The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit a consultant who will carry out a continental-wide assessment of existing climate finance flows to the livestock sector in Africa.
ILRI works to improve food and nutritional security and reduce poverty in developing countries through research for efficient, safe and sustainable use of livestock. It is the only one of 15 CGIAR research centres dedicated entirely to animal agriculture research for the developing world. Co-hosted by Kenya and Ethiopia, it has regional or country offices and projects in East, South and Southeast Asia as well as Central, East,
General Background
Livestock systems are one of the most important components of the African agriculture sector, as more than half of Africa’s land is currently used for grazing livestock. Livestock production systems constitute a major economic sector for Africa (contributing an average of 40% of agriculture GDP), with small farms contributing most of the production. The sector is important for reducing rural and peri-urban poverty. The sector is also critical for food security not only because of the income benefits but also nutritional benefits – animal source foods are protein dense and contain key micronutrients not found in plant-based foods (ILRI, AGNES and AU-IBAR 2023).
Climate change will have significant impacts on livestock in Africa, even under medium scenarios that keep overall global warming to under 2 degrees C. At the same time, livestock is the largest contributor to greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions from the agriculture sector in Africa. The growing demand for livestock products needs to be managed so that production is as sustainable as possible, avoiding known negative environmental impacts of livestock (e.g. GHG emissions). Despite the positive steps taken by Africa to address climate change in the livestock sector, it is evident that there is a need to build climate resilient and climate smart livestock systems nurtured in nature-positive environments.
The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) is an implementing partner of the new GIZ project ‘Catalyzing transformation towards sustainable livestock systems (LiveSys)’. LiveSys is designed to drive climate adaptation and biodiversity protection in livestock systems, with a focus on Africa and additional activities in Latin America. GIZ is commissioned by BMZ to implement the project and is partnering with ILRI, AU-IBAR and the Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT amongst others to achieve the planned outcomes. The project will work in four key output areas: (1) global agendas and advocacy; (2) mobilizing finance; (3) capacity development; and (4) knowledge exchange and networking.
The project partners are seeking a consultant to carry out an assessment study to establish the existing state of climate finance flows for the livestock sector in Africa. This study will provide an understanding of the status of climate finance investments in the livestock sector in Africa. This consultancy will be coordinated by ILRI with the Alliance co-developing the terms of reference and helping guide the consult in his/her work.
Scope of the work
The consultant will be expected to carry out the following tasks:
The consultant will carry out an assessment study to establish the existing state of climate finance flows for the livestock sector in Africa. The activities will include the following;
Compile publicly available data on climate finance flows to the livestock sector in Africa that can help the project partners understand the existing landscape. Identify opportunities (short, medium and long term) for the LiveSys project to engage with AU Member States on capacity building to strengthen their ability to access climate finance for the livestock sector and/or specific proposal development processes. Document the information in a comprehensive technical report. Any other related activities as may be defined by ILRI ScientistsConsultancy location: Consultant’s Base
Contract dates: The work should be undertaken from April 28, 2025 to– September 5, 2025
Final Products
Inception report including methods and workplan Comprehensive technical report presenting (1) the existing landscape of climate finance for livestock in Africa and (2) short-, medium- and long-term opportunities for the LiveSys project to engage with MSs on capacity building and proposal development for climate finance in the livestock sector Presentation of the report findings to a workshop convened by AU-IBAR in 2025.Essential skills and qualifications
The selected Consultant should possess:
A Master’s or PhD in environment science, policy analysis, livestock development, climate and climate change science or related topics. At least 7 years of professional experience working in the livestock sector and/or policy space in Africa Experience working with continental, regional and national public and private sector entities Communication: effective written, oral and presentation skills, particularly ability to present information in a concise and accurate manner Excellent analytical and writing skills Ability to work independentlyHow to apply: Applicants should send a cover letter and CV expressing their interest in the position, what they can bring to the job and the names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to the Head of People and Culture through our portal https://ilri.simplicant.com on or before 07 April 2025. The position title and reference number REF: LCE/1842/2025 should be clearly marked on the subject line of the cover letter.
We thank all applicants for their interest in working for ILRI. Due to the volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
ILRI does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, or training). ILRI also does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.
To find out more about ILRI, visit our websites at http://www.ilri.org/
ILRI is an equal opportunity employer