Consultant - GLF Knowledge and Convening Coordinator

Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) | Consultancy

About Us

The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) envision a more equitable world where trees in all landscapes, from drylands to the humid tropics, enhance the environment and well-being for all. CIFOR and ICRAF are non‑profit science institutions that build and apply evidence to today’s most pressing challenges, including energy insecurity and the climate and biodiversity crises. Over a combined total of 65 years, we have built vast knowledge on forests and trees outside of forests in agricultural landscapes (agroforestry). Using a multidisciplinary approach, we seek to improve lives and to protect and restore ecosystems. Our work focuses on innovative research, partnering for impact, and engaging with stakeholders on policies and practices to benefit people and the planet. Founded in 1993 and 1978, CIFOR and ICRAF are members of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food secure future dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources.

Overview

The Global Landscapes Forum (GLF) was first launched in 2013 by CIFOR-ICRAF with core partners including UNEP, the World Bank, and funded by the Government of Germany, Government of Canada, Government of Luxembourg, and the Global Environment Facility GEF. Today, the GLF - with 35 of the world’s leading development and environmental organizations engaged as Charter Members - has become the world’s largest knowledge led forum on sustainable landscapes. Since its inception in 2013, the GLF has connected more than 30,000 organizations, 1.4 million youth, 154 governments and millions engaged from 185 countries, while cumulatively reaching more than 4 billion people through social and traditional media.

The GLF has evolved to scale local knowledge and action towards ecosystem restoration and sustainable development through sustainable finance, learning, youth and locally‑led development (GLFx). GLF is a place where a farmer can inform action, pathways, and policies; where international organizations can learn from the private sector and vice versa; and where CEOs, community leaders, policymakers, journalists, influencers and scientists can share, learn, connect, and act together for a better world.

Job Description

The objective of this assignment is tocoordinate the design and delivery of GLF’s knowledge‑led convenings whilestrengthening the integration of evidence, narratives and partnerships tosupport organizational priorities. Working closely with the GLF Director, theconsultant will ensure that insights generated across GLF are translated intostrategic narratives, convening agendas and engagement processes thatcontribute to policy, finance and practice influence, in alignment with GLF’sTheory of Change and MELIA framework.

1. Thought Leadership, Narrative Development and Knowledge Framing

• Coordinatethe development of strategic narratives and thought leadership positioning GLFacross climate, biodiversity and land use
• Translateevidence and emerging insights across GLF programs, partner networks and trendsinto clear, compelling framing for convenings, outreach and external engagement
• Ensurealignment of knowledge, narratives and convenings with GLF’s Theory of Change(ToC) and MELIA framework
• Shapeand coordinate proposals and concept development, ensuring strongevidence‑based arguments and coherence with GLF strategy, with GLF managementand program focal points
• Identifyemerging trends and opportunities to inform organizational positioning andpriority setting
• Participatein GLF management meetings, contributing insights from convenings and knowledgeprocesses to support coordination, alignment and decision‑making

2. Strategic Convening and Knowledge Integration

• Leadthe design and delivery of GLF flagship convenings, including agenda‑setting,concept development, thematic framing and format design
• Synthesizeinsights across GLF programs (Community & Action, Learning, SustainableFinance), partners and research (including CIFOR-ICRAF) to inform integratedand forward‑looking convening agendas
• Ensureconvenings are knowledge‑led, and connect multiple perspectives
• Inclose collaboration with the Digital Communications team, co‑design narrativestrategies and integrated campaigns that translate GLF knowledge and conveningsinto broader engagement and influence
• Facilitateinnovative, creative and outcome‑oriented formats that enable exchange,co‑creation and collaboration
• Ensureconvenings deliver clear outputs and follow‑up actions

3. Policy, Finance and Practice Influence & Strategic Partnerships

• Alignconvenings and knowledge outputs to strengthen GLF’s contribution to policy,finance and practice outcomes
• Supportpositioning of GLF in global and regional policy processes and dialogues
• Workclosely with the Partnerships Officer and Regional Coordinators to leverageCharter Members and strategic partners for influence and impact
• Identifyand support strategic engagement opportunities that advance GLF’s role as atrusted convenor and knowledge platform

4. Team Coordination and Delivery Oversight

• Coordinateand guide the Knowledge Team, providing clarity on priorities, roles andworkflows to ensure high‑quality and timely delivery of GLF events, and incollaboration with GLF program teams
• Workclosely with the GLF MELIA Officer to ensure convenings and knowledge processesgenerate and feed evidence into MELIA
• Maintainoversight of delivery processes while ensuring alignment with strategicobjectives and available resources

Education, Experience and Technical skills

• Master’s degree in Environmental studies, Sustainability, or a related discipline
• Minimum 5 years managing knowledge‑led convenings, including digital and hybrid formats, engaging diverse stakeholders (policy, research, civil society, local community, youth, finance, and private sector)
• Proven experience managing teams, coordinating and monitoring multidisciplinary projects in international and multi‑stakeholder contexts
• Experience in knowledge communication — translating technical, scientific, or Indigenous knowledge — into accessible formats for diverse audiences
• Experience working at the science‑policy‑practice interface. Prior involvement with SDGs, Rio conventions (CBD, UNFCCC, UNCCD), or other global environmental policy processes is desirable
• Fluency in English is essential; other languages (esp. French, Spanish, Indonesian, German) are an advantage

Personal Attributes and Competencies

• Strong leadership, team management, and project coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in fast‑paced environments and under tight deadlines
• Strategic thinker with strong problem‑solving skills and attention to quality delivery
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills, able to translate complex technical knowledge into clear, accessible narratives
• Collaborative and diplomatic, with experience engaging diverse, international stakeholders
• Adaptable, proactive, and resilient, with a solution‑oriented and innovative mindset
• Willingness to travel internationally

Terms and conditions

• This is a consultancy position
• The consultancy services shall be for a period from June 2026 to May 2027 (12 months), with possibility of renewal upon performance evaluation
• Work location: Remote
• CIFOR-ICRAF promotes Gender Diversity – Applications from women professionals are encouraged
• CIFOR-ICRAF is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity