The demand for remote experts in sustainable agriculture and environmental research continues to rise in 2026. One standout opportunity is the “Documenting Progress for Soil Knowledge Exchange” consultancy offered by Center for International Forestry Research in collaboration with World Agroforestry. This role focuses on advancing soil health initiatives across sub-Saharan Africa through research documentation, knowledge sharing, and data-driven storytelling.
About CIFOR-ICRAF and Their Mission
Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry are globally recognized research institutions dedicated to improving livelihoods and protecting ecosystems. As members of CGIAR, they contribute to global efforts in food security, climate resilience, and biodiversity conservation.
Their joint mission centers on using science and innovation to address pressing environmental challenges, particularly in developing regions. With decades of experience, they focus on agroforestry, sustainable land use, and policy engagement.
Why Soil Health Matters in Africa
Healthy soil is essential for food production, ecosystem balance, and economic stability. However, soil degradation remains a major challenge across Africa, impacting crop yields and livelihoods.
This consultancy aligns with key continental frameworks such as:
- African Union initiatives on agriculture and sustainability
- Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Action Plan
- Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Programme
The goal is to promote scalable, data-driven solutions that improve soil management and support smallholder farmers and pastoralists.
Key Responsibilities of the Consultancy
The consultant will play a central role in documenting and analyzing soil health initiatives across sub-Saharan Africa. This includes both technical writing and visual storytelling.
Core duties include:
- Documenting soil health use cases and their real-world applications
- Analyzing data-driven approaches to improve agricultural productivity
- Producing high-quality technical reports and knowledge products
- Creating visual assets to communicate findings effectively
- Supporting advisory services for farmers through accessible information
- Identifying best practices and scalable solutions for broader adoption
The role emphasizes translating complex scientific data into practical insights that can influence policy and implementation.
Project Goals and Impact
This consultancy is part of a broader initiative funded by NORAD and supported by partners like the Varda Foundation. It aims to:
- Develop an open-source soil data platform (SoilHive)
- Strengthen soil data infrastructure across Africa
- Promote evidence-based soil management practices
- Support progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
By documenting successful interventions, the consultant will help create a knowledge base that informs future agricultural policies and investments.
Required Qualifications and Expertise
This role is designed for experienced professionals with a strong background in soil science, agriculture, or environmental research.
Minimum requirements include:
- At least 5 years of experience in soil health or related fields
- Proven ability to produce technical and analytical reports
- Experience working with African Union frameworks or initiatives
- Strong skills in data synthesis and knowledge translation
- Ability to create digital and visual content for diverse audiences
Additional strengths:
- Experience with soil data platforms and information systems
- Ability to work across interdisciplinary teams
- Strong communication and storytelling skills
The consultant must be able to bridge the gap between research, policy, and practical implementation.
Work Structure and Application Details
This is a fully remote consultancy role with a duration of approximately 13 months, from May 2026 to May 2027.
Key details:
- Work location: Home-based
- Contract type: Consultancy
- Application deadline: April 29, 2026
- Required submissions:
- Two technical soil health outputs
- Three visual assets demonstrating communication skills
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and applications are encouraged from diverse backgrounds, with a strong emphasis on gender inclusion.
Skills That Set Candidates Apart
To succeed in this role, candidates should demonstrate:
- Ability to simplify complex scientific information
- Strong visual communication and digital storytelling skills
- Familiarity with agricultural policy frameworks in Africa
- Attention to detail and high-quality output delivery
- Collaborative mindset for working with global teams
These skills ensure that research findings are not only accurate but also actionable and widely accessible.
Conclusion
The “Documenting Progress for Soil Knowledge Exchange” consultancy at Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry offers a unique opportunity to contribute to sustainable agriculture across Africa. By combining research, communication, and policy engagement, this role supports long-term solutions to soil degradation and food insecurity. As remote environmental careers continue to grow, such positions highlight the importance of knowledge sharing and data-driven innovation in addressing global challenges.
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