Consultancy - Research Associate (Software Development)

Reference number: 2620

Job status: In-progress

Job category: Consultancy

Duty station: New Delhi, India

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CIFOR-ICRAF

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.

CIFOR-ICRAF is looking for a

Consultancy - Research Associate (Software Development)

Overview

CIFOR-ICRAF, India, is advancing digital innovations in Trees Outside Forests (TOF) and agroforestry, with a focus on efficient planting suggestions, improved management practices, and robust monitoring systems.

These initiatives include:
• Enhancing smartphone applications by updating and expanding existing code.
• Developing decision-support systems that translate scientific knowledge into practical tools for agroforestry adoption.
• Updating existing web portals and creating new platforms to support farmers, tree growers, and policymakers with accessible digital resources.

To achieve these objectives, CIFOR-ICRAF, India, seeks to recruit a seasoned consultant Research Associate with expertise in information technology to drive forward these digital initiatives.

Duties and responsibilities

• Assist in the development of the
  mobile app by modifying existing code, design new pages as per the requirements

• Develop the decision support tools
  to convert the scientific ideas into interactive tools

• Manage, update, and add new pages
  to existing web portals; take care of the hosting of the portals and database
  management

Detailed scope of work for the RA:

Mobile App Development

• Review and modify existing
  codebase to improve functionality and fix bugs.

• Design and implement new
  pages/screens based on user requirements and stakeholder feedback.

• Ensure UI/UX consistency across
  the app, following design guidelines.Conduct testing (unit, integration, and user acceptance) to validate new
  features.

Decision Support Tools

• Translate scientific concepts and
  models into interactive, user-friendly tools.

• Develop algorithms and workflows
  that allow users to input data and receive actionable outputs.

• Create
  visualizations (charts, maps, dashboards) to enhance the interpretability of
  scientific results using programming languages or open source platforms.

• Ensure tools are scalable,
  documented, and aligned with published standards.

Web Portal Management

• Maintain and update existing web
  portals with new content, pages, and features.

• Design
  and integrate new pages as per evolving project needs.

• Develop
  new portals using cutting-edge technologies/instant app prototyping platforms
  or no?code/low?code development environments.

• Manage hosting services, ensuring
  up time, security, and compliance.

• Oversee database management:
  backups, updates, optimization, and troubleshooting.

• Implement version control and
  documentation for portal updates.

Deliverables:

• Updated
  mobile app with new features and pages as and when required.

• Functional decision-support tools
  integrated with scientific workflows.

• Reliable, updated web portals with
  robust hosting and database systems.

• Documentation of code, workflows,
  and user guides.

The Research Associate will submit the following reports:

• Progress Report:
  Due on the 30th of each month regarding the assigned development
  tasks.

• Final Comprehensive
  Report:
  Due on 25-May-2027, all manuals, software-related write-ups, and other relevant
  documents related to the project.

Education, knowledge and experience

• Bachelor’s in computer science/ information technology/ computer engineering/Geoinformatics or MCA/ M. Tech. or equivalent with 1-2 years’ experience in the relevant field/software development.

Terms and conditions

• This is a consultancy position

• The consultancy services will be initially for 12 months (6 months’ probation), further renewable subject to satisfactory work, funding availability, and job requirements

• Work location: New Delhi, India.

To learn more about CIFOR-ICRAF, please visit our websites at: https://www.cifor-icraf.org

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.

Application process

The application deadline is 26 May 2026

We will acknowledge all applications, but will contact only short-listed candidates.

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