[Hiring] National Consultancy – Development of a Socio-Ecological Systems Framework for Riverine Landscapes @International Potato Center - CGIAR

Role Description

The Landscape Alliance, a hosted center of the International Potato Center (CIP), invites applications from qualified professionals with experience in socio-ecological systems (SES) and integrated landscape approaches to develop the first iteration of an applied SES framework for the Peruvian riverine landscape under the Triple-F: Forest, Fish and Food project.

General Objective:

• To develop the first iteration of an applied socio-ecological systems (SES) framework for the Peruvian riverine landscape of the Triple-F project.
• The framework will integrate biophysical, agroecological and socio-economic dimensions, together with institutions and governance across scales, from watershed to community and household levels.
• It will explain how interactions among forests, rivers, fisheries, agriculture and agroforestry shape local livelihoods, food and nutrition security, and socio-ecological resilience.
• The framework will guide interdisciplinary research, field-based diagnosis and the identification of options to strengthen the resilience of livelihoods and food systems.

Specific Objectives:

• Review and synthesize relevant SES, integrated landscape, watershed and resilience frameworks and methods applicable to riverine landscapes, livelihoods and food systems.
• Develop an initial Triple-F SES framework, adaptable to riverine landscapes globally.
• Tailor the framework to the environmental, socio-economic, institutional and governance context of Peru’s riverine landscapes.
• Consult stakeholders to validate and refine the framework, including supporting the facilitation of the SES “deep-dive” workshop in Lima (end of November 2026).
• Develop methods and a sequenced action plan for the field application and refinement of the Peru SES framework.

Deliverables / Reports / Products

• Deliverable 1: Inception Report and Framework Design
  • Evidence base: synthesis of relevant SES frameworks, approaches and methods.
  • Design approach: proposed conceptual and methodological approach for developing the Triple-F SES framework.
  • Implementation plan: consultation process, work plan and schedule for completing the assignment.
• Deliverable 2: Initial Triple-F SES Framework for Riverine Landscapes
  • Defines the system: key components, interactions, feedback loops, drivers and scales.
  • Integrates core dimensions: forests, rivers and fisheries; agriculture and agroforestry; livelihoods and food systems; and institutions and governance.
  • Supports adaptation: includes clear visual representations and enables application in Peru, Ethiopia and other riverine landscapes.
• Deliverable 3: Applied SES Framework for the Peruvian Riverine Landscape – First Iteration
  • Adapts the framework to the Peruvian study landscape, incorporating inputs from the Lima SES “deep-dive” workshop.
  • Demonstrates its application using available research, secondary data and spatial information.
  • Generates insights on key relationships, vulnerabilities, trade-offs, synergies, opportunities and information gaps.
  • Supports use and refinement by incorporating stakeholder and expert input and providing visual representations and practical guidance.
• Deliverable 4: Methods and Action Plan for Applying and Refining the Peru SES Framework
  • Sets priorities: priority information needs, indicators and analytical questions.
  • Specifies methods: appropriate quantitative, qualitative, spatial and participatory methods.
  • Sequences fieldwork: priority field research activities and their order of implementation.
  • Enables decision support: explains how the framework will support diagnosis, knowledge co-production, and the identification and testing of options to strengthen livelihood resilience and food and nutrition security.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree (MSc) in social or environmental sciences, natural resource management, geography, international development, or another field relevant to socio-ecological systems.
• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in applied interdisciplinary research, including field-based research in rural or natural-resource-dependent landscapes.
• Proven experience with SES frameworks or related systems approaches, such as integrated landscape, watershed, resilience or natural resource management approaches.
• Demonstrated experience developing or applying conceptual, analytical or methodological frameworks to practical research or natural resource management problems.
• Strong analytical skills and demonstrated ability to synthesize qualitative and quantitative information from multiple disciplines and sources.
• Excellent facilitation, coordination and communication skills for interdisciplinary and multi-stakeholder collaboration.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse colleagues, research and development partners, government actors, civil society organizations, Indigenous Peoples and local communities.
• Fluency in English and Spanish (required).
• Desirable: experience in the Amazon or other tropical riverine landscapes; experience with spatial data, GIS or other spatial analytical approaches; experience in participatory research and knowledge co-production with Indigenous Peoples and local communities; knowledge of forest-based livelihoods, fisheries, agroecology, food and nutrition security or natural resource governance; and familiarity with gender and generational dimensions of natural resource management and rural livelihoods.

Requirements

• The consultancy is expected to start in October 2026, with a contract through December 31, 2026 and the possibility of extension into 2027.
• Occasional travel within Peru (e.g., to Iquitos, Loreto) may be required for meetings, expert interviews or data collection. Travel requested by the project will be covered in accordance with CIP policies.

Application Requirements

• Submit a CV of no more than 2 pages, including verifiable references (name, position, email/phone) from the institutions or projects where you have worked.
• If possible, include links to relevant publications or products.
• Applications: Please visit the following link: http://cipotato.org/open-vacancies/ and attach your CV in line with the criteria above.
• The deadline for receiving applications is October 16, 2026.
• This consultancy will NOT involve contact with children or vulnerable adults.
• All applications will be received; only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.