The CGIAR Consortium set up a Consortium Office in Montpellier, France, in March 2011. This provides a single point of contact for donors. The Consortium Office:
- Supports the Consortium Board and helps it carry out its responsibilities;
- Helps Research Centers which are members of the CGIAR Consortium communicate and collaborate among themselves and with the Consortium Board;
- Positions the Consortium globally, advocates for international agricultural research and mobilizes resources;
- Negotiates with donors;
- Explores opportunities to improve efficiency, adopt best practices, and share knowledge;
- Develops, in cooperation with the Research Centers which are members of the CGIAR Consortium, donors, and partners, the CGIAR Strategy and Results Framework for approval by the Funders Forum;
- Maintains relations with donors and the CGIAR Fund Council with a view to obtaining funding for CGIAR Research Programs and the Research Centers which are members of the CGIAR Consortium;
- In cooperation with Research Centers which are members of the CGIAR Consortium, approves and manages the performance of CGIAR Research Programs;
- Reviews the efficiency and structure of the Research Centers which are members of the CGIAR Consortium and decides on appropriate action in accordance with the Constitution; and
- In cooperation with Research Centers which are members of the CGIAR Consortium, develops, manages, and operates shared services to boost efficiency.