Global Research Alliance - The Livestock Research Group (GRA LRG co-chair)
Grant funding for a UK based expert to Co-Chair the Global Research Alliance Livestock Research Group. The grant is only open to applicants who have been invited to apply following the submission of an Expression of Interest.
- Opening date:
- Closing date:
Contents
Summary
Introduction
The Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases (GRA) brings together 68 member countries and 29 partner organisations, including FAO, Global Methane Hub, World Bank, and the European Commission. The UK has been an active member since GRA’s inception in 2009. Agriculture plays a vital role in food security and sustainable development but is also a major source of greenhouse gas emissions globally. The GRA’s work supports the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals. The GRA operates through four Research Groups: Livestock, Paddy Rice, Croplands, and Integrative Research. Co-chair teams are highly influential, setting technical agendas and driving activities. The Livestock Research Group (LRG) focuses on reducing emissions intensity in livestock systems and increasing soil carbon storage. The UK seeks to provide a co-chair to strengthen global collaboration and UK influence.
Purpose of the Grant
Defra will fund a UK-based expert to serve as co-chair of the LRG for two years between January 2026 – December 2027. This role will increase GRA capacity and access to UK expertise, enable the UK to steer research priorities and flagship projects, and support Defra’s objectives by building international capacity and advancing sustainable livestock production.
Funding
Up to £56,500 per year (maximum £113,000 over two years) to cover: co-chair’s time (approx. 35 days/year or 259 hours), travel and subsistence (per Defra Travel Policy 2025: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/defra-group-expense-policy), support staff, and essential activities such as workshops. Funding can also support GRA LRG activities including research projects, in discussion with Defra.
Aims
The aim is to provide the LRG with significant additional capacity to plan and deliver work towards its objectives: extend the global knowledge base on livestock greenhouse gas emissions, develop mitigation options, share knowledge and experiences, and strengthen the resilience of livestock farming. The co-chair will help deliver Defra’s objectives by building international capacity and demonstrating UK leadership.
Role Responsibilities and Deliverables
The co-chair will lead and steer LRG research priorities and flagship projects, represent UK expertise internationally, and build capacity in developing countries. Activities include: - Attend inception meetings with GRA representatives and other co-chairs. - Develop a research and engagement strategy aligned with LRG priorities. - Provide input into LRG reports, workshops, and R&D projects. - Scope and commence new projects and workshops. - Prepare technical content for and attend LRG and GRA annual meetings. - Explore hosting LRG annual meeting in the UK.
Eligibility
This opportunity is only open to those who following the Expression Of Interest stage have been notified by email as eligible to apply. Non-eligible applications will not be considered.The applicant will need to have extensive experience in the field of livestock research with a good understanding of livestock systems emissions. They will be working in a senior position at their respective institutions and have the needed support from their institution to meet the time and travel commitment associated with this grant. The time commitment associated with this post is 35 days per year (259h equivalent).
Objectives
Please see summary
Dates
This role is expected to start in January 2026 and will end in December 2027, with your availability required for those two years.
The window for submitting your application will be open for 10 days ending at 14:00 Thursday 18 December.
We anticipate Award notifications will be in early January 2026 with signature of the Grant Funding Agreement shortly after.
How to apply
We are using Apply for a Grant for applications.Each question should be given a response unless indicated otherwise. There is a maximum word count for each question which cannot be exceeded. Any additional information uploaded but not requested may not be evaluated. A document copy of this Invitation to Apply will be made available in the system to applicants including an example of the terms and conditions and a cost annex document which requires completion and upload. If there is any discrepency the document ITA takes precedence. If all invited applicants have made a final response prior to the closing date we will contact applicants by email to notify them the competition will close early. This will not necessarily bring the rest of the timeline forwards. You may ask for clarifications until 11am of 15 December to Ollie.Szyszka@defra.gov.uk. This email address should not be used at any other time. Responses to clarification requests will be emailed to all invited applicants.
Supporting information
Invitation to Apply Co-chair Global Research Alliance Livestock Group
File type: pdf
Invitation_to_Apply_Co-chair_Global_Research_Alliance_Livestock_Group.pdf (429 Kb)
Annex A Grant Funding Agreement Defra Co-Chair GRA
File type: pdf
Annex A_Grant_Funding_Agreement_Defra_Co-Chair_GRA.pdf (402 Kb)
Annex B Project Costs Global Research Alliance
File type: vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document