Background

The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), under the CGIAR Climate Action Science Program, is undertaking research to better understand how financial institutions assess climate-related risks, and integrate climate information within their agricultural lending portfolios.

The study forms part of CGIAR’s work on scaling climate-informed financial services for smallholder agriculture. It seeks to generate qualitative, implementation-oriented evidence on how financial institutions currently use climate information in portfolio risk assessment and lending decisions, the barriers they face in integrating climate information into risk management, and the opportunities to strengthen climate-informed agricultural finance.

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The findings will contribute to evidence generation and help existing partner institutions in identifying practical approaches for strengthening the integration of climate information into agricultural portfolio risk management.

IFPRI is seeking a qualified individual consultant to lead this qualitative assessment. The consultant will conduct semi-structured interviews with portfolio risk teams within financial institutions and, where relevant, regulators and other stakeholders; synthesize findings across interviews; and prepare analytical outputs to support the project’s research and policy objectives. The position will be based in India, with interviews conducted primarily online and limited in-person engagement where appropriate.

Scope of work

Review project documentation, background literature, and interview guides, and refine the analytical framework and interview instruments in consultation with the IFPRI research team.

Develop an implementation workplan and coordinate the scheduling of interviews with support from IFPRI and partner organizations.

Conduct semi-structured interviews with representatives from portfolio risk teams within financial institutions and, where relevant, selected regulators and other stakeholders, ensuring appropriate consent, confidentiality, and documentation.

Conduct framework-based thematic analysis of interview data to identify current practices, barriers, opportunities, and institutional factors influencing the integration of climate information into agricultural portfolio risk assessment.

Prepare interview summaries, analytical reports, and inputs to policy dialogue and dissemination materials, incorporating feedback from the IFPRI research team as needed.

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Deliverables

Analytical framework aligned with the research objectives to guide data collection.

Approximately 25 completed key informant interviews, including audio recordings, transcripts, and anonymized interview documentation.

Framework-based thematic analysis synthesizing evidence across respondent groups, including cross-country insights from India and Kenya.

Internal analytical report presenting the study findings

Policy brief synthesizing key findings, barriers, enabling conditions, and practical considerations for strengthening climate-informed agricultural finance.

Inputs to policy dialogue materials, presentations, and other dissemination products, as requested.

Required qualifications of the consultant / survey team leader

An advanced degree in economics, finance, agricultural economics, climate policy, public policy, development studies, or a related discipline.

Demonstrated experience conducting qualitative research

Experience engaging with financial institutions, regulators, investors, or other relevant stakeholders on topics related to climate finance, agricultural finance, financial sector risk management, or sustainable finance.

Experience preparing high-quality analytical reports, policy briefs, or research outputs for governments, international organizations, or development partners.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Ability to work independently while coordinating effectively with an international, multidisciplinary research team.

Preferred qualifications

Experience in climate risk assessment, climate finance, sustainable finance, agricultural finance, or rural finance.

Proficiency in local languages in project areas of India.

Location

India (remote, with limited travel if required)

Application deadline

August 10, 2026