Consultant (Individual or Firm) for the Organizational Structure Review

Job Posting Organization:
The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) is a renowned research organization established to provide evidence-based solutions to reduce poverty and end hunger and malnutrition. With a workforce of approximately 500 employees, IFPRI operates from its headquarters in Washington DC, and has regional offices in India and Senegal, along with several country offices across Asia and Africa. The organization is dedicated to improving food policy through research and collaboration, aiming to influence policy decisions that affect security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and nutrition globally.

Job Overview:
The primary function of this consultancy position is to conduct a comprehensive review and update of the organizational structure of IFPRI, particularly focusing on corporate services and research support staff. The consultant will assess the current organizational framework to identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement, ensuring that the structure aligns with the organization's strategic goals and operational needs. The consultant will be responsible for developing recommendations for structural improvements, creating a modified organizational structure if necessary, and supporting the implementation of these changes with minimal disruption to ongoing operations. The role requires a strategic approach to enhance collaboration and optimize resource allocation across all IFPRI offices, thereby supporting the organization's mission to improve food policy through effective research execution.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a two-phase approach to the project. In Phase 1, the consultant will conduct interviews with key stakeholders and staff, review existing organizational charts, roles, and responsibilities, and analyze the effectiveness of current workflows and reporting lines for non-research staff. In Phase 2, the consultant will develop recommendations for structural improvements, including optimal staffing for corporate service units and financial and administrative support to research units. This phase will also involve designing a modified organizational structure if needed, aligning it with strategic goals, and creating a detailed implementation plan with timelines and milestones. The consultant will be expected to deliver weekly progress reports, a comprehensive assessment report, insights from peer organization analysis, and a final project report that encapsulates all findings and recommendations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must demonstrate proven organizational design and change management experience, particularly in leading structural reviews and redesigns for medium-to-large international organizations. Experience with research organizations or mission-driven nonprofits is essential, as is expertise in workforce planning and role rationalization. Strong analytical and assessment skills are required, along with familiarity in corporate services and research support functions, including HR, finance, fundraising, grants management, operations, and research administration. The ability to translate findings into actionable recommendations and detailed implementation plans is crucial, as well as excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills to work effectively across diverse contexts and cultures.

Educational Background:
While specific educational qualifications are not explicitly stated, candidates are typically expected to possess advanced degrees in relevant fields such as organizational development, public administration, business management, or a related discipline that supports the skills and knowledge required for this consultancy role.

Experience:
Candidates should have substantial experience in organizational design and change management, particularly within international research organizations or similar environments. Familiarity with the structures and challenges faced by global research networks, such as CGIAR, is highly advantageous. Experience in donor-funded research environments and cross-cultural experience across Africa, Asia, and the U.S. will also be beneficial for effective stakeholder engagement and implementation of recommendations.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential given the international nature of the organization and the need for clear communication. Additional language skills relevant to the regions of operation (such as French for Senegal or local languages in Asia) would be considered advantageous but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for a duration of 2 months, from June to September 202

• The position can be filled by either an individual or a firm, and applicants are required to submit a 1-2 page Expression of Interest (EOI) detailing their qualifications and approach to the project, along with an estimated budget or daily rate. Relevant CVs for the applicant or key team members should also be included if a firm is applying.