The posting
The Organization CGIAR is a global research partnership building a food-secure, sustainable future. Through world class science and innovation, we work to reduce poverty, enhance food and nutrition security, and safeguard natural resources and ecosystems. Our research is delivered by 13 CGIAR Research Centers and Alliances. The CGIAR Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) deliver research-based solutions that harness agricultural biodiversity and sustainably transform food systems to improve people’s lives. The Alliance hosts CGIAR’s Independent Advisory and Evaluation Service (IAES), which implements CGIAR’s multi-year, independent evaluation plan as approved by the CGIAR Council and provides operational support as the secretariat for the Standing Panel on Impact Assessment (SPIA) and the Independent Science for Development Council (ISDC). For more information, see https://iaes.cgiar.org. IAES is recruiting a Job Trainee for 2027. About the position Based in Rome, Italy, at the Alliance Headquarters, the Job Trainee will provide administration and coordination support for the delivery of the workplan of the CGIAR independent evaluation function. The trainee will work under the guidance and supervision of the IAES Administration and Coordination Assistant. The incumbent will gain practical exposure to the operations of an independent evaluation function within an international organization. Through on-the-job learning, the trainee will support tasks related to administration, coordination, procurement, professional rosters, documentation, travel, as well as defined evaluation analytical processes, while developing knowledge of CGIAR evaluation activities, systems, and procedures. The traineeship is intended to provide practical exposure to the work of an independent evaluation office within an international organization. The incumbent will gain hands-on experience across the range of administrative and coordination tasks as stated above, build skills in the fundamentals of evaluation data analysis, and develop professional competencies in a multicultural and international environment. Responsibilities More precisely, the Job Trainee is expected to contribute to processes required for workplan implementation, by undertaking the specific tasks listed below: Internal communication and documentation: Support management of internal storage channels and share and remove access to all relevant folders, when requested; ii) Provide documentation support, including notes collation, formatting or dissemination, or reviewing summaries generated with artificial intelligence (AI); Troubleshoot IT support as needed for coordination and storage applications (Microsoft SharePoint). Meetings and travel: Support planning and scheduling virtual and in-person meetings, interviews, and events; Assist in the preparation and processing of travel requests and reimbursement claims, while learning applicable IAES standard operating procedure and Alliance travel procedures and requirements. Procurement process: Support preparation of requests and payment documentation in line with the IAES provisions for procurement, aligned to prevailing Alliance policies; Maintain procurement administration systems for timely and centralized retrieval of information, record keeping, and workflows. Recruitment: Support the preparation and submission of consultancy requests and contracts, gaining exposure to recruitment and contracting processes applicable to IAES; Maintain consultancy administration systems, including IAES roster updates (e.g. timesheet and invoice templates, roster database updates in Excel etc.). Data analysis: Collect, clean, and prepare Data for analysis, guided by IAES analysts; Provide support to conduct evaluation analytical tasks upon request. Requirements Essential requirements Recent graduate of university (preferred) or secondary school. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, XLS, PowerPoint). Experience using AI to implement routine tasks is preferred. Fluency in English language, both written and spoken. Good interpersonal, communication and teamwork skills, courtesy and tact, and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people of different cultural and national backgrounds. Good skills in personal organization and priority setting. Good client orientation and service approach. Good time management skills and attention to details. Ability to deliver tasks under remote supervision with accurate and timely reporting to supervisor. Desirable requirements Previous internships. Work experience in an international environment. An interest or studies in the evaluation of international development projects, sociology, economics, or similar fields. Benefits Terms of employment This is a job traineeship based in CGIAR IAES, hosted by the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT in Rome (Italy). The monthly salary is Euro 1,217.13. The contract is initially for a period of eleven (11) months. The contract may be extendable based on performance and availability of funds. IAES operates a hybrid working model, with staff expected to work from the Rome office two days per week under a hot-desking arrangement. Please note that eligible applicants must have the legal status to live and work in Italy: Be Italian nationals holding a valid passport or identity card. Or be EU citizens holding a valid passport or identity card and confirmation of registration from the Registrar’s Office (Anagrafe). Or Non – EU citizens holding a valid Italian work permit (permesso di soggiorno per lavoro subordinato). Applications Please apply online through the website (https://alliancebioversityciat.org/careers), no later than 23 November 2026, attaching a curriculum vitae (in English), cover letter (in English), and contact information (e.g. names, email address) of at least three referees. Cover letter and CV should be saved as one document using the candidate's last name and first name for ease of sorting. The Alliance collects and processes personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws. Please include reference number RFP500623 in the cover letter. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Closing date for applications: 23 November 2026 Expected start date: 15 January 2027 We invite you to learn more about us at: http://alliancebioversityciat.org https://iaes.cgiar.org Please visit our careers page at: https://alliancebioversityciat.org/careers
