International Potato Center

National Consultancy – Development of a Socio-Ecological Systems (SES) Framework for Riverine Landscapes (C-26-22) Project: Triple-F: Forest, Fish and Food Work modality: Remote (based in Peru). The consultant will participate in regular project meetings with the consortium team. The Deep-Dive Workshop in Lima (end of November 2026) is a key project milestone, where the consultant will present a draft of the SES framework for review and adjustment. Closing date: October 16, 2026 The Landscape Alliance, a hosted center of the International Potato Center (CIP), invites applications from qualified professionals with experience in socio-ecological systems (SES) and integrated landscape approaches to develop the first iteration of an applied SES framework for the Peruvian riverine landscape under the Triple-F: Forest, Fish and Food project. Led by the Landscape Alliance in partnership with CIP, WorldFish and the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, Triple-F works in riverine landscapes in Peru and Ethiopia to strengthen livelihood resilience and food and nutrition security. General Objective
- To develop the first iteration of an applied socio-ecological systems (SES) framework for the Peruvian riverine landscape of the Triple-F project. The framework will integrate biophysical, agroecological and socio-economic dimensions, together with institutions and governance across scales, from watershed to community and household levels, to explain how interactions among forests, rivers, fisheries, agriculture and agroforestry shape local livelihoods, food and nutrition security, and socio-ecological resilience.
- The framework will guide interdisciplinary research, field-based diagnosis and the identification of options to strengthen the resilience of livelihoods and food systems. It should be scientifically robust, usable by interdisciplinary research teams, adaptable for engagement with policymakers, natural resource managers and riverine communities, and contribute to a broader Triple-F SES framework applicable in Peru, Ethiopia and other riverine landscapes. Under the guidance of the Triple-F project team, the consultant will lead this work in close collaboration with Landscape Alliance scientists, consortium partners, national research partners and other relevant experts and stakeholders. Specific Objectives
- Review and synthesize relevant SES, integrated landscape, watershed and resilience frameworks and methods applicable to riverine landscapes, livelihoods and food systems.
- Develop an initial Triple-F SES framework, adaptable to riverine landscapes globally, defining its core components, relationships, feedback loops, scales and drivers, in close collaboration with Landscape Alliance scientists and the Peru, Ethiopia and global teams of the consortium.
- Tailor the framework to the environmental, socio-economic, institutional and governance context of Peru's riverine landscapes, and demonstrate its application using available research, secondary data and spatial information.
- Consult scientists, national partners, policymakers, resource managers and other stakeholders to validate and refine the framework, including supporting the facilitation of the SES “deep-dive” workshop in Lima (end of November 2026).
- Develop methods and a sequenced action plan for the field application and refinement of the Peru SES framework. Consultancy Deliverables / Reports / Products Deliverable 1 Inception Report and Framework Design A concise inception report that sets out:
· Evidence base: synthesis of relevant SES frameworks, approaches and methods.
· Design approach: proposed conceptual and methodological approach for developing the Triple-F SES framework.
· Implementation plan: consultation process, work plan and schedule for completing the assignment. Deliverable 2 Initial Triple-F SES Framework for Riverine Landscapes A general conceptual and analytical framework that:
· Defines the system: key components, interactions, feedback loops, drivers and scales.
· Integrates core dimensions: forests, rivers and fisheries; agriculture and agroforestry; livelihoods and food systems; and institutions and governance.
· Supports adaptation: includes clear visual representations and enables application in Peru, Ethiopia and other riverine landscapes. Deliverable 3 Applied SES Framework for the Peruvian Riverine Landscape – First Iteration A first applied version of the Peru SES framework that:
· Adapts the framework to the Peruvian study landscape, incorporating inputs from the Lima SES “deep-dive” workshop.
· Demonstrates its application using available research, secondary data and spatial information.
· Generates insights on key relationships, vulnerabilities, trade-offs, synergies, opportunities and information gaps.
· Supports use and refinement by incorporating stakeholder and expert input and providing visual representations and practical guidance. Deliverable 4 Methods and Action Pl