International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC)

Role Description IFDC seeks a consultant to implement a consultancy in two phases: - Short-term: establish a shared foundation for budget development - Medium-term: develop and institutionalize standardized guidance for key cost-drivers The purpose of this consultancy is to strengthen IFDC’s institutional capacity to develop competitive, donor-compliant, financially sound, and strategically aligned financial proposals through standardized systems, tools, templates, workflows, and governance structures. Objectives - Strengthen IFDC’s financial proposal development processes and governance structures - Develop standardized budgeting and pricing guidance across donor mechanisms - Improve financial risk analysis and go/no-go decision-making capacity - Modernize budget templates and financial proposal tools - Standardize key cost assumptions and pricing methodologies - Strengthen subcontractor and consortium financial engagement frameworks - Build institutional capacity and improve cross-functional coordination Scope of Work The Consultant shall perform, at minimum, the following tasks in two phases: Phase 1: Short-term analysis - Financial Proposal Process Review and Workflow Mapping - Review of IFDC’s existing proposal development and budget preparation processes - Conduct consultations with relevant departments and regional teams - Map current workflows, approvals, and decision points - Identify process inefficiencies, duplication, bottlenecks, and compliance gaps - Assess accountability structures and ownership responsibilities - Benchmark IFDC’s current processes against industry best practices - Budget Template Modernization - Review current IFDC budget templates and functionality - Update IFDC’s budget templates to be more adaptable across donor types and contract mechanisms - Improve automation, usability, and reporting functionality - Integrate dashboards and key financial metrics - Ensure templates support: - Cost-reimbursable budgeting - Fixed-price budgeting - Milestone-based budgeting - Multi-country proposals - Consortium structures - Development of Financial Proposal Governance Framework - Develop a standardized financial proposal governance framework - Review and revise existing cost proposal development policy - Refine roles and responsibilities across departments based on revised policy - Review and refine proposal approval protocols and escalation procedures - Define financial review and sign-off requirements Phase 1: Deliverables - Draft work plan (inception) - Financial proposal workflow and gap analysis report - Financial proposal governance framework and SOPs - Standardized pricing and cost assumptions guidance - Modernized budget templates Phase 2: Once the cost proposal process is in place, the consultant will assist IFDC to develop and institutionalize standardized guidance for key cost drivers. Anticipated activities include: - Align cost structure with IFDC’s market positioning and growth strategy - Review IFDC’s strategy and market analysis - Review IFDC’s current client and donor list and current donor requirements and performance - Standardization of Cost Assumptions and Pricing Guidance - Review and assess current institutional cost structures - Develop standardized guidance for Dutch and EU donors that addresses: - Salary scales - Compensation benchmarks - Project support staff allocations or assumptions - Fringe benefit calculations - Level-of-effort assumptions - Travel assumptions - Procurement assumptions - Office and operational setup assumptions - Indirect cost rates - Fee and markup strategies - Financial Risk Assessment and Pursuit Decision Framework - Review and refine criteria for go/no-go decision-making - Incorporate analysis of: - Working capital exposure - Payment mechanism risks - Subcontractor dependency risks - Cash flow implications - Indirect cost recovery - Donor compliance exposure - Profitability and sustainability considerations - Develop “back-of-envelope” pricing and financial modeling tools - Subcontractor and Partner Financial Engagement Framework - Develop standardized subcontractor financial engagement procedures - Design due diligence and risk assessment tools - Develop pricing negotiation guidance - Establish documentation standards and compliance protocols - Develop cost-sharing and pass-through guidance - Capacity Building and Institutionalization - Conduct training workshops for Finance, Programs, and Business Development staff - Develop training materials and SOPs - Support pilot implementation on selected proposals - Provide recommendations for long-term institutionalization - Knowledge Management and Continuous Improvement Framework - Design a framework for capturing lessons learned from proposal development and implementation - Develop a system for analyzing budget-versus-actual project data - Recommend mechanisms for integrating donor feedback into future proposal pricing strategies - Develop a continuous improvement roadmap Phase 2 Deliverables - Revised cost and pricing assumptions - Subcontractor engagement framework - Completion of 3 online capacity-building sessions - Final implementation roadmap and consultancy report Qualifications - Minimum 10 years of experience supporting donor-funded international development organizations - Demonstrated expertise in financial proposal strategy, pricing, and donor compliance - Experience with USAID, USDA, EU, IFAD, and multilateral donor mechanisms - Strong expertise in performance-based contracting and financial risk analysis - Experience developing institutional budgeting tools and governance systems Duration The consultancy is expected to be implemented over an estimated period of 3-6 months. Expected Outcome The assignment is expected to result in a standardized, competitive, and institutionally aligned financial proposal development framework that strengthens IFDC’s donor competitiveness, financial risk management, and operations. 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.

Role Description The overall objective of this consultancy is to ensure that project activities are planned and implemented in a manner consistent with IFAD's SECAP and applicable national environmental and social guidelines. The consultant will work to identify potential social, environmental, and climate risks and impacts, and ensure that appropriate preventative, mitigation, and monitoring measures are incorporated into project design and implementation. Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to: - Rapid SECAP Compliance Assessment: - Conduct a structured review of IFDC's current environmental and social safeguard infrastructure and the project design. - Review of the project's Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) and Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF) and assessment of their alignment with IFAD SECAP standards. - Assess IFDC's existing environmental and social policies, procedures, and management systems against IFAD SECAP requirements. - Review of planned project activities against SECAP's nine standards: biodiversity conservation; resource efficiency and pollution prevention; cultural heritage; Indigenous Peoples; labour and working conditions; community health and safety; physical and economic resettlement; financial intermediaries and direct investments; and climate change. - Identify activities that may cause significant environmental, health, or safety hazards as defined under SECAP, with particular attention to prohibited uses of funds. - Assess IFDC's capacity to implement, monitor, and report on environmental and social safeguards. - Review IFAD's mainstreaming themes that is youth, gender, nutrition, environment, and climate and how they are integrated into the current project design. - Gap Analysis and Guidance: - Prepare a gap analysis mapping current practices and project design against IFAD SECAP requirements and relevant national guidelines for environmental and social impact assessment. - Develop a prioritized, time-bound action plan for addressing identified gaps and strengthening safeguard systems. - Provide guidance on determining appropriate mitigation measures for identified negative social, environmental, and climate impacts. - Advise on the implementation of environmental and social safeguards as defined in the ESMF and RPF. - Provide guidance on procurement implications of SECAP requirements as relevant. - Advise opportunities to maximize development gains by incorporating environmental, social, and climate solutions throughout the project cycle. - System Design Support and Tools Development: - Draft or revise the project's Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) as needed, consistent with the ESMF. - Develop screening tools and checklists for assessing environmental and social risks of project activities at the sub-project or activity level. - Prepare templates and guidance for SECAP implementation quarterly reporting to be submitted to IFAD as required. - Establish procedures for timely reporting of serious incidents related to environmental, social, health, and safety practices, consistent with IFAD's Incident Procedure. - Provide guidance on IFAD's Enhanced Complaints Procedure, including how affected people may file complaints regarding SECAP non-compliance. - Support the development of staff orientation materials on SECAP obligations and safeguard responsibilities. - Follow-On Support (As Needed): - Provide capacity building for IFDC and project staff on SECAP implementation and environmental and social risk management. - Review and quality assurance of SECAP implementation quarterly reports prior to submission to IFAD. - Review periodic safeguard compliance through project implementation. - Advise any project activities that may require updated environmental or social assessments. Qualifications - Advanced degree in environmental science, social science, sustainable development, natural resource management, or a related field. - Minimum 7 years of professional experience in environmental and/or social safeguards management, with at least 3 years on IFAD-funded or comparable multilateral development bank projects. - Demonstrated knowledge of IFAD's SECAP framework, including its nine standards, mainstreaming themes, and complaint and incident procedures. - Experience developing or reviewing ESMFs, RPFs, ESMPs, and safeguard monitoring and reporting tools. - Familiarity with relevant national environmental and social impact assessment guidelines for South Sudan or comparable fragile/conflict-affected contexts. - Experience integrating gender, youth, nutrition, and climate considerations into safeguard frameworks. - Strong analytical and report-writing skills in English. - Experience in South Sudan/East Africa strongly preferred. - Familiarity with the agricultural development sector is an advantage. Requirements - Advanced degree in environmental science, social science, sustainable development, natural resource management, or a related field. - Minimum 7 years of professional experience in environmental and/or social safeguards management, with at least 3 years on IFAD-funded or comparable multilateral development bank projects. - Demonstrated knowledge of IFAD's SECAP framework, including its nine standards, mainstreaming themes, and complaint and incident procedures. - Experience developing or reviewing ESMFs, RPFs, ESMPs, and safeguard monitoring and reporting tools. - Familiarity with relevant national environmental and social impact assessment guidelines for South Sudan or comparable fragile/conflict-affected contexts. - Experience integrating gender, youth, nutrition, and climate considerations into safeguard frameworks. - Strong analytical and report-writing skills in English. - Experience in South Sudan/East Africa strongly preferred. - Familiarity with the agricultural development sector is an advantage. Key Deliverables The assignment is expected to span approximately four to six weeks. Location and Duration This is a short-term consultancy to be conducted either in Juba, South Sudan or remotely. Reporting and Work Relationship The role will report to the Project Manager and will work closely with IFDC and project staff. Payment Fees and Terms The consultant will receive payment for his work in accordance with the terms of the contract. 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.

Role Description The overall objective of this consultancy is to ensure that IFDC's procurement systems meet IFAD's standards and that the project is equipped to implement procurement activities in a transparent, efficient, and accountable manner. Specific objectives may include but are not limited to: - Rapid Systems Assessment: - Conduct a rapid but structured review of IFDC’s current procurement management infrastructure, including: - Review of existing procurement manuals, policies, and standard operating procedures; - Assessment of the current procurement planning process, including methods for scheduling purchases, advertising tenders, and evaluating bids; - Evaluate supplier/vendor management practices, including pre-qualification, performance monitoring, and contract management; - Review of internal controls, segregation of duties, and oversight mechanisms; - Assess of staff capacity and training needs related to procurement; - Benchmark against IFAD's procurement guidelines and Procurement Handbook requirements; - Review of mechanisms to ensure the highest ethical standards are observed by all personnel involved in procurement and contract execution. - Gap Analysis and Guidance: - Prepare a detailed gap analysis mapping current practices against IFAD minimum requirements; - Develop a prioritized action plan with concrete, time-bound recommendations for system improvements; - Provide guidance on establishing a transparent Procurement Management System that includes: - Clear and documented procedures for planning of purchases; - Tender processes that guarantee high-quality and cost-effective outcomes; - Mechanisms for ensuring sufficient, high-quality supply of goods and services to end consumers within required timeframes; - Conflict-of-interest declarations and codes of ethical conduct for procurement staff; - Advise any required updates to IFDC's organizational policies or governance documents. - Procurement Plan Preparation: - Support IFDC and the project Procurement Manager in preparing and finalizing the project Procurement Plan, ensuring it meets IFAD standards and is ready for submission within 30 days of project contract signature. This includes: - Support drafting of the initial Procurement Plan covering all planned goods, works, and services for at least the first 18 months of project implementation; - Ensure the plan reflects the appropriate procurement methods, estimated costs, review procedures, and timelines. - Follow-On Support (As Needed): - Subject to satisfactory performance and project needs, the consultant may be engaged for follow-on support including: - Develop or revise procurement manuals and templates aligned to IFAD standards; - Build capacity building workshops for IFDC procurement and project staff; - Review and assure quality of procurement packages prior to tender launch; - Review periodic compliance through project implementation. Qualifications - Advanced degree in procurement, supply chain management, business administration, law, or a related field; - Minimum 7 years of professional experience in procurement management, with at least 3 years on IFAD funded or comparable multilateral development bank contracts; - Demonstrated knowledge of IFAD procurement guidelines, policies, and fiduciary requirements; - Proven track record in developing procurement plans, manuals, and institutional capacity building; - Experience working with government counterparts and national institutions in developing countries; - Strong analytical and report-writing skills in English; - Familiarity with the agricultural development sector is an advantage; - Experience in South Sudan/East Africa preferred. Key Deliverables - The consultant will conduct a rapid assessment of IFDC's current procurement systems, provide targeted guidance, and support the preparation of foundational procurement documents required within 30 days of contract signature. Location and Duration - This is a short-term consultancy to be conducted either in Juba, South Sudan or remotely. - The assignment is expected to span approximately four to six weeks. Reporting and Work Relationship - The role will report to the Project Manager and will work closely with IFDC Procurement Team and project staff. Payment Fees and Terms - The consultant will receive payment for his work in accordance with the terms of the contract. 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.