The Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) logo

National Consultant, Client Engagement, Support, and Adoption Coordinator

The Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) Arusha, Tanzania (On-site) Deadline: 15 May 2026
Agriculture

Job Description

Job Title

National Consultant, Client Engagement, Support, and Adoption Coordinator

Company Overview

The Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) delivers research-based solutions that harness agricultural biodiversity and sustainably transform food systems to improve people’s lives. Our solutions directly address the global crises of malnutrition, climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation. As part of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food-secure future, the Alliance generates evidence and mainstreams innovations through novel partnerships to transform food systems and landscapes, ensuring they sustain the planet, drive prosperity, and nourish people in a climate crisis.

Learn more about our mission: www.bioversityinternational.org and www.ciat.cgiar.org .

Our Tatu project leverages cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence, specifically adapted for the Global South, to enable high-quality data collection where it's needed most. Formerly known as the Artemis project, Tatu represents the powerful convergence of people, AI, and plants, bridging research, innovation, and direct impact. Our multi-disciplinary team of 30+ experts in product development, Machine Learning, field operations, and user design is dedicated to improving crop breeding to develop varieties better adapted to climate change, emerging diseases, and changing consumer demands.

Products under Tatu include:

  • Ona: A smartphone-based computer vision phenotyping tool developed with Gates Foundation support, now scaling globally with Google.org support. It works with the Bruno field tool to image entire breeding plots in under 30 seconds, providing high-precision data exceeding traditional methods. 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 (NDIZI project), these tools use Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) and Vision-Language Models (VLMs) to capture conversational and visual farm data, outputting critical insights on farmer preferences and crop performance. Sikia product 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.

Our partnerships include TARI, IITA, CIMMYT, CIP, Colorado State University, Google Research, Mineral, and the London School of Economics, all coordinated from Arusha, Tanzania, with funding from the Gates Foundation.

Position

We are seeking a highly motivated and dedicated National Consultant, Client Engagement, Support, and Adoption Coordinator to serve as the central point of contact between our clients (users of Ona and Sikia) and the dynamic Tatu team. In this pivotal role, you will be instrumental in ensuring the successful adoption, effective utilization, and continuous support of our AI-driven agricultural tools across East Africa and beyond. This is an an unparalleled opportunity to drive technology adoption in critical food systems, contributing directly to global food security and sustainable agricultural transformation.

Employment Type

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

Location

Arusha, Tanzania (On-site)

Salary & Benefits

This consultancy offers a competitive value of USD 16,000 for the 8-month duration, structured into milestone-based payments. Beyond the financial compensation, you will gain invaluable experience working at the forefront of AI innovation in agriculture within a globally recognized research organization. Your work will directly impact farmers and researchers in the Global South, contributing to climate resilience and food security, alongside opportunities for professional growth within a collaborative, international team.

Compensation

The total consultancy fee is USD 16,000, payable upon the successful delivery and acceptance of defined milestones:

  • Deliverable 1: Inception Report and Workplan (Month 1)
  • Defines consultancy approach and engagement plan.
  • Includes an 8-month workplan.
  • Payment: USD 4,000 (25%)
  • Deliverable 2: Implementation Report (Month 3)
  • Provides evidence of initial client engagement and support activities.
  • Includes established workflows, tools, and early lessons learned.
  • Deliverable 3: Performance and Costing Report (Month 5)
  • Reports on engagement performance trends and client feedback.
  • Includes refined tools and a developed cost framework.
  • Deliverable 4: Final Report (Month 8)
  • Comprehensive report covering overall results, client feedback, key insights, and future recommendations.
  • Includes finalized tools and systems developed during the consultancy.

Accommodation & Facilities

Not applicable for this consultancy role.

Job Description

As the National Consultant, Client Engagement, Support, and Adoption Coordinator, you will play a critical role in scaling the impact of Tatu's revolutionary AI products, Ona and Sikia. You will orchestrate the successful deployment and sustained use of these technologies in diverse field conditions, primarily across East Africa. Your mission will involve coordinating intricate field campaigns and pilots, meticulously managing client relationships, and establishing robust support systems that ensure effective technology adoption. This role demands a proactive individual capable of translating complex technical solutions into accessible, user-centric experiences, fostering strong partnerships, and driving the strategic expansion of Tatu's market presence. You will be directly responsible for managing relationships with 10-20 clients, ensuring their success and providing invaluable feedback to the Tatu product development team.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead and manage all client engagement activities across various campaigns and pilots for Ona and Sikia, ensuring seamless technology integration and user satisfaction.
  • Refine, apply, and maintain the Ona Client Engagement Checklist, providing weekly status updates to internal stakeholders.
  • Act as the primary, single point of contact for all assigned clients, managing expectations and fostering strong, collaborative relationships.
  • Coordinate efficient issue resolution by liaising directly with Tatu product development, Machine Learning, and field operations teams.
  • Collaborate closely with breeding teams to integrate Tatu's tools into existing workflows, maximizing their utility and impact.
  • Systematically document client feedback, lessons learned, and best practices to inform continuous product improvement and strategic planning.
  • Monitor and actively support Sikia pilots, ensuring effective data capture and insight generation from conversational and visual farm data.
  • Design and establish internal customer support workflows, encompassing intake, triage, escalation, tracking, follow-up, and closure protocols.
  • Develop comprehensive frameworks, templates, and service standards for all client support operations, ensuring high-quality service delivery.
  • Track and analyze support performance metrics across all client engagements, identifying gaps and proposing strategic improvements.
  • Represent Tatu effectively with external stakeholders and partners, building and nurturing a strong network.
  • Support market validation and scoping activities, conducting outreach and documenting expressions of interest from potential clients.
  • Conduct thorough assessments of client segments and potential use cases to inform market development strategies.
  • Undertake a comprehensive cost assessment of client engagement, customer service, and maintenance systems.
  • Develop a detailed cost framework, including staff time, travel, hardware/software, and communication expenses.
  • Provide strategic budgeting and service model recommendations to optimize Tatu’s operational efficiency and market scalability.

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 progressive 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 roles, demonstrating a strong commitment to client success.
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience in capacity development or adult learning methodologies, with proven ability to train and empower users.

Frontend Knowledge

Additional Technical Skills

Preferred Qualifications

  • Demonstrated ability to establish robust systems, workflows, and quality standards for client engagement and support.
  • Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts clearly to diverse audiences.
  • High proficiency in coordination and project management tools, including checklists, trackers, and shared drives.
  • Highly organized with strong problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach to addressing challenges.
  • Proven capability to track performance metrics, analyze data, and develop actionable service frameworks.

What We're Looking For

We are seeking a proactive, empathetic, and results-oriented professional who thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment. You should be passionate about leveraging technology for positive global impact, with a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within agricultural systems in the Global South. The ideal candidate will be an exceptional communicator and organizer, capable of building strong client relationships, anticipating needs, and driving the successful adoption of innovative AI solutions. Your commitment to excellence, accountability, and collaborative spirit will be key to your success and our collective impact.

Work Environment

You will join the Tatu team, a vibrant and multi-disciplinary group of over 30 experts passionate about innovation and impact. Our environment fosters creativity, collaboration, and a shared commitment to addressing critical global challenges in food systems. Based in Arusha, Tanzania, you will work closely with researchers, developers, and field teams, contributing to cutting-edge AI solutions that empower farmers and breeders. We value clean code, strong ownership, robust system design thinking, and a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

Hiring Process

Our selection process is designed to identify individuals who are passionate about our mission and possess the skills to excel. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further evaluation. We are committed to a fair and transparent recruitment process.

How to Apply

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

Please ensure you include the following reference number with your application: Ref: RFC: CONSULTANT – CLIENT ENGAGEMENT, SUPPORT AND ADOPTION.

Submit your CV and application as a single document, named in the format: Last name, First name.

Direct Application Link: https://zrec.eu/BSgyf?source=CareerSite

Important Notes:

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

Application Deadline:

15th May 2026

Bonus Skills (Nice to Have)

  • Proven experience in field coordination, particularly in agricultural or rural settings.
  • Familiarity with digital tools and platforms used for data collection, monitoring, and evaluation.

Join Us

Be part of a team that is redefining agricultural development through AI. At the Alliance, you won't just be working on a project; you'll be contributing to a global movement to build resilient food systems and improve lives. If you are a dedicated professional eager to make a tangible difference, we invite you to apply and help us shape the future of agriculture in the Global South.

The Skill Stack

Field Coordination Digital Tools Data Collection Monitoring Evaluation

Candidate Qualifications

Required Experience

Minimum of 3 years of progressive experience in stakeholder coordination, client monitoring, and technology adoption, preferably within agricultural research or development contexts.<br>Minimum of 3 years of experience in customer support or service delivery roles, demonstrating a strong commitment to client success.<br>Minimum of 3 years of experience in capacity development or adult learning methodologies, with proven ability to train and empower users.

How to Apply

To apply for this transformative opportunity, please visit our careers page: https://www.bioversityinternational.org/jobs/ .Please ensure you include the following reference number with your application: Ref: RFC: CONSULTANT – CLIENT ENGAGEMENT, SUPPORT AND ADOPTION.Submit your CV and application as a single document, named in the format: Last name, First name.Direct Application Link: https://zrec.eu/BSgyf?source=CareerSite Important Notes:• We do not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.• No bank information will be required during the application phase.• Email applications will not be accepted.• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Submit Application