(RFP500599) Analyst, Engagement and Diversification (BDD unit - Rome, Italy)

The Organization

The Alliance of Bioversity International & CIAT delivers research-based solutions that harness agricultural biodiversity and sustainably transform food systems to improve people’s lives. Alliance solutions address the global crises of malnutrition, climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation.

The Alliance works with local, national and multinational partners across Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia and Africa, and with the public and private sectors. The Alliance is part of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food-secure future, dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources and ecosystem services.

About the position

Based in Rome and under the direct supervision of the Senior Manager, Business Development and Diversification, the position provides operational and analytical support to the design and development of cooperation initiatives, ensuring alignment between partner priorities and the Alliance’s strategic objectives. The role will contribute to project development through both traditional funding streams and innovative financing mechanisms, including Italian cooperation and EU delegated cooperation.

The position also involves supporting effective workflow management, strategic planning, and communication across teams and partners to ensure the timely and high-quality delivery of activities.

The ideal candidate will bring solid experience in program support, international development cooperation, donor engagement, proposal development, and partnership development, with a demonstrated ability to operate in multi-stakeholder environments.

Key duties and responsibilities

• Engagement Support: Support engagement and maintain operational communication with key institutional partners, including governments, development agencies, EU institutions, IFIs, and foundations.
• Project Design Support: Gather background data, conduct research, and provide technical support for the formulation, development, and planning of project activities, ensuring they are well-structured, feasible, and aligned with overall strategic objectives.
• Project Coordination: Provide operational and protocol support to the effective implementation of partnership-related activities, ensuring timely progress, coordination across teams, and clear communication among stakeholders.
• Monitoring and Tracking: Support the tracking of implementation milestones and deliverable timelines to assist in assessing partnership performance, track implementation milestones, and evaluate project activities.
• Research and Analysis: Collaborate with technical teams and researchers to support analytical work and the development of sustainable value chains and project interventions.
• Stakeholder Coordination: Take part in build and managing strategic relationships with key institutional partners, including governments, development agencies, EU institutions, IFIs, and foundations. The objective is to establish long-term trust, strengthen institutional positioning, and create consistent entry points for collaboration
• Coordination Support: Assist in the organization and facilitation of meetings, workshops, and consultations, contributing to effective coordination and alignment among partners.
• Knowledge Management: Maintain and update stakeholder databases and partnership tracking tools to ensure effective information sharing and coordination.
• Reporting: Prepare high-quality reports, partnership briefs, and documentation of activities, including lessons learned and key outcomes.
  

Requirements

Required qualifications and experience 

• Undergraduate degree, preferably Master’s degree in International Development, Sustainable Development, or a related field.
• Preferably at least 3 years of experience in international development cooperation, partnerships, value chain development, or sustainability-related programmes.
• Experience supporting or coordinating multi-stakeholder partnerships in Africa involving public institutions, NGOs, research organizations, and/or the private sector is an asset.
• Demonstrated interest in sustainability, agricultural value chains, and inclusive development.
• Strong analytical, synthesis, and writing skills.
• Proactive, detail-oriented and able to manage multiple priorities.
  

Required competencies

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and collaboration tools (Teams, SharePoint);
  
• Familiarity with project cycle management and donor-funded programmes.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English; knowledge of French is an advantage.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with team members and external stakeholders.
• Meticulous and highly organized, with strong attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality outputs.
  

Benefits

Terms of employment

This position is a nationally recruited staff position based in Rome, Italy .

The initial contract will be for up to one (1) year , subject to a probation period of six (6) months, and is renewable depending on performance and availability of resources.

This position is graded at BG06 level, with a minimum annual basic salary of Euro 43,306 in a scale of BG02 to BG14 (BG14 being the highest level according to the Alliance job classification framework policy). We offer a competitive salary and excellent benefits including but not limited to insurance, retirement plan, staff training and development, paid time off and flexible working arrangements.

The Alliance of Bioversity International & CIAT is committed to fair, safe, and inclusive workplaces. We believe that diversity powers our innovation, contributes to our excellence, and is critical for our mission. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority. We encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability statuses, sexual orientations, marital status, and gender identities. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Please note that eligible applicants must have the legal status to live and work in Italy:

• Be Italian nationals holding a valid passport or identity card.
• Or be EU citizens holding a valid passport or identity card and confirmation of registration from the Registrar’s Office (Anagrafe).
• Or Non–EU citizens holding a valid Italian work permit (permesso di soggiorno per lavoro subordinato).

Applications

Applicants are invited to visit to get full details of the position and to submit their applications. Applications MUST include reference number RFP500599 – Analyst, Engagement and Diversification (BDD unit) as the position applied for. Cover letter and CV should be saved as one document using the candidate’s last name, first name for ease of sorting. The Alliance collects and process personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Applications closing date: 13 September 2026

Please note that email applications will not be considered.

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