Call for experts in Agricultural Research and Innovation Strategy processes

The DeSIRA-LIFT project, “Leveraging the DeSIRA initiative for agri-food systems transformation”, aims to catalyse the European Union’s DeSIRA programme current and future activities supporting the Development of Smart Innovation through Research in Agriculture to enhance its impacts. It was launched in June 2021 with funding from the European Commission (DG INTPA) for a duration of 4 years (June 2021–May 2025).

COLEAD is the lead of the second service area (with support from the Natural Resources Institute) working closely with African research organisations and other key stakeholders in research, extension and capacity building, including RUFORUM. RUFORUM – that stands for The Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture – was established in 2004 with the mission to strengthen the capacities of universities to foster innovations responsive to demands of small-holder farmers through the training of high quality researchers, the output of impact-oriented research and the maintenance of collaborative working relations among researchers, farmers, national agricultural research institutions and governments. In December 2022 membership stands at 163 universities in 40 countries in Africa.

The first collaboration of the DeSIRA-LIFT SA2 with RUFORUM will focus on the review of national science, technology, and innovation landscape for translation of university research and innovation into enterprises. DeSIRA-LIFT is looking for an expert in agricultural research and innovation strategies to support RUFORUM with the review that is expected to take place in the period March – June 2024.

Call for experts – Expert in Agricultural Research and Innovation Strategy process

Details on the assignment :

• Download the Terms of Reference
• Number of days: 60 days
• Max fee rate: 700 euro per day

Interested candidates are invited to review the Terms of Reference and submit their application (a cover letter and a CV that highlights relevant experience against the requested profile) to desira.lift@wur.nl

Deadline for applications: 10 March 2024