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The Independent Science for Development Council (ISDC) is an external, impartial standing panel of eight experts in scientific domains pertinent to CGIAR’s global mission of research for development. Members are appointed by the CGIAR Council (CC), the representative body of funders of CGIAR and country representatives. Date published : Monday, 27 July 2026 Closing date for Applications : Monday 7 September 2026 at 4pm CEST CGIAR’s mission is to deliver science and innovations that advance the transformation of food, land, and water systems in a climate crisis. ISDC provides rigorous, independent strategic advice to the CGIAR Council and the CGIAR System as a whole and is responsible for providing strategic oversight and ensuring robust, impartial assessment of the CGIAR Strategy, research structure and processes, funding requests, and research proposals. In addition, the ISDC leads: Foresight work to inform CGIAR’s longer-term research strategy; Horizon scanning to provide analysis on how emerging trends and developments can be considered in CGIAR’s work; Priority-setting exercises and analyses integrating both ex-post and ex-ante analyses. Therefore, it is vital that ISDC includes skills, disciplines, and backgrounds relevant to the CGIAR research and innovation agenda. Learn about the current members here . ISDC members serve a three-year term that may be renewed for an additional three years. The CGIAR Council is currently recruiting up to two members to start in January and July 2027 , respectively. Who are we seeking CGIAR is seeking to fill up to two ISDC member vacancies to join current serving members who represent a diverse group of recognized experts in their respective fields. The commencement date for one of the selected appointees would be January 1st, 2027. The other appointee is expected to start July 1st, 2027. To assist CGIAR in maintaining an overall ISDC member composition that enables ISDC to deliver on its mandate in the context of CGIAR’s Research and Innovation Strategy, CGIAR is seeking candidates whose backgrounds, experience, and/or typical work environments reflect the regions where CGIAR work is focused. ISDC benefits from multidisciplinary researchers who value and have experience in agrifood systems and innovation approaches. ISDC is a proactive and output-driven Council that relies on the individual and collective work of its members, supported by a small secretariat. Details on the role Membership: ISDC consists of eight standing members, among them a Chair appointed by CGIAR Council based upon a merit-based, open and competitive selection process. ISDC is guided by Terms of Reference (TOR) and supported by a secretariat within the CGIAR Independent Advisory and Evaluation Service (IAES). Appointment: Members of ISDC are appointed by the CGIAR Council and accountable to it, with nominated candidates put forward by a nominations panel. Representation: Members of ISDC serve in their personal capacity and must comply with IAES prevailing conflict of interest policy provisions for ISDC members. Term: ISDC members are appointed for a three-year period, with a one-year assessment period to confirm continuation of the term, and the possibility of one additional three-year term. Time commitment : Up to 25 days per calendar year, as determined by the ISDC Chair, supported by an honorarium, as outlined in the ISDC Member Competencies, time commitment and honorarium arrangements . Activities: An approved annual workplan outlines the main activities. Members must attend a minimum of two in-person meetings a year and will be required to travel internationally to implement activities in line with the ISDC TOR. Other activities include attendance at virtual monthly meetings, writing tasks, including reviewing or commenting on materials sometimes with quick turnaround. Work outside normal office hours, depending on time zone, is expected. Teamwork: Me