Talent Roster - Technical Design Consultant – 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 experienced Technical Design Consultants to join a roster of experts who can support proposal development and technical design efforts across IFDC’s global portfolio.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-level strategic and technical guidance during proposal design and development;

• Lead or contribute to the development of concept notes and proposals, ensuring technical accuracy, innovation, and alignment with IFDC’s strategic objectives;

• Participate in concept development meetings to guide strategic direction, activity planning, and staffing design under the direction of proposal leads or country directors;

• Ensure technical coherence and consistency across proposals, incorporating lessons learned, research findings, and insights from IFDC’s ongoing programs and partnerships;

• Support internal and partner-led technical reviews, revising and adapting proposal drafts to reflect feedback and strengthen overall quality;

• Provide input on evidence-based approaches, measurement strategies, and results frameworks;

• Contribute to knowledge sharing within IFDC by documenting best practices, tools, and methodologies related to proposal design.

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 leadership experience;

• Demonstrated expertise in inclusive agriculture, climate-smart agriculture, food security, agribusiness development, or related sectors;

• Proven experience leading the technical design and formulation of complex, multi-country programs, preferably in Africa;

• Strong understanding of program design, strategic planning, and MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning);

• Experience supporting organizational growth initiatives, including positioning for new funders or entering new geographies;

• Demonstrated success in business development, including technical reviews, proposal writing, and evidence-based design;

• Excellent analytical, organizational, and facilitation skills, with the ability to translate data and insights into actionable recommendations;

• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to work independently under tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment;

• Proficiency in English required; fluency in French is an asset.

Reporting and Work Relationships

The Technical Design Consultant will report to the Senior Proposal Manager or designated Proposal Lead within the Business Development team and collaborate closely with technical, programmatic, 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.