Stakeholder Engagement Consultant

Overview

CGIAR is recruiting an experienced consultant or consultancy firm to provide focused, time-specific support in coordinating and facilitating stakeholder engagement efforts critical to formulating the CGIAR 2040 Strategy. The Consultant will work closely with the CGIAR Strategy Task Team, specifically with Work Stream 5 on Stakeholder Engagement, ensuring robust stakeholder commitment and backing for the evolving Strategy.

Context and Objectives

CGIAR is developing a long-term Strategy extending to the year 2040, aimed at clarifying the organization's mission, vision, and strategic priorities. This Strategy focuses on enhancing CGIAR’s relevance and effectiveness amid changing global dynamics, highlighting its unique value proposition and comparative strengths. Oversight comes from the CGIAR Board and senior leadership, with a Task Team representing all Centers and the System Organization guiding the inclusive design process.

The Consultant’s role in Work Stream 5 is to facilitate broad, inclusive engagement with stakeholders to uncover their priorities, expectations, and perceptions of CGIAR’s positioning. Key duties include identifying points of alignment and divergence among stakeholder groups and capturing regional and continental interests to inform future localization of the CGIAR Strategy.

Scope of Work

• Refine and advance the stakeholder engagement plan, incorporating comprehensive stakeholder mapping and diverse engagement techniques.
• Develop, administer, analyze, and summarize findings from a broad stakeholder survey aligned with CGIAR’s strategic goals.
• Conduct 50-60 semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders such as CGIAR leadership, board and council members, and partners, analyzing and summarizing insights.
• Plan, lead, and document outcomes of targeted stakeholder consultation meetings conducted virtually and in person.
• Produce a final report synthesizing insights from all activities, offering actionable strategic recommendations to support the Task Team’s Synthesis Report by early October 2026.

Deliverables

• An updated stakeholder engagement blueprint, detailing mapping and engagement methods.
• Completed stakeholder survey tools, execution, comprehensive analysis, and results summary.
• Summarized findings from 50-60 semi-structured stakeholder interviews.
• Documentation of outcomes from targeted stakeholder meetings.
• Final comprehensive report with strategic insights delivering input for the Task Team’s Synthesis Report.

Project Timeline

• June to early November 2026: Analytical and engagement activities culminating in a Synthesis Report and Stakeholder Workshop in early November.
• November 2026 to January 2027: Stakeholder feedback and iterative drafting of the full Strategy.
• January to February 2027: Leadership and governance review and approval processes.
• March 2027: Official Strategy launch and implementation.

Consultant Profile

• Proven expertise in planning, designing, and executing multistakeholder engagement initiatives within international science, innovation, or development sectors.
• Strong facilitation and convening capabilities.
• Advanced skills in both quantitative and qualitative survey methodologies and data analysis.
• Experience in strategic communication and diplomatic engagement.
• Familiarity with strategy formulation and development processes.

Preference may be given to candidates with an in-depth understanding of CGIAR’s stakeholder landscape and its efforts in transforming food, land, and water systems through science and innovation.

Application Process and Additional Information

Applicants should submit a concise professional or company profile highlighting their experience and qualifications, a brief technical proposal detailing their approach and timeline, and a straightforward budget proposal outlining daily rates and workday breakdown per deliverable. All documents must be in English and exclude personal details such as marital status, age, and photographs.

CGIAR is committed to fostering diverse, safe, inclusive, and equitable workplaces across multiple cultures, generations, disciplines, and identities, emphasizing gender equity and global representation.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.