Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) is Seeking an MSC Student

The Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) delivers research-driven solutions that leverage agricultural biodiversity to sustainably transform food systems. Its work addresses the interconnected global challenges of malnutrition, climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation. By fostering innovative partnerships and generating robust evidence, the Alliance supports the transition toward food systems and landscapes that nourish people, sustain the planet, and promote prosperity.

The Alliance is a member of the CGIAR, a global research partnership dedicated to securing a food-secure and climate-resilient future.

Position Summary

The Alliance seeks to recruit an MSC Student to undertake research on the agroecology policy landscape in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. The position contributes to the Regional Multi-Actor Research Network for Agroecology in East Africa (RMRN-EA), an initiative led by the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe).

RMRN-EA aims to foster a sustainable transformation of agri-food systems in sub-Saharan Africa by promoting agroecological principles through regional collaboration and knowledge exchange. The network seeks to strengthen policy, research, and institutional frameworks that enable agroecological innovation and adoption.

Purpose of the Research

The selected candidate will assess how existing agricultural, food system, and trade-related policies in East Africa either enable or constrain the adoption of agroecological practices. The study will examine policies at multiple levels:

• Institutional frameworks within participating universities and national agricultural research systems (NARS)
• National policies in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania
• Regional strategies such as the East African Development Strategy and the East African Bioeconomy Strategy, alongside other related policy initiatives influencing agroecology

The student will design and implement a research concept grounded in robust theoretical and methodological approaches. This will involve identifying policy and institutional analysis tools, integrating relevant research from their home university, and collaborating with experts within the Alliance’s Agroecology Policy Working Group.

The research is expected to yield actionable, contextually appropriate insights that strengthen the foundation for agroecology curriculum development, research, and practice across East Africa.

Key Responsibilities

• Co-develop a detailed research proposal on agroecology policy in East Africa under the supervision of assigned mentors.
• Present and refine the proposal based on feedback from the Agroecology Policy Working Group (APWG).
• Conduct both desk-based and field research using qualitative and mixed methods.
• Analyze institutional, national, and regional policies related to agroecology and food systems.
• Prepare a comprehensive research report and a publishable scientific paper based on the findings.
• Participate in regular team meetings and contribute to wider project activities under RMRN-EA.
• Manage project logistics including budgeting, workshop facilitation, documentation, and financial reporting.
• Ensure timely submission of deliverables in alignment with agreed project timelines.

Candidate Requirements

Academic Qualifications:

• A Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree or equivalent in agricultural, environmental, or political sciences.
• Enrollment in a Master’s (MSc) program in a relevant field is required.

Technical Competencies:

• Strong grounding in agroecology and related concepts.
• Familiarity with policy analysis and agricultural research in national or international contexts is advantageous.
• Proficiency in qualitative and mixed research methods.
• Demonstrated ability in scientific writing and policy-oriented research.
• Knowledge of research ethics, project planning, and reporting.

While prior professional experience is not mandatory, exposure to agroecological research or policy studies will be considered an asset.

Terms of Employment

The position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya, with research implementation extending to Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. The contract is for an initial period of one year, renewable based on performance and funding availability.

The Alliance offers a multicultural and collaborative research environment, competitive compensation, and comprehensive benefits. The organization values diversity in gender, nationality, and background and is committed to equal opportunity employment.

Application Process

Interested candidates should apply online via the official Alliance careers portal:

Applications must include:

• A cover letter and detailed CV combined into a single PDF document.
• Reference number RFP300941 – MSC Student – RMRN-EA clearly indicated in the application.

• The file should be saved using the format: Lastname_Firstname.

Deadline for applications: 13 November 2025

Please note that email submissions will not be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

The Alliance maintains a transparent and ethical recruitment process and does not charge any fees at any stage of recruitment. Applicants are also cautioned not to share bank or financial information during the hiring process.

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