Reports to: Head of Partnerships and Resource Mobilization

Location: Remote

Main purpose of position

Working closely with ICARDA’s scientists, Resource Mobilization staff and research leaders, the Consultant will support the development and packaging of high-quality project proposals for agricultural research for development. Under the guidance of the Head of Partnerships and Resource Mobilization, the Proposal Writing Officer or designate, the Consultant will be responsible for contributing to the timely preparation and finalization of donor reports and proposals by ensuring that proper institutional clearance procedures are followed, and deadlines met. The Consultant will work closely with ICARDA’s Partnerships and Grants Unit (PGU).

About ICARDA

The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) is a treaty-based international non-profit research organization supported by CGIAR.

ICARDA’s mission is to reduce poverty, enhance food, water, and nutritional security, as well as environmental health in the face of global challenges including climate change. We do this through innovative science, strategic partnerships, linking research to development and capacity development that take into account gender equality and the role of youth in transforming the dry areas. ICARDA works in partnership with governments, universities, civil society, national agricultural research organizations, other CGIAR Research Centers, and the private sector. With its temporary Headquarters in Beirut, Lebanon, ICARDA operates in regional and country offices across Africa, Asia and the Middle East. For more information: www.icarda.org

All CGIAR Centers are currently engaged into a reform process (“One CGIAR’”) that will help ICARDA and CGIAR achieve better impact through more strategically integrated research, unified governance, an integrated structure and new research modalities across participating Research Centers. This transformation is supported by CGIAR donors who have committed to increased funding as a result of these reforms.

Main responsibilities

• Contribute to and/or lead the design, writing, editing, and ensure high-quality of competitive project proposals;
• Support scientists to develop high-quality concept notes/proposals through, among other things, the development and articulation of the project rationale, comparative advantage of ICARDA, log frames, measurable outputs, outcomes and related activities;
• Support the management of the full-cycle of proposal development, from idea generation to submission to donor, to ensure in-house established procedures and proposal quality-control mechanisms are followed;
• Ensure the full compliance of the concept notes/proposals with donors’ criteria and requirements;
• Meet proposal deadlines by establishing priorities and target dates for information gathering, writing, review, and approval, and coordinate requirements with contributors;
• Review, edit and format technical progress and final project reports to ensure information is presented in a concise and coherent manner and that it complies with donors’ requirements;
• Responsibilities may also include the need to develop, write, contribute to, and edit documentation requested by One CGIAR. This can include, but is not limited, the solicitation of information from research staff and colleagues both in ICARDA and in One CGIAR;
• Other responsibilities and duties assigned by the Head of Partnerships and Resource Mobilization and Proposal Writing Officer.

Requirements

Education, qualifications, and experience

Essential qualifications and competencies

• An advanced degree (Master or PhD) in agriculture, international development or related field associated with ICARDA’s research programs. Complementary training/education in proposal writing, science writing or project management is an advantage.
• Minimum of five years of relevant experience in developing and implementing concept notes and proposals for programs and projects related to agriculture/rural development.
• Experience working in one of ICARDA’s target regions focusing on North Africa, West Asia, Central Asia and South Asia and countries including, but not limited to, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Jordan, Lebanon, Uzbekistan, and India
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills in English.
• Proven track record in development of successful project proposals.
• Familiarity with use of log frames in formulation of results-oriented projects.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work in a multidisciplinary and multicultural work environment and flexibility.
• Excellent time-management skills, ability to deliver when facing multiple projects with tight deadlines.
• Computer proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel) and familiarity with project management software.
• Strong analytical skills.

Desirable qualifications and competencies

• Experience living in or in-depth knowledge of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
• Project management certification or other equivalent.
• Experience implementing research for development projects in the field.
• Command of additional languages commonly used at ICARDA (French and Arabic).
• Knowledge of CGIAR or similar entity.

Benefits

Terms of appointment, salary, and benefits

The successful applicant will be offered a framework consultancy contract on a part-time basis. They will be paid for work undertaken on the basis of an hourly or daily rate, with payments made according to work completed each month or over multiple months. The role will primarily be home-based, with some possibility of travel at times if-and-when required

ICARDA is committed to increasing women representation in its workforce and strongly encourages applications from women.

All applications will be acknowledged, but only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.