Comparative Research and Facilitation of Science-Policy Dialogues in Ecuador (Consultant 2)

Reference number: 2422
Job status: In-progress
Job category: Consultancy
Duty station: Ecuador
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CIFOR-ICRAF
The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) envision a more equitable world where trees in all landscapes, from drylands to the humid tropics, enhance the environment and well-being for all. CIFOR and ICRAF are non-profit science institutions that build and apply evidence to today’s most pressing challenges, including energy insecurity and the climate and biodiversity crises. Over a combined total of 65 years, we have built vast knowledge on forests and trees outside of forests in agricultural landscapes (agroforestry). Using a multidisciplinary approach, we seek to improve lives and to protect and restore ecosystems. Our work focuses on innovative research, partnering for impact, and engaging with stakeholders on policies and practices to benefit people and the planet. Founded in 1993 and 1978, CIFOR and ICRAF are members of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food secure future dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources.

Overview

The Consultant will support CIFOR-ICRAF’s project on fostering collaborative relationships in conservation areas across the Amazon region of Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. The project aims to examine the dynamics between Indigenous Peoples, local communities, and/or Afro-descendent people and conservation area implementers to understand the enabling conditions necessary to promote collaboration. This position requires conducting comparative research, mapping protocols and tools designed to promote collaboration between conservation areas implementers and communities in Ecuador, and organizing Science-Policy Dialogues in Quito to validate findings and develop strategies for enhancing collaboration.

Key result areas

• Map and analyze existing tools for promoting collaboration in conservation areas.
• Conduct a comparative analysis of interactions between communities and conservation area implementers in the Ecuadorian Amazon.
• Coordinate and facilitate Science-Policy Dialogues in Quito, ensuring effective stakeholder engagement.
• Contribute to the development of a typology of interactions between conservation implementers and communities, proposing pathways for improvement.
• Produce reports and summaries of research findings and dialogue outcomes.
• Engage with stakeholders to validate research findings and co-develop conservation roadmaps.

Duties and responsibilities

1.Research and analysis

• Conduct comparative research on two conservation areas in the Ecuadorian Amazon.
  
• Map and analyze existing tools to promote collaboration in conservation areas.
  
• Contribute to the development and refinement of a typology of interactions between conservation implementers and communities.
  

2.Facilitation and coordination

• Facilitate two Science-Policy Dialogues in Quito to present research findings (November 2024, May 2025).
  
• Coordinate logistical arrangements for one Science-Policy Dialogue in May 2025, ensuring the participation of key stakeholders.
  
• Collaborate with the project team to design and implement dialogue methodologies.
  

3.Reporting and dissemination

• Prepare and submit reports detailing the mapping of dialogue spaces, comparative case studies, and findings from Science-Policy Dialogues.
  
• Disseminate research findings through presentations, and other appropriate channels.
  

4.Supervision and reporting

• Report to the project’s Principal Investigator and collaborate with CIFOR-ICRAF’s team, including other consultants.
  
• Ensure alignment with project objectives and timelines through regular check-ins.
  

Education, knowledge and experience

• Postgraduate degree in Anthropology, Geography, Sociology, or a related field.
• Proven experience in research, particularly within conservation and Indigenous/community relations in the Amazon.
• Experience with qualitative research methods; knowledge of Q-methodology is a plus.
• Familiarity with conservation policy and legal frameworks in Latin America, especially in Ecuador.
• Proven experience in organizing and facilitating dialogues or workshops with diverse stakeholders.

Personal attributes and competencies

• Strong interviewing, analytical, and writing skills.
• Ability to synthesize complex information for non-academic audiences.
• Excellent organizational skills to manage logistics and stakeholder engagement.
• Proficiency in Spanish.

Terms and conditions

• This is a consultancy position.
• Period of the consultancy: October 2024 to May 2025.
• Work location: Ecuador.
• Coordinated work is required between the consultant 1 and consultant 2 for this consultancy
To apply, please visit our career site at: https://www.cifor-icraf.org/about/work-with-us/
To learn more about CIFOR-ICRAF, please visit our websites at: https://www.cifor-icraf.org
CIFOR-ICRAF promotes Gender Diversity – Applications from women professionals are encouraged.
CIFOR-ICRAF is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity.

Application process

The application deadline is 11 Oct 2024
We will acknowledge all applications, but will contact only short-listed candidates.