Consultant-Community Institutions Expert

Key skills

• Participatory facilitation

community mobilization

Panchayati Raj planning processes

Additional/Preferred Skills

• Fluency in Hindi/Rajasthani

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's/Master's degree in Rural Development

Social Work, Agriculture

About ICRISAT

ICRISAT is a non-profit, non-political organisation that conducts agricultural research for development in Asia and Africa, working with partners around the world. Drylands cover about 45% of the world's land, are home to 2.3 billion people (one in three) and support 45–50% of the world's livestock. ICRISAT's vision is a prosperous, food-secure and resilient dryland tropics. ICRISAT is headquartered in Patancheru, Hyderabad, India, with two regional hubs and eight country offices in Africa. For more information visit - www.icrisat.org

Role Purpose

ICRISAT seeks applications from a dynamic and motivated professional for one vacancy of Consultant - Community Institutions Expert – under the Transforming Agrifood System programme and the Socio-economics, Inclusion and Impact cluster. Facilitation of Task/Technical Support Groups (TSG), Biodiversity Management Committees (BMC), and Gram Panchayat-level planning is essential to embed NRM plans within local governance structures across the DNP landscape. The objective of the assignment is to facilitate community institution engagement and NRM planning at the Gram Panchayat level. The work location is Jaisalmer/Barmer, Rajasthan.

Key Responsibilities:

• Facilitate formation and functioning of Task/Technical Support Groups (TSG) and Biodiversity Management Committees (BMC).
• Support Gram Panchayat (GP)-level NRM planning and integration into local development plans.
• Support BMCs in developing GP/village-level Green Landscape Management Plans, and ensure BMC composition norms (one-third women members; SC/ST representation where present).
• Support the Gram Panchayat Support Unit (GPSU), including quarterly review of GP-level GLMP implementation, with CRPs providing secretarial assistance.
• Coordinate community-level prioritization of NRM works and livelihood interventions.
• Support monitoring of NRM plan implementation at village level.
• Provide the technical guidance outlined for the Community Institutions/Rural Livelihoods Expert under Outcome 2 of the Project Document.
• Liaise with the District Support Officer on field-level issues and community feedback.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in Rural Development, Social Work, Agriculture, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of community facilitation experience in NRM/livelihood programmes.
• Demonstrated experience facilitating community institutions (SHGs, BMCs, TSGs) and GP-level planning processes.
• Experience in Rajasthan's rural governance context preferred.
• Participatory facilitation and community mobilization skills.
• Working knowledge of Panchayati Raj planning processes.
• Fluency in Hindi/Rajasthani.

Terms of Appointment

This is a contract role for 12 months (01 years). It may be renewed based on performance and the Institute’s continuing need for the position.

How to apply

The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is identified. Shortlisting will start from 19 November 2026. All applicants should apply with their latest resume, and the names and contact information of three references that are knowledgeable about their professional qualifications and work experience. All applications will be acknowledged; however, only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Applicants must be nationals of the country of assignment or possess a valid work permit and legal authorization to work in the country to be eligible to apply for this position.

ICRISAT is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to increasing diversity and maintaining a progressive and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of their ethnicity, race, gender, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, age, marital status or whether they have a disability.