Senior Principal Consultant - Agriculture, Livestock & Food Systems

About the role

SkyQuest Technology Consulting is looking for an experienced Senior Consultant in agricultural research and innovation to lead thematic research collaboration, agricultural innovation development and cross-institutional research initiatives under an international technical assistance programme. The consultant identifies research collaboration opportunities, assesses scientific and institutional readiness, develops thematic working groups and builds a pipeline of collaborative research and innovation opportunities between Indian and African agricultural research institutions.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the identification and prioritisation of thematic research collaboration opportunities between Indian and African agricultural research institutions.
• Assess scientific complementarity, institutional readiness, research capabilities and existing collaboration frameworks.
• Identify opportunities across climate-resilient agriculture, digital agriculture, AI, agricultural mechanisation, seed systems, millets, livestock, fisheries, horticulture and integrated farming systems.
• Develop methodologies for evaluating and prioritising research and innovation opportunities.
• Design terms of reference, membership criteria and engagement frameworks for thematic technical working groups, and establish two to three such working groups.
• Facilitate stakeholder consultations with research institutions, universities, scientific organisations and development partners.
• Develop templates for screening collaborative research and innovation concepts, and build a pipeline of potential collaborations.
• Support scientist-exchange and research fellowship modalities, and prepare concept notes, technical briefs and strategic recommendations.
• Prepare analytical reports, presentations and programme progress updates.

Required profile

• PhD in Agricultural Sciences, Agronomy, Plant Sciences, Agricultural Economics, Horticulture, Animal Sciences, Fisheries, Agricultural Engineering or a related discipline; a Master's degree with substantial relevant experience will be considered.
• 8-12 years of experience in agricultural research, research management, innovation advisory, management consulting or development consulting.
• Demonstrated experience with agricultural research institutions, universities, scientific organisations or international development organisations.
• Experience in research collaboration, institutional partnerships and agricultural innovation programmes.
• Ability to conduct institutional assessments, stakeholder consultations and scientific landscape analysis, and to prepare technical concept notes, research briefs and strategic reports.
• Desirable: hands-on use of AI tools for literature review, research synthesis and report drafting; experience with international agricultural R&D programmes, CGIAR institutions or multilateral development organisations; exposure to India-Africa agricultural cooperation.