[Hiring] Consultant, Agricultural Value Chains Specialist & Partnership Development @Alliance Bioversity & CIAT

Role Description

Based in Conakry, the Consultant will provide technical expertise, project development, and coordination support for agricultural and rural development initiatives in Guinea and the broader West Africa region. With a primary focus on the cocoa and coffee value chains, the assignment requires strong familiarity with Guinean institutions, local agricultural policy and dynamics, and the international development cooperation framework.

The consultant will also be supporting the Cacao Connect Initiative - a flagship, multi-country partnership led by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), designed to foster dialogue and collaboration among the main actors in the value chain, as a possible contribution to strengthening partnerships and synergies in support of more sustainable, resilient and inclusive development of the sector.

In addition to driving the Cacao Connect agenda locally, the Consultant will support broader agricultural value chain activities (including cocoa and coffee), assist in monitoring field activities, and support technical coordination with key partners, including the Embassy of Italy in Conakry, Guinean national authorities, and international development cooperation agencies.

The Consultant will operate under the direct contractual and functional responsibility of the Alliance, while maintaining a close collaborative relationship with AICS and the Embassy of Italy in Conakry for technical-institutional coordination of mutual interests.

Building on proven experience in managing large-scale cocoa sustainability programs and origin-country partnerships, the role demands strong technical capabilities, diplomacy, and the operational flexibility required to operate effectively across West Africa.

Qualifications

• Advanced university degree in Political Science, International Relations, Development Studies, Economics, Agriculture, or related fields.
• Minimum of 4 years of professional experience in stakeholder engagement, government relations, strategic advisory, or development programs.
• Proven experience working in complex institutional environments, preferably in West Africa or Guinea.
• Strong understanding of political economy dynamics, public sector engagement, and development cooperation frameworks.
• Experience working on agricultural value chains and sustainability-related initiatives, with knowledge of the cocoa sector considered a strong asset.
• Experience in coordination roles or multi-country / multi-stakeholder platforms is considered an asset.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into clear recommendations.
• Excellent drafting and communication skills in English and French (both written and spoken). Knowledge of additional languages is an asset.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness and availability to travel internationally as required.

Requirements

• Provide technical expertise on agricultural and agri-food value chains in Guinea and West Africa, with particular emphasis on cocoa and coffee.
• Act as the main in-country focal point for the Cacao Connect Initiative.
• Facilitate coordination and dialogue with relevant Guinean ministries and public institutions, development cooperation agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Support the monitoring of ongoing activities and projects in Guinea, including regular field visits to production areas and project sites.
• Prepare and contribute to technical notes, project briefs, mission reports, and other documentation required to support programme implementation.
• Identify and monitor emerging priorities, funding opportunities, and potential new initiatives in the agricultural sector in Guinea and West Africa.

Benefits

• This is a remote consultancy position for an initial duration of 12 months, renewable subject to satisfactory performance, continued need, and availability of funds.
• Compensation will be commensurate with experience and aligned with institutional standards.

Company Description

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. 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.

The Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT is committed to fair, safe, and inclusive workplaces. We believe that diversity powers our innovation, contributes to our excellence, and is critical for our mission. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority. We encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability statuses, sexual orientations, marital status, and gender identities. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.