In November 2024, the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT opened a unique consultancy position aimed at harnessing digital platforms to boost agricultural productivity in Tanzania. This consultancy focuses on the Accelerated Variety Turnover for Open-pollinated Crops (ACCELERATE) project, a four-year initiative funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The project aims to improve adoption rates of open-pollinated crop varieties in Tanzania, supporting food security, market access, and sustainable farming.
Project Overview
The ACCELERATE project brings together partners, including Bioversity International, CIAT, and key Tanzanian institutions such as the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) and the Tanzania Official Seed Certification Institute (TOSCI). This multi-stakeholder collaboration focuses on creating scalable models to drive demand for new crop varieties by facilitating better connections among seed producers, grain traders, and farmers.
The Role of the Consultant
The consultancy focuses on setting up and managing digital platforms—primarily WhatsApp groups—to link retail and large-scale grain traders, researchers, and input providers. Through these digital spaces, participants will exchange information about crop varieties, market trends, and research findings, all in real time. The role requires establishing efficient communication channels, moderating content, and providing regular updates to ensure that the platform meets its objectives.
The consultant’s tasks include:
- Platform Setup: Creating and configuring multistakeholder WhatsApp channels that bring together all relevant actors.
- Weekly Engagement Reports: Tracking and analyzing the platform’s engagement, including the frequency of interactions, the exchange of information, and collaboration outcomes.
- Digital Transformation Support: Linking traders with private digital service providers, overseeing digital solutions’ uptake, and coordinating the testing of these solutions to enhance agricultural operations.
Skills and Qualifications
Candidates for this role should have a strong background in IT, social media management, and digital communication tools. Additional experience in digital agriculture or grain trade is advantageous. Proficiency in both English and Swahili, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to convert technical information into accessible messages are essential.
Why This Role Matters
As climate change and food insecurity become increasingly urgent global challenges, projects like ACCELERATE are crucial. By using digital communication tools to improve coordination among agricultural stakeholders, this consultancy can help make crop varieties more accessible, streamline agricultural practices, and increase productivity. This effort aligns with CGIAR's mission to create a sustainable and secure food future.
Application Process
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by visiting the official Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT careers page. The application deadline is November 20, 2024. This consultancy position will be based in Arusha, Tanzania, and spans six months, with an opportunity to make a lasting impact on Tanzania’s agricultural sector.
Final Thoughts
This consultancy role not only offers professionals a chance to apply digital communication skills to agricultural development but also helps them contribute to a global movement toward sustainable food systems. If you’re passionate about digital transformation and agricultural innovation, this could be your opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
For more information, explore the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT website.
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