Institutional Diagnostics, Stakeholder Consultation, and Roadmap Design for CGIARโs Global Innovation Clearinghouse Facility.
1. Background
The CGIAR Scaling for Impact (S4I) program seeks to strengthen its strategic engagement with International Financial Institutions (IFIs) to accelerate the scaling of agricultural innovations and enhance development impact. As part of this effort, CGIAR is commissioning a consultancy to support the design of a globally coordinated innovation clearinghouse facility that will serve as a mechanism to provide technical assistance and advisory services to IFI investment processes. The consultancy will build on institutional diagnostics of selected IFIs, focusing on their architecture, decision-making processes, procurement mechanisms, and engagement modalities, and will engage stakeholders across CGIAR and partner institutions through a participatory consultation process. The outputs will culminate in a strategic vision and actionable roadmap to guide CGIAR's future collaboration with IFIs through the proposed clearinghouse facility, aligned with the organizationโs science-driven mandate and scaling ambition.
2. Objective of the Consultancy
The consultant(s) will lead the design and execution of an institutional diagnostic process to gain an in-depth understanding of the architecture, decision-making pathways, key actors, and strategic dynamics of selected Five (5) International Financial Institutions (IFIs), namely the World Bank, Islamic Development Bank, Development Bank of Latin America (CAF), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and Caribbean Development Bank. We will hire two consultants for the following two clusters of International Financial Institutions (IFIs):
Cluster One:
World Bank Development Bank of Latin America (CAF) Caribbean Development BankCluster Two:
International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Islamic Development BankPlease note that the clusters may be rearranged according to the consultantโs discretion. Based on their expertise, consultants may propose their own clusters of 2 or 3 IFIs.
The primary objective is to develop actionable engagement strategies aligned with CGIAR's priorities, and to specifically flesh out a roadmap for how CGIAR can engage with priority IFIs to co-develop a global innovation clearinghouse facility that will provide technical assistance and advisory services supporting the inclusion of scientifically-proven innovations in IFI investments and project designs.
This assignment requires a consultant with deep knowledge of IFI governance and investment processes, strong qualitative research and analytical skills, and demonstrated experience conducting institutional diagnostics and strategic advisory work for multilateral or development organizations.
3. Scope of Work and Key Activities
Output 1: Comprehensive diagnosis of investment processes (including rules, procurement mechanisms, key stakeholders, and entry points for CGIAR engagement) conducted for each targeted international financial institution (IFI).
Output 2: Participatory consultation process to co-develop a strategic vision and roadmap that guides CGIAR to move towards a global innovation clearinghouse facility.
Output 3: Strategic Roadmap for CGIARโs Clearinghouse Function
Based on institutional diagnostics and stakeholder consultation, the consultant will deliver a strategic vision and an actionable roadmap to guide CGIARโs globally coordinated Clearinghouse function.
4. Deliverables and Timeline
The consultant will deliver the following outputs, each of which will be focused developing a clear roadmap for how CGIAR can engage with priority IFIs to develop a global innovation clearinghouse facility that will provide technical assistance and advisory services supporting the inclusion of scientifically-proven innovations in IFI investments and project designs:
*Timeline and number of tentative working days may be adjusted based on start date and number of IFIs per consultant.
Requirements
The ideal candidate is a strategic and analytically strong consultant with a deep understanding of International Financial Institutions (IFIs), their internal structures, decision-making processes, and operational modalities. Prior experience working with IFIs is desireable. The consultant must also be familiar with the concept and practice of technical advisory support services for IFIs and innovation clearinghouse facilities.
Education
Advanced university degree (Masterโs or higher) in agricultural economics, political science, international development, public administration, or a related field.Experience
At least 7 years of experience working with or analyzing IFIs (e.g., World Bank, IDB, IFAD, AfDB, etc.) in institutional, strategic, or advisory roles. Demonstrated experience conducting institutional diagnostics, policy analysis, or strategic engagement planning. Proven ability to conduct and synthesize semi-structured interviews with senior-level stakeholders across institutions. Track record of producing high-quality strategic documents, briefs, or reports for multilateral, research, or development organizations.Knowledge and Skills
Excellent understanding of IFI investment cycles, governance structures, and partnership modalities. Familiarity with the clearing house functions as a mechanism for strategic coordination and knowledge exchange. Strong qualitative research and analytical skills, including the ability to identify patterns and draw actionable insights from complex institutional data. Excellent writing and synthesis skills in English; ability to produce clear, concise, and strategic outputs for diverse audiences. Strong organizational and time-management skills; ability to work independently and meet tight deadlines.Reporting and Management
The consultant will report to the Area of Work 4 (AoW 4) Lead of S4I Program and work closely with the AoW4 and S4I team. Regular check-ins and milestone reviews will be scheduled throughout the consultancy.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit by 27 August 2025 at 11:59 PM CET:
A cover letter outlining relevant experience and approach to the assignment Curriculum Vitae (CV) Sample(s) of relevant previous work (e.g., institutional diagnostics, strategic briefs) Proposed daily or lump-sum feeDisclaimer: CGIAR reserves the right to engage more than one consultant for this assignment, depending on the scope and number of IFIs to be covered.
Benefits
All applications must be submitted online by clicking the 'Apply' button below. If you require assistance or face challenges in submitting your application, please email smo-bidding@cgiar.org with the position title in the subject line. Please note we will NOT accept applications through this email.
Please ensure that your resume and cover letter are in English and do not contain your marital status, age, or photograph. Documents provided in a language other than English will not be considered.
CGIAR is committed to fair, safe, and inclusive workplaces. We believe that diversity powers our innovation, contributes to our excellence, and is critical for our mission. We offer a multi-cultural, multi-color, multi-generational, and multi-disciplinary, collegial working environment. We consciously create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character and commitment to gender equity. We, therefore, encourage applicants from all cultures, races, ethnicities, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientations, and gender identities.
All received applications will be acknowledged; however, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
We look forward to hearing from you!
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