CGIAR Institutional Improvement Study (System Reforms & Operational Models)

What we are seeking 

CGIAR is seeking an experienced individual consultant to undertake a concise analytical study of past mergers, alliances, and major institutional improvement and transformation processes across CGIAR. The study will inform the development of CGIAR’s Strategy 2040 by distilling lessons, success factors, challenges, and forward-looking insights relevant to future organizational models and partnerships. 

Objective and use of the study 

The assignment will systematically examine selected CGIAR institutional change experiences, including their drivers, implementation processes, and outcomes, with the aim of generating decision-oriented insights to support strategic discussions on future institutional development as part of the Strategy 2040 process. Regular check-in points with the CGIAR strategy team will be expected. 

Scope of work The consultant will: 

• Identify and document key mergers, alliances, and major institutional restructuring events across CGIAR. 
• Analyse the context and drivers behind each case, including strategic, financial, governance, and external factors. 
• Assess implementation processes, including governance arrangements, integration approaches, partnerships, and stakeholder management. 
• Evaluate outcomes against intended objectives (for example efficiency gains, scientific impact, synergies, complementarities, and collaboration effectiveness). 
• Identify success and failure factors, common challenges, and unintended consequences. 
• Synthesize cross-cutting lessons and implications for future CGIAR organizational models. 
• Provide forward-looking insights, including potential scenarios and principles to inform Strategy 2040 and future partnerships, ensuring fitness for purpose toward 2040. 

The following indicative cases are expected to be analysed: 

• ICARDA decentralization (2012)
• Shared services efforts across centers, including ILRI–ICRAF and the IRRI–IWMI– WorldFish tripartite arrangement (circa 2025) 
• ILRI–ILCA and ILRAD merger (1994) 
• System-wide One CGIAR reform (2021–2023) 
• BECA and Addis Campus model (ILRI) 

Deliverables 

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

• Inception note outlining methodology, case selection, and workplan. • Initial progress note with emerging insights, to be shared as an interim update. 
• Draft analytical report for review. 
• Final report, concise and decision-oriented, including an executive summary, key lessons, and scenarios or options for future institutional development. 
• A guidance note for senior CGIAR managers on future integration and institutional improvement efforts, based on the lessons and insights generated. 

Timeline 

• Short inception note (2–5 pages maximum): by 9 May 2026 
• Initial progress update 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 or transformation, and/or mergers and alliances. 
• Deep, long-term familiarity with CGIAR, with at least 20 years of experience as a scientist and/or manager within CGIAR Centres, System organizations, or closely related entities. 
• Strong knowledge of historical CGIAR consolidation, integration, and restructuring processes. 
• Ability to draw on relevant networks and resource persons involved in past CGIAR transformation efforts. 

How to submit a quote 

Interested consultants are invited to submit a brief quote by email, including: 

• 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 

Quotes will be assessed based on: 

• 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 emd-support@cgiar.org, by 4 May 2026 9 am CEST.