PHD FELLOWSHIPS - SOIL MOISTURE AND SCALE-MAKING IN WEST AFRICA (SMSM) PROJECT (BENIN) -2 POSITIONS

PHD FELLOWSHIPS - SOIL MOISTURE AND SCALE-MAKING IN WEST AFRICA (SMSM) PROJECT (BENIN-2 POSITIONS & BURKINA FASO-2 POSITIONS)

THE ORGANIZATION

The Alliance of Bioversity International (www.bioversityinternational.org) and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) (www.ciat.cgiar.org) delivers research-based solutions that harness agricultural biodiversity and sustainably transform food systems to improve people’s lives. Alliance solutions address the global crises of malnutrition, climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation.

With novel partnerships, the Alliance generates evidence and mainstreams innovations to transform food systems and landscapes so that they sustain the planet, drive prosperity, and nourish people in a climate crisis.

The Alliance is part of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food-secure future.

About the position

The Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), a CGIAR Research Center, together with IHE Delft Institute for Water Education (The Netherlands), Université Nationale d’Agriculture (UNA-Bénin), Institut de l’Environnement et de Recherches Agricoles (INERA-Burkina Faso), Université Nazi Boni (UNB), Institut National des Recherches Agricoles du Bénin (INRAB-Bénin), invite applications for four PhD Fellowships under the project: Soil Moisture and Scale-Making in West Africa (SMSM): Multiplying Water Retention Practices for Increased Resilience and Food Security in Benin and Burkina Faso. The project aims to improve climate resilience, food security and livelihoods of smallholder farmers by generating knowledge and co-developing pathways for scaling Soil Moisture Retention (SMR) practices across diverse agroecological and socio-economic contexts. The project adopts an interdisciplinary approach combining environmental sciences, agricultural sciences, governance, economics, development studies and political ecology.

PhD Research themes 

1. PhD 1: Social Drivers and Pathways for Scaling Sustainable and Resilient Innovations in Smallholder Farming Systems: The Case of Soil Moisture Retention (SMR) Practices in Benin. This project aims to understand local knowledge systems and the ways in which knowledge and technologies are transmitted. The study is largely qualitative focusing on joint-learning among stakeholders. The PhD will be hosted at Université Nationale d’Agriculture (UNA-Bénin)
   
2. PhD 2: Drivers, Scaling Dynamics, and (Agro-) Economic Impacts of Soil Moisture Retention (SMR) Practices Adoption among Smallholder Farmers in Benin. This project aims to assess the economic drivers and impacts of SMR adoption and scaling, using a combination of methods like household surveys, economic analysis, and remote sensing data. The PhD will be hosted at Université Nationale d’Agriculture (UNA-Bénin)
   
3.  PhD 3: Socio-political and cultural dynamics shaping soil water retention innovations management: An analysis of stakeholders, adoption mechanisms and changes in agricultural practices in rural areas in Burkina Faso. This project aims to understand the socio-cultural, institutional, and agronomic aspects of SMR innovations and their scaling, combining qualitative research with field-based soil moisture and hydrological measurements. The PhD will be hosted at Université Nazi Boni (UNB) 
   
4. PhD 4: Drivers, Scaling Dynamics, and Agroeconomic Impacts of SMR Adoption among Smallholder Farmers in Burkina Faso. This project aims to assess and promote the economic viability and scaling potential of SMR practices using spatial data and by co-developing inclusive business models that lead to long-term sustainability.  The PhD will be hosted at Université Nazi Boni (UNB). 
   

Responsibilities

The successful candidates will:

• Develop a PhD research proposal aligned with their assigned theme
  
• Conduct interdisciplinary research in Benin or Burkina Faso
  
• Collect and analyze quantitative and qualitative data
  
• Participate in consortium workshops, training activities and scientific meetings
  
• Engage with farmers, extension services, policymakers and private-sector actors
  
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals
  
• Contribute to project reports, policy briefs and knowledge products
  
• Present findings at regional and international conferences
  
• Contribute to the supervision and mentoring of undergraduate and master’s students involved in project-related research activities
  
• Adhere to the highest standards of research ethics, including obtaining the necessary ethical approvals, ensuring informed consent, and complying with the consortium’s data management and research integrity policies
  
• Develop, document, and maintain high-quality research datasets and metadata in accordance with FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) data principles and project data management requirements
  
• Collaborate effectively within interdisciplinary and multicultural research teams, fostering scientific exchange and mutual learning across partner institution
  

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Hold a Master’s degree (MSc or equivalent) in one of the following fields: agricultural sciences, environmental sciences, water resources management, agricultural economics, rural development, sociology, anthropology, development studies, political science, governance studies, natural resource management, related disciplines.
  

Competencies

• Strong academic record
  
• Demonstrated research experience
  
• Experience in field-based research and data collection
  
• Excellent analytical and scientific writing skills
  
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams
  
• Interest in climate adaptation, food systems and agricultural innovation.
  
  

Language Requirements

• Fluency in French
  
• Good working knowledge of English.
  
• Demonstrated ability to publish in English is an advantage.
  
  

Fellowship Package

The fellowship includes:

• Full PhD registration and tuition fees
  
• Monthly stipend
  
• Research and fieldwork budget
  
• Laptop and research equipment
  
• Conference and training support
  
• Access to CGIAR and IHE scientific networks and mentoring
  
• Mobility grants for exchanges within the consortium are available
  

Project Supervision

Each PhD student will be supervised by a multidisciplinary team composed of

• One Lead Supervisor from a partner knowledge institution
  
• One CGIAR Scientist from the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT
  
• One Co-supervisor from IHE Delft Institute for Water Education
  
• Additional national co-supervisors from partner institutions
  

The fellows will participate in the SMSM PhD Collaboration Programme involving joint seminars, annual doctoral workshops, exchange visits, and advanced training courses

Selection Criteria

Candidates will be evaluated based on

• Academic excellence
  
• Research experience and publications
  
• Quality of research concept note
  
• Motivation and career aspirations
  
• Interview performance
  

Application Package

Applicants should submit (either in French or in English)

• Motivation Letter (maximum 2 pages)
  
• Detailed Curriculum Vitae
  
• Copies of academic degrees and transcripts
  
• Master's thesis/dissertation abstract
  
• Two academic reference letters
  
• A research concept note (3-5 pages, 1.5 spacing, font 12) indicating the preferred PhD theme, candidates may select only one theme and outlining a proposed research approach. 
   
  

Application Procedure and Deadline

Interested candidates must submit their application via the following link: https://forms.gle/BUvtPQ6apdt6d9g29
All applications must be submitted no later than 20th August 2026, 11:59 P.M (GMT). Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online interview from 25th to 30th August 2026.

Contact Information

For further information, please contact: 

Prof. David Montcho Hambada, UNA, Benin, Email: [email protected]

Dr. Fanta Barry, INERA, Burkina Faso, Email: [email protected]