ILRI Consultancy – Proposal and Grant writers

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to establish a roster of proposal / grant writers with a track record of success on whom it will call on for short term consultancy assignments to support and/ or lead the development of high-quality project proposals.

ILRI works to improve food and nutrition security and reduce poverty in developing countries through research for efficient, safe and sustainable use of livestock. It is the only one of 15 CGIAR research centres dedicated entirely to animal agriculture research for the developing world. Co-hosted by Kenya and Ethiopia, it has regional or country offices and projects in East, South and Southeast Asia as well as Central, East, Southern and West Africa. www.ilri.org

Background

ILRI frequently responds to, and relies on funding, from calls for proposals from a variety of donors and partners which require different writing styles and methods. ILRI is therefore inviting prospective consultants to submit applications and register to ILRI’s roster of proposal / grant writers.

Scope of work

The Consultant will support the development of proposals; formulate, review, edit and quality assure project proposals; work closely and effectively with concerned staff to ensure timely submission of high quality and compelling project proposals resulting in securing funds for ILRI. More specifically the consultant will:

• Work with program leaders, project leaders, regional representatives and other relevant internal teams to develop a compelling, evidence-based proposal for submission to international donors and foundations.


• Take the lead on writing proposal sections in accordance with the requirements established by the donor. Review the RFP and assure clear understanding of all requirements. Ensure that the tone, content and design of the proposal corresponds to the needs and focus of the donor and speaks clearly and convincingly to the donor agenda.


• Meet with key project stakeholders within ILRI areas of operation as needed to ensure that the program design and bid integrate expertise from all relevant actors/sectors, including private sector, impact investors including social ventures, national agricultural research systems, government departments, and others as needed.

Selected consultants will be awarded a maximum of 25 working days per annum at an agreed daily fee. The days will be drawn on a need by need basis and the agreement will clearly state that the actual number of days will vary depending on program needs.

Essential Skills and Qualifications Required:

• An advanced research degree (Masters or PhD) in agriculture, international development, a social science, or another field relevant to this assignment.


• Minimum of 10 years of experience in designing, writing and editing project proposals, preferably for agricultural development-related initiatives in East, Southern and West Africa and South and Southeast Asia.


• Proven track record of developing project proposals and success in winning grants to the value of at least USD 1m/ proposal, from institutional donors, preferably from major donor agencies. Success in fundraising for international, agricultural and/or research organizations in developing countries is a clear advantage.


• Familiarity with the funding structures and opportunities of international donors and investors. Good and proven working relationships with relevant development and government authorities and stakeholder is a clear advantage.


• Proven ability to translate scientific language into easily understandable, readable, compelling and well-written value proposition. Must be able to write to a range of audiences and creatively explain complex technical ideas in an approachable, compelling way.


• Superior English speaking/writing skills required.

How to apply:

Applicants should send a cover letter and CV expressing their interest in the position, what they can bring to the job and the names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to the Director, People and Organizational Development through our recruitment portal http://ilri.simplicant.com/ on or before 31 January 2018. The position title and reference number REF: PW/IPP/01/2018 should be clearly marked on the subject line of the cover letter.

Applicants will also be required to submit:

• Areas of expertise including preferred region (if applicable).


• A statement describing availability and preferred length of assignment.


• Current daily fee rate applicable for the next 12 months.


• List of past assignments with names and contact information of references.


• A list of assignments where funds were secured, indicating the amount as well as applicant’s role in the application/ proposal writing process.


• Writing sample.

We thank all applicants for their interest in working for ILRI. Due to the volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

ILRI does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing or training). ILRI also does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.

To find out more about ILRI, visit our websites at http://www.ilri.org/

To find out more about working at ILRI visit our website at http://www.ilri.org/ilricrowd/

ILRI is an equal opportunity employer.