Recruitment of a Firm to Undertake Capacity Needs Assessments

Job Posting Organization:
The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) is a research institution established to provide evidence-based solutions to reduce poverty and end hunger and malnutrition. Founded in 1975, IFPRI operates in over 40 countries and employs more than 300 staff members, including researchers, policy analysts, and support staff. The organization focuses on agricultural development, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, and nutrition, and works closely with governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders to implement its research findings and recommendations. IFPRI's mission is to provide policy solutions that promote sustainable food systems and improve the livelihoods of vulnerable populations.

Job Overview:
The position involves recruiting a qualified firm to conduct capacity needs assessments for food systems transformation under the CAADP Strategy and Action Plan 2026–2035 in multiple African countries, including Kenya, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The firm will be responsible for establishing a diagnostic baseline that reflects each country's institutional and food-systems context. The overall objective is to identify existing capacity assets, binding gaps, and readiness for the domestication and implementation of the CAADP 2026–2035 agenda. The firm will utilize a harmonized, participatory, mixed-methods approach to assess competencies, capabilities, and the enabling environment across various levels and stakeholders. This role requires a comprehensive understanding of the agrifood system and the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders to gather relevant data and insights.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The firm will undertake several specific tasks, including: 1) Inception and methodology refinement, which involves holding a kickoff meeting, reviewing the framework, confirming deployment arrangements, and submitting a detailed workplan. 2) Conducting a rapid desk review and evidence compilation to prepare a structured evidence inventory and country desk-review matrix. 3) Mapping stakeholders and institutions to identify roles, relationships, and gaps in capacity related to CAADP objectives. 4) Conducting key informant interviews and institutional consultations to document capacity assets and gaps. 5) Administering self-assessment tools and applying a maturity scale to score various capacity dimensions. 6) Preparing country capacity profiles that summarize institutional landscapes and readiness for CAADP implementation. 7) Conducting a cross-country synthesis to identify common constraints and areas for support. 8) Managing the project and ensuring quality assurance throughout the process.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a legally registered consulting firm or research organization with at least seven years of relevant experience in capacity needs assessment, institutional diagnostics, or related fields. The firm must have completed at least three comparable multi-stakeholder assignments, preferably in Africa. Knowledge of CAADP and related agricultural policies is essential, along with operational experience in the target countries. The proposed Team Leader should hold an advanced degree in a relevant field and have at least ten years of experience, while country leads should have postgraduate degrees and at least five years of relevant experience.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess advanced degrees in fields such as agricultural economics, development economics, public policy, or organizational development. The educational background should align with the requirements of the position, emphasizing knowledge of agrifood systems and capacity development.

Experience:
The firm must demonstrate substantial experience in conducting capacity needs assessments and institutional diagnostics, particularly in the context of agrifood systems. Experience in managing multi-country projects and engaging with diverse stakeholders is crucial for success in this role.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with proficiency in French being highly desirable, especially for work in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Knowledge of relevant national or local languages in the target countries is also preferred.

Additional Notes:
The assignment is expected to be completed within fourteen calendar weeks from the contract start date. The firm should propose a parallel deployment strategy across the five countries, supported by a central technical lead. All deliverables must be submitted electronically in English and in editable formats, with country-facing tools provided in relevant working languages where necessary. The selection process will evaluate proposals based on technical quality and cost, and IFPRI reserves the right to negotiate elements of the preferred proposal or cancel the procurement process.