, which Bioversity will contact for short listed applicants.

Bioversity is an equal opportunity employer and strives for staff diversity. Women and candidates from developing countries are encouraged to apply.

Bioversity International, Bioversity for short, is the operating name of the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute(IPGRI) and the International Network for Improvement of Banana and Plantain (INIBAP).