Consultant – Client Engagement, Support and Adoption

Consultant – Client Engagement, Support and Adoption

Company Overview

The Alliance of Bioversity International ( https://www.bioversityinternational.org/ ) and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) ( https://www.ciat.cgiar.org/ ) delivers research-based solutions that harness agricultural biodiversity and sustainably transform food systems to improve people’s lives. As part of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food-secure future, our solutions address critical global crises: malnutrition, climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation. Through novel partnerships, we generate evidence and mainstream innovations to ensure food systems and landscapes sustain the planet, drive prosperity, and nourish people in a climate crisis.

Our groundbreaking Tatu project, formerly known as Artemis, leverages Artificial Intelligence specifically adapted to the context of the Global South. Tatu represents the convergence of people, AI, and plants, bridging research, innovation, and impact. Our multidisciplinary team of 30+ experts in product development, Machine Learning, field operations, and user design is dedicated to improving crop breeding for varieties better adapted to climate change, emerging diseases, and changing consumer demands.

Our key products include:

• Ona: Developed with Gates Foundation support, Ona is a smartphone-based computer vision phenotyping tool. It works with the Bruno field tool to image entire breeding plots in under 30 seconds, providing same-day, high-precision data that exceeds traditional methods. Ona is now scaling as a primary tool for CGIAR with support from Google.org. It has been piloted in Tanzania and Uganda (beans), with models for cowpea and sorghum expected by Q3 2026, and expansion to rice and other crops ongoing.
• NDIZI & Sikia: Based on NLP research, these products use Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) and Vision-Language Models (VLMs) to capture conversational and visual farm data. They output crucial insights on farmer preferences and crop performance. Sikia integrates these insights, with expansion into African languages and offline deployment underway. Sikia has been tested in Tanzania and Kenya, with future tests planned across Africa and beyond.

We collaborate with esteemed partners including TARI, IITA, CIMMYT, CIP, Colorado State University, Google Research, Mineral, and the London School of Economics. Our work is funded by the Gates Foundation and coordinated from Arusha, Tanzania.

Position

We are seeking a dedicated National Consultant, Client Engagement, Support and Adoption Coordinator to be the central point of contact between our valued clients (users of Ona and Sikia) and the innovative Tatu team. In this pivotal role, you will coordinate field campaigns and pilots, manage client engagement and support, and ensure the effective use of our AI-driven technology in diverse field conditions. You will establish robust systems, workflows, and quality standards, significantly supporting the adoption and market development of Tatu's transformative products.

Employment Type

Full-time Consultancy (8 months, with potential for extension)

Location

Arusha, Tanzania (Nationally Recruited)

Salary & Benefits

This full-time consultancy offers a competitive total value of USD 16,000 for an 8-month engagement, with a strong potential for extension based on performance and project needs. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to high-impact work within a leading global research organization.

Benefits of joining our mission-driven team include:

• Tangible Impact: Directly contribute to empowering farmers and researchers in the Global South by enhancing data-driven decision-making in critical food systems.
• Professional Growth: Gain invaluable experience at the intersection of cutting-edge AI, agricultural science, and international development, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team of experts.
• Innovative Environment: Work with state-of-the-art AI tools (computer vision, NLP, VLMs) and contribute to their scaling and adoption in real-world scenarios.
• Collaborative Culture: Be part of a supportive, dynamic, and globally connected team committed to shared success and transforming lives.

Compensation

The total consultancy value is USD 16,000 for the 8-month duration. Payments will be structured and disbursed upon the successful delivery and acceptance of the following key milestones:

• Deliverable 1 (Month 1): Inception report and comprehensive 8-month workplan (USD 4,000)
• Deliverable 2 (Month 3): Implementation report, detailing client engagement, established workflows, tools, and early lessons learned (USD 4,000)
• Deliverable 3 (Month 5): Performance and costing report, including refined tools and a developed cost framework (USD 4,000)
• Deliverable 4 (Month 8): Final report, covering results, comprehensive feedback, key insights, and strategic recommendations (USD 4,000)

Accommodation & Facilities

As a nationally recruited consultancy position based in Arusha, Tanzania, accommodation and facilities are not provided. Candidates are expected to manage their own living arrangements.

Job Description

The Consultant will serve as the crucial link connecting Tatu's advanced AI solutions (Ona and Sikia) with our clients, primarily agricultural researchers and breeding teams. You will be instrumental in ensuring successful product adoption, providing dedicated support, and gathering critical user feedback. This role demands a proactive approach to client relationship management, meticulous coordination of field pilots, and a commitment to establishing efficient customer service workflows. You will be responsible for overseeing client engagements for 10-20 clients across East Africa and beyond, ensuring their effective use of our technology and contributing to the strategic expansion and market development of Tatu's innovative tools.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage comprehensive client engagement strategies across all Tatu field campaigns and pilots, ensuring high satisfaction and effective technology utilization.
• Act as the single point of contact for clients, providing robust support and coordinating swift issue resolution in collaboration with the multidisciplinary Tatu development teams.
• Refine, apply, and meticulously monitor the Ona Client Engagement Checklist, providing weekly status updates on all client interactions and project progress.
• Collaborate closely with breeding teams to seamlessly integrate Tatu’s AI-driven tools into existing agricultural research workflows.
• Systematically document client feedback, capture valuable lessons learned, and contribute proactively to continuous product and process improvement.
• Establish and optimize internal customer support workflows, encompassing intake, triage, escalation, tracking, follow-up, and closure, ensuring consistent and high-quality service delivery.
• Develop and implement robust frameworks, templates, and service standards to enhance the overall efficiency and quality of client support operations.
• Track and report on support performance metrics across various engagements, identifying potential gaps and proposing proactive improvements.
• Effectively represent Tatu with diverse stakeholders and partners, fostering strong collaborative relationships and championing the project’s vision.
• Support market validation and scoping activities, conduct targeted outreach, and meticulously document interest to identify new client segments and use cases for Tatu products.
• Conduct thorough cost assessments for client engagement, customer service, and maintenance systems, developing a robust and transparent cost framework.
• Provide insightful budgeting and service model recommendations to inform sustainable scaling strategies for Tatu’s transformative solutions.

Required Skills & Experience

• Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Sciences, Business Development, Education/Adult Learning, or a closely related technical field.
• Minimum of 3 years of demonstrated experience in stakeholder coordination, client monitoring, and technology adoption, preferably within agricultural research contexts.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in customer support or service delivery, coupled with proven expertise in capacity development or adult learning methodologies.
• Proven ability to manage complex client relationships and coordinate multiple projects concurrently within a fast-paced environment.

Frontend Knowledge

Not directly applicable to this client engagement and support role. However, a strong familiarity with user interfaces, user experience (UX) principles, and the functionality of digital tools, particularly smartphone applications, is highly beneficial for effectively understanding and supporting client interaction with Ona and Sikia.

Additional Technical Skills

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, capable of building rapport and trust with diverse stakeholders, from farmers to senior researchers.
• High proficiency in utilizing coordination and project management tools such as checklists, trackers, and shared drives for efficient workflow management and reporting.
• Highly organized with demonstrated problem-solving abilities, capable of navigating complex challenges and delivering practical, impactful solutions.
• Strong analytical skills to track performance metrics, interpret data, and develop structured service frameworks for continuous improvement.
• Experience in field coordination or the successful deployment of digital tools in agricultural or similar contexts is a significant advantage.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working with or within international development organizations or CGIAR centers.
• A keen understanding of agricultural research processes, breeding programs, and data collection methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex technical concepts into easily understandable language for non-technical audiences.
• Proactive and self-driven, with a commitment to continuous learning, process optimization, and a results-oriented approach.

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking a highly motivated individual who is not just a coordinator, but a true advocate for our clients and our mission. You will be a proactive problem-solver, an empathetic and skilled communicator, and a passionate champion for the adoption of AI-driven agricultural solutions in the Global South. If you thrive in a dynamic, impact-focused environment, possess a strong sense of ownership for client success, and are driven by the opportunity to make a tangible difference in global food security, we strongly encourage you to apply. We value candidates who bring a unique blend of technical understanding, client-centricity, and a collaborative spirit.

Work Environment

You will be based in Arusha, Tanzania, and join a vibrant, multidisciplinary team of 30+ experts committed to innovation and impact. Our culture fosters collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning, all within the broader Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT and CGIAR networks. You will work closely with product developers, Machine Learning specialists, and field operations teams, contributing to a truly cutting-edge and mission-driven environment where your contributions directly shape the future of sustainable agriculture.

Hiring Process

Our selection process is designed to identify top talent who align with our mission and values. It typically involves:

• Application Review: Initial screening of applications and resumes to identify candidates who best match the role's requirements.
• Interview Stage: A series of interviews to thoroughly assess your skills, experience, and cultural fit within our team. This may include technical and behavioral questions.
• Reference Checks: Verification of professional references provided by shortlisted candidates.
• Offer: Extension of a consultancy agreement to the selected candidate.

We are committed to a transparent and efficient process, keeping you informed at each stage of your application.

How to Apply

To apply for this pivotal consultancy role, please visit our careers page: https://www.bioversityinternational.org/jobs/

CRITICAL: Please ensure you include the following reference number in your application:

Ref: RFC: CONSULTANT – CLIENT ENGAGEMENT, SUPPORT AND ADOPTION

All applications, comprising your CV and application letter, must be submitted as a single document (named: Last name, First name) through the official application link: https://zrec.eu/BSgyf?source=CareerSite

Important notes:

• No fees are charged at any stage of the recruitment process.
• We do not request bank information during the application phase.
• Email applications will not be accepted.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

The deadline for applications is 15th May 2026.

Bonus Skills (Nice to Have)

• Demonstrated experience in developing and delivering user training or capacity-building programs for digital tools.
• Fluency in additional local languages relevant to East African agricultural communities.
• Familiarity with project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Scrum) in a field-based context.
• An entrepreneurial mindset with a proactive approach to identifying new opportunities for product adoption and impact.

Join Us

Become a part of the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT and the Tatu project, where your work will directly empower communities, enhance food security, and drive sustainable agricultural transformation in the Global South. This is more than a consultancy; it's an unparalleled opportunity to apply your expertise to solve some of the world's most pressing challenges, leveraging advanced AI in a truly impactful way. If you are ready to make a significant contribution and thrive in an innovative, purpose-driven environment, we invite you to join our mission.

For comprehensive information regarding this RFQ/tender, we invite you to download the attachments provided below. These documents contain all the necessary details, including specifications, requirements, and submission guidelines. Please review them carefully to ensure you have all the pertinent information needed to participate.