Talent Roster - Subject Matter Expert – Proposal Design

About IFDC

IFDC is a public international organization active in 27 countries in Africa, Asia, and America. IFDC uniquely approaches the global issues of food security and poverty by bridging the gap between research and impact, combining science-based innovations, holistic market systems development, an enabling policy environment, and strategic partnerships to assist farmers and countries to identify and scale sustainable agricultural solutions, including improved nutrient use efficiency. These approaches are needed to boost soil health and crop productivity while reducing the environmental impact of fertilizer use. IFDC translates research into action by using locally driven, environmentally sound, and impact-oriented solutions. With our partners, we seek to close the yield gap, eradicate global hunger, safeguard the soil on which our lives depend, and generate economic resilience for farming households and the countries in which they live.

Position Summary

As part of IFDC’s open call for consultants, we are seeking highly qualified Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to provide technical and strategic input during the design and development of proposals across IFDC’s thematic and geographic portfolio.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and technical input during proposal design, ensuring technical integrity, innovation, and alignment with donor priorities and IFDC’s strategy;
• Participate in concept and proposal development meetings, offering insights on activity design, results frameworks, and implementation strategies;
• Draft or contribute to technical sections of concept notes and proposals, ensuring clarity, evidence-based approaches, and relevance to context;
• Review proposal drafts and provide technical quality assurance, ensuring consistency and responsiveness to donor requirements;
• Support the integration of cross-cutting themes such as gender equality, youth inclusion, climate resilience, and sustainability;
• Collaborate with proposal leads, program staff, and partners to strengthen IFDC’s competitive positioning and technical value proposition;
• Contribute to internal learning by sharing technical knowledge, lessons learned, and best practices.
  
  

Requirements

• Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD preferred) in agriculture, international development, economics, environmental studies, or a related field;
• At least 15 years of professional experience in relevant technical areas, including work in developing or emerging economies, with at least 5 years of of demonstrated leadership;
• Proven experience leading the design and formulation of complex, multi-country agricultural or development programs (preferably in Africa);
• Demonstrated expertise in program design, strategic planning, and management of large-scale initiatives;
• Experience in monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning (MEAL) systems;
• Experience contributing to proposal development for bilateral, multilateral, or foundation donors;
• Strong background in business development, including technical review, evidence integration, and measurement strategies;
• Experience supporting organizational growth initiatives, including new geographic strategies and positioning for new funders;
• Strong analytical abilities with the capacity to translate data and research findings into actionable recommendations;
• Excellent organizational, facilitation, and communication skills, both written and verbal;
• Proficiency in English required; fluency in French is an asset;
• Ability to work independently and deliver high-quality outputs in a fast-paced environment under tight deadlines.
  
  

Reporting and Work Relationships

The Subject Matter Expert will report to the Senior Proposal Manager or assigned Proposal Lead within the Business Development team and collaborate closely with program, technical, and finance staff across IFDC.

Location

This is a remote, short-term consultancy. Duration and level of effort will vary based on assignment needs and proposal timelines.

Consultancy fee

Payment shall be made to the consultant upon receipt and acceptance of deliverables.

Diversity Clause

IFDC is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe in the value of bringing together people with a broad range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. All employment decisions at IFDC are made on the basis of ability, performance, and organizational need, in alignment with our values of fairness, respect, and opportunity for all.