CGIAR Institutional Improvement Study (Historical Mergers & Early Integrations)

What we are seeking 

CGIAR is seeking an experienced individual consultant to undertake a concise analytical study of past mergers, alliances, and major institutional improvements / transformation processes across CGIAR. The study will systematically examine the drivers, processes, outcomes, and lessons from these experiences, with the aim of extracting insights to inform future strategic directions and organizational models. 

Objective and use of the study 

As part of the preparatory work to inform the development of CGIAR’s Strategy 2040, the Executive Managing Director is commissioning this study to examine the drivers, processes, outcomes, and lessons from selected institutional change experiences across CGIAR, with the aim of extracting insights to inform future strategic directions and organizational models. The study is linked to the broader CGIAR Strategy 2040 development process and will include regular check-in points with the strategy team.

Scope of work 

The consultant will: 

• Identify and document key mergers, alliances, and major institutional restructuring events across CGIAR. 
• Analyze the context and drivers behind each event (strategic, financial, governance, external pressures). 
• Assess implementation processes, including governance arrangements, integration approaches, partnerships and stakeholder management.
• Evaluate outcomes against intended objectives (e.g., efficiency gains, critical scientific mass, scientific impact, synergies, complementarities, collaboration effectiveness, enhancement of partnerships etc.). 
• Identify success and failure factors, common challenges, and unintended consequences. 
• Synthesize cross-cutting lessons and implications for future organizational models. 
• Provide forward-looking insights to inform CGIAR Strategy 2040, including potential scenarios and principles for future partnerships and structural evolution to be fit for purpose in 2040. 

The following indicative cases are expected to be analysed:

• CGIAR Alliance of Centers (2004 – 2010) 
• IFPRI–ISNAR (2004) 
• IBSRAM–IWMI (2001) INIBAP–Bioversity (1994) 
• Bean research center – CIAT Pabra (1973) 

Deliverables 

Following an inception discussion with the strategy team, the consultant is expected to deliver: 

• Inception note outlining methodology, case selection, and workplan. 
• Initial emerging insights (to be shared with the System Council as progress report). 
• Draft report for review. 
• Final report with scenarios / options (concise, decision-oriented, including executive summary and key lessons). 
• A guidance note for senior managers of CGIAR on future integration and improvement efforts based on the lessons and insights gained. 

Timeline 

• Short inception report (2–5 pages maximum): by 9 May 2026 
• Initial progress report with emerging insights: by 31 May 2026 
• Final deliverables: assignment to be completed by 31 July 2026 

Consultant profile 

The consultant should demonstrate: 

• Proven experience in institutional analysis, organizational development / transformation and / or mergers and alliances. 
• Deep, long-term familiarity with CGIAR (ideally at least 20 years of experience as a scientist and/or manager within CGIAR centres, System organizations, or closely related entities). 
• Strong understanding of the broader CGIAR context (including partners and related entities). 
• Ability to draw on relevant networks and resource persons involved in past CGIAR transformation efforts (desirable). 
• Sound knowledge of the history of CGIAR consolidation / integration cases (ideally having been involved). 

How to submit a quote 

• A short personal profile demonstrating relevant experience and qualifications. 
• A concise technical proposal outlining approach and delivery steps within the proposed timeframe. 
• A simple budget proposal outlining the proposed number of working days and the consultant’s daily rate, with costs broken down by deliverable. 

Evaluation criteria 

• Quality and relevance of experience and expertise. 
• Value for money. 
• Ability to deliver within the proposed timeline. 

Submission details 

Quotes should be submitted by email to [email protected], by May 4, 2026, 9am CEST.