The principal role of the science component of the Consortium Office is to enhance the coherence and effectiveness of the portfolio of CGIAR Research Programs, and its alignment with the Strategy and Results Framework (SRF). The team is responsible for providing mechanisms and processes for amending the SRF over its life cycle.
Concerning the CGIAR Research Programs, the Science Team facilitates scientific interactions among them, including concerted actions on strategic issues for the portfolio, and designs mechanisms to fill research gaps and address overlaps at portfolio level. This includes advising the CGIAR Research Programs on opportunities for synergies across CGIAR Research Programs, providing principles and guidelines for addressing cross-cutting issues, and steering interactions towards increased effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, and scientific innovation and quality.
The Science Team works collaboratively with the CGIAR Research Programs, the Research Centers and all other components of the CGIAR. It designed the new CGIAR monitoring system, approved by donors, and it oversees its implementation. The team prepares the annual progress report on all research activities under the SRF from the Consortium to the Fund Council. It also developed the Consortium Level Gender Strategy, approved by the Consortium Board, and facilitates appropriate work on gender in research across the CGIAR Research Programs.