The Organization

The Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) 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.

https://alliancebioversityciat.org/            www.cgiar.org

At PISA (Performance, Innovation and Strategic Analysis for Impact Unit), we assess how research for development innovations influence stakeholders and improve the lives of people, while protecting the earth’s resources. Key to attaining this vision is generating, developing and harnessing stare-of-the-art artificial intelligence and machine learning tools to generate evidence-based insights.

Based in Montpellier, France and under the supervision of the Team Leader, Performance, Innovation and Strategic Analysis for Impact, the Analyst will leverage advanced machine learning tools, including cutting-edge technologies like large language models (LLMs), to develop evidence-based pathways for driving change.

Set up annotation and data cleansing pipelines for Natural Language Processing and Text Analysis of agricultural and environmental data.

Develop Python-based utilities to enhance the data annotation and engineering processes, improving the efficiency and scalability of existing tools.

Implement and maintain version control systems for data assets, code, and artifacts to ensure best practices, change tracking, and reproducibility of analyses and insights.

Train machine learning models, including LLM-based models for various Natural Language Processing and Text Analysis tasks, and assess their effectiveness using appropriate evaluation metrics.

Deploy trained models via APIs to enable integration with other applications and services.

Create web-based prototypes for end-to-end solutions that integrate developed models with relevant data sources and services to support ongoing monitoring and analysis.

Document technical systems, user processes, and workflows to ensure future adaptability and maintainability.

Develop mechanisms for ongoing monitoring of deployed AI models to detect and address performance degradation or drift.

Implement strategies for model retraining or adaptation in response to evolving data patterns or user feedback.

Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology or a related field.

Previous relevant professional experience required.

Demonstrated experience in AI and machine learning, particularly in Natural Language Processing and Text Analysis.

Proficiency in Python, JavaScript, and relevant NLP tools/libraries (e.g., SpaCy, NLTK, Hugging Face Transformers).  In-depth knowledge of open source LLMs such LLAMA will be an added advantage.

Experience with ETL (Extract, Transform, Load), data annotation, and migration processes.  In-depth knowledge of Prodigy Annotation Tool required.

Experience with version control (e.g., Git) and model deployment frameworks (e.g., Docker).

Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.  Experience collaborating with domain experts in agriculture and environmental sciences is an advantage.

Well-developed skills in personal organization, attention to details and accuracy.

Solid interpersonal, communications and teamwork skills; courtesy and tact, and the ability to establish  and maintain effective working relationships with people of different cultural and national

backgrounds.

Excellent client orientation and service approach.

Excellent knowledge of the English language, written and spoken.

This is a nationally recruited position, based in Montpellier, France, open only to internal candidates, namely: regular staff members, complementary staff members and individuals who are currently employed or have completed a contract with Bioversity in the last 6 months. The position BG6 level, on a scale of 14 levels, with level 14 being the highest and the salary range starts from Euro 33,680. The remuneration package includes a competitive salary, leave provisions, medical and life insurance, and non-contributory retirement plan. The contract will be for a period of 2 years, subject to a probationary period of 6 months, and is renewable subject to performance, project needs and availability of funds.

Please note that eligible applicants must have the legal status to live and work in France. Citizens of EU countries and citizens of non-EU countries are individually responsible for compliance with requirements and formalities established by the national immigration law of France, where they stay and carry out their working activity.

Please apply online through the website (https://alliancebioversityciat.org/careers ) no later than 16th February 2025, attaching a curriculum vitae and motivation letter, both in English. The cover letter should include the reference number of the position – RFP500147.

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