Thesis subject

Call for visiting researcher / MSc. Student

The CGIAR research program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS) and the International Potato Center (CIP by its acronym in Spanish) are looking for a master student interested in contributing to research on climate-smart agriculture (CSA) in the Andes region. We would like to develop a synthesis product that reviews all available research on CSA practices, technologies and services for Andean agricultural systems in Latin America. This research aims for informing practitioners and policy makers with available and promising CSA options to promote towards a resilient and low emissions agriculture that towards a rural sustainable development. Students can take on the project as a thesis or internship to gain experience.

Both CCAFS and CIP are part of the CGIAR, which is a global research partnership for a food-secure future. CGIAR science is dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources and ecosystem services. CCAFS brings together some of the world's best researchers in agricultural science, climate science, environmental and social sciences to identify and address the most important interactions, synergies and trade-offs between climate change and agriculture. CCAFS is led by CIAT, now part of the Alliance Bioversity International-CIAT. CIP is a research-for-development organization with a focus on potato, sweet potato and Andean roots and tubers. CIP’s new Andean Initiative has a focus on agrobiodiversity, climate action, and food for health.

Responsibilities

  • Review existing grey and peer-reviewed literature on climate-smart options (practices, technologies and services) for main agricultural systems in the Andean countries (Peru, Colombia, Ecuador y Bolivia) of Latin America.
  • Review existing grey and peer-reviewed literature on rural development approaches used to address climate change challenges, which have been successful to effectively adopt and scale practices, technologies and/or services that aim for a more sustainable and resilient mountain agriculture.
  • Write a working paper on results of the literature reviews.
  • Write a draft systematic review / journal article based on the results.

Requirements

  • Bachelor in economics, international affairs, agronomy, environmental sciences or related disciplines.
  • Ongoing masters studies on sustainable development, rural development, climate change and agriculture or related studies.
  • Ideally some experience writing research publications.
  • Fluency in both Spanish and English.
  • Good computing skills and experience with academic and scientific search engines, references software (e.g. Mendeley) and Microsoft package.
  • Competencies: result-oriented, proactive and innovative, effective communication, teamwork and collaboration, user-driven.

Contract terms

CCAFS and CIP will offer an inspiring working environment and dynamic mentorship. Given the current pandemic, it is likely the student will have to start teleworking. As soon as conditions allow, placement in Peru is an option if the candidate is interested to physically spend time at a CGIAR center. CCAFS, CIP and the candidate will agree on an appropriate financial incentive (monthly stipend or contribution to travel expenses).

Applications

Applicants are invited to send a detailed curriculum vitae and a cover letter motivating interest. All correspondence should be addressed to Stef de Haan (s.dehaan@cgiar.org) and should clearly indicate in the subject “Application: CCAFS-CIP visiting researcher / MSc. student”.