Consultant – Client Engagement, Support, and Adoption

Job Title

Consultant – Client Engagement, Support, and Adoption

Company Overview

The Alliance of Bioversity International ( www.bioversityinternational.org ) and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) ( www.ciat.cgiar.org ) are dedicated to delivering research-based solutions that harness agricultural biodiversity and sustainably transform food systems to improve lives globally. Our solutions directly address critical global challenges such as malnutrition, climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation. As part of CGIAR, a global research partnership committed to a food-secure future, we innovate with purpose and impact.

Our cutting-edge Tatu initiative leverages Artificial Intelligence to democratize high-quality data collection in the Global South, bridging the gap where traditional tools have fallen short due to cost, complexity, or contextual incompatibility. Tatu, formerly the Artemis project, represents a powerful convergence of people, AI, and plants, acting as a vital link between pioneering research, transformative innovation, and tangible impact. Our multi-disciplinary team of over 30 experts in product development, Machine Learning, field operations, user design, and scaling is primarily focused on revolutionizing crop breeding to accelerate the development of varieties better adapted to climate change, emerging diseases, and evolving consumer demands.

Tatu’s innovative product suite includes:

• Ona: A smartphone-based computer vision phenotyping tool developed with Gates Foundation support, enabling rapid, high-precision imaging of breeding plots in under 30 seconds with the Bruno field tool. Ona delivers same-day data exceeding traditional methods and is now scaling as a primary CGIAR tool with Google.org support. Piloted in Tanzania and Uganda (beans), with models for cowpea and sorghum expected by Q3 2026, and expansion to rice and other crops underway.
• NDIZI & Sikia: Utilizing NLP research (NDIZI project) with Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) and Vision-Language Models (VLMs), these tools capture conversational and visual farm data to generate insights on farmer preferences and crop performance. The Sikia product integrates these insights, with expansion into African languages and offline deployment currently underway. Sikia is currently tested in Tanzania and Kenya, with future tests planned across Africa and beyond.

Our impactful work is coordinated from Arusha, Tanzania, through robust partnerships with organizations including TARI, IITA, CIMMYT, CIP, Colorado State University, Google Research, Mineral, and the London School of Economics, all generously funded by the Gates Foundation.

Position

We are seeking a highly motivated and dedicated National Consultant to serve as our Client Engagement, Support, and Adoption Coordinator. In this pivotal role, you will be the central point of contact and bridge between our innovative Tatu team and the valued clients—users of our Ona and Sikia products. You will play a critical role in driving the adoption and successful utilization of AI-powered agricultural tools across the Global South.

Employment Type

Full-time Consultancy (8 months, with potential for extension based on performance and project needs)

Location

Arusha, Tanzania

Salary & Benefits

Due to the consultancy nature of this role, the position offers a competitive fixed value for the 8-month contract duration. Comprehensive benefits typically associated with permanent employment are not provided.

Compensation

The total fixed value for this 8-month full-time consultancy is USD 16,000. Payments will be structured across key deliverables:

• Deliverable 1: Inception Report and Workplan (Month 1) – Defines consultancy approach and engagement plan, including an 8-month workplan. Payment: USD 4,000 (25%)
• Deliverable 2: Implementation Report (Month 3) – Evidence of client engagement and support, including workflows, tools, and early lessons. Payment: USD 4,000 (25%)
• Deliverable 3: Performance and Costing Report (Month 5) – Reports engagement performance and trends, including refined tools and a cost framework. Payment: USD 4,000 (25%)
• Deliverable 4: Final Report (Month 8) – Covers results, feedback, insights, and recommendations, including finalized tools and systems. Payment: USD 4,000 (25%)

Accommodation & Facilities

Accommodation and related facilities are not provided as part of this consultancy agreement.

Job Description

As the Client Engagement, Support, and Adoption Coordinator, you will be instrumental in the successful deployment and sustained use of our AI-driven agricultural tools. Your primary focus will be on coordinating field campaigns and pilots, managing robust client engagement and support systems, and ensuring the effective and appropriate use of technology in diverse field conditions. You will be responsible for establishing scalable systems, clear workflows, and stringent quality standards to drive widespread adoption and market development for Ona and Sikia across East Africa and beyond. You will manage a portfolio of 10–20 clients, ensuring their success and providing invaluable feedback to the Tatu product teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Stakeholder Engagement and Quality Control
• Lead and manage client engagement across all field campaigns and pilots, ensuring consistent and high-quality interaction.
• Refine and meticulously apply the Ona Client Engagement Checklist to standardize processes and outcomes.
• Provide comprehensive weekly status updates on all client engagements and project progress.
• Act as the primary, single point of contact for all assigned clients, fostering strong relationships.
• Coordinate swift and effective issue resolution by collaborating closely with various Tatu teams (product, ML, field operations).
• Collaborate with breeding teams to seamlessly integrate Tatu product workflows into their existing operations.
• Proactively document client feedback, lessons learned, and best practices to inform product iteration and strategy.
• Monitor and actively support Sikia pilots, ensuring smooth implementation and data collection.
• Customer Support Systems and Service Delivery
• Establish and optimize internal customer support workflows, encompassing intake, triage, escalation, tracking, follow-up, and closure of all client inquiries.
• Develop robust frameworks, templates, and service standards to ensure consistent, high-quality support.
• Systematically track customer support performance across all engagements, identifying trends and areas for improvement.
• Identify gaps in current support mechanisms and propose innovative improvements to enhance client satisfaction.
• Adoption, Outreach, and Market Development
• Represent Tatu with key stakeholders and partners, articulating our vision and impact.
• Support critical market validation efforts and scoping activities to identify new opportunities.
• Conduct targeted outreach initiatives and meticulously document expressions of interest from potential clients.
• Assess diverse client segments and their specific use cases to tailor adoption strategies.
• Cost Assessment
• Conduct thorough assessments of costs associated with client engagement, customer service, and maintenance systems.
• Develop a comprehensive cost framework that includes staff time, travel, hardware/software, and communications.
• Provide actionable budgeting and service model recommendations to ensure sustainable scaling.

Required Skills & Experience

• Education
• Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Sciences, Business Development, Education/Adult Learning, or other related technical fields.
• Professional Experience
• Minimum of 3 years of demonstrated experience in stakeholder coordination, client monitoring, and technology adoption, preferably within agricultural research or development contexts.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in customer support or service delivery, or in capacity development/adult learning.

Frontend Knowledge

This role focuses on client engagement and adoption rather than software development. Direct frontend programming knowledge is not a primary requirement.

Additional Technical Skills

• Strong proficiency in coordination and project management tools, including checklists, trackers, and shared drives.
• Exceptional organizational skills with a strong aptitude for structured problem-solving.
• Demonstrated ability to track performance metrics and develop comprehensive service frameworks.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven experience in field coordination or the deployment and support of digital tools in agricultural or similar development settings.
• A deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities for technology adoption in the Global South.

What We're Looking For

We are seeking a proactive, client-centric individual with an unyielding commitment to excellence and a passion for leveraging technology for social good. You should be an outstanding communicator, capable of building rapport with diverse stakeholders and translating complex technical concepts into accessible insights. Your ability to work autonomously, manage multiple priorities, and drive initiatives from conception to completion will be key to your success. A genuine interest in sustainable agriculture, climate adaptation, and empowering communities through innovation is highly valued.

Work Environment

You will join a dynamic, multi-disciplinary team of over 30 experts, based in Arusha, Tanzania, working at the forefront of AI and agricultural innovation. Our environment is collaborative, fast-paced, and driven by a shared mission to create tangible impact in the Global South. You will have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge tools, engage directly with diverse agricultural communities across East Africa, and contribute to projects supported by global leaders like Google.org and the Gates Foundation. We foster a culture of ownership, continuous learning, and direct accountability, empowering our team members to make a real difference.

Hiring Process

Our rigorous hiring process is designed to identify individuals who are not only technically proficient but also align with our mission and values. Shortlisted candidates will undergo a multi-stage evaluation, which may include interviews with the Tatu team, a practical assessment, and reference checks. Our aim is to ensure a mutual fit and a successful, impactful consultancy.

How to Apply

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

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

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

Submit your CV and application letter as a single document (Last name, First name).

You can also apply directly via this link: https://zrec.eu/BSgyf?source=CareerSite

Important notes for applicants:

• The Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.
• We will never request bank information from applicants.
• Email applications will not be accepted.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further evaluation.

The deadline for applications is 15th May 2026.

Bonus Skills (Nice to Have)

• Demonstrated success in coordinating field operations or managing the implementation of digital tools in real-world agricultural settings.
• Experience working with international research organizations or non-profits focused on sustainable development.

Join Us

Step into a role where your expertise directly contributes to global food security and climate resilience. At Tatu, part of the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, you will be instrumental in deploying AI-powered solutions that empower farmers and breeders in the Global South. If you are passionate about technology for impact, thrive in dynamic environments, and are eager to make a tangible difference in the world, we invite you to apply and join our mission-driven team.