Writer and Resource Mobilization Support

Main purpose of position

ICARDA is in the process of implementing an exciting program of organizational change and operationalizing a new research strategy that will address today’s development challenges in the dry areas more effectively alongside a new business model to enhance the organization’s ability to deliver its mission in the context of One CGIAR.
The incumbent will be providing support for the delivery of documentation to ICARDA’s Board of Trustees and to support its research strategy via effective resource mobilization activities. The areas of engagement are two-fold:

- Under the guidance of the Board Secretary, Deputy Director General - Research, and Head of Partnerships and Resource Mobilization, provide technical contribution in terms of the development and finalization of documentation for the Board of Trustees
- Under the guidance of the Head of Partnerships and Resource Mobilization undertake analysis and reporting on country/regional strategies and documentation to further align ICARDA’s work with regional stakeholder and donor needs

Reporting to the Board Secretary, Deputy Director General - Research, and Head of Partnerships and Resource Mobilization
**Location**: Remote
About ICARDA
The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) is a treaty-based international non-profit research organization supported by CGIAR.
All CGIAR Centers are currently engaged into a reform process (“One CGIAR’”) that will help ICARDA and CGIAR achieve better impact through more strategically integrated research, unified governance, an integrated structure and new research modalities across participating Research Centers. This transformation is supported by CGIAR donors who have committed to increased funding as a result of these reforms.
Main responsibilities
A. Under the instruction of the Board Secretary, and the Deputy Director General of Research (or their designates), you will be the lead writer and editor of key documentation to ICARDA’s Board of Trustees. In particular, you will:

- Consolidate all relevant internal ICARDA information and write, upon request:

- ICARDA science-related documents (i.e., ICARDA Program of Work and research updates, between 15-20 pages)
- Other Board documents (i.e., Director General Report to the Board, between 10-20 pages)
- Support the development of PowerPoint presentations for some of the above reports
- Undertake other drafting tasks as may be requested from time-to-time

B. Under the instruction of the Head of Partnerships and Resource Mobilization, you will undertake the following:

- Analysis and reporting of country/regional strategies for agriculture, environment, climate change or other, including but not limited to government-prepared documents, NDCs (Nationally Determined Contributions), and others as they relate to ICARDA’s focus countries.
- Analysis on donor-developed strategies and link to country strategies.
- Other drafting or summary tasks inclusive of concept note and proposal development needs, as requested.

**Requirements**:
Education, qualifications, requirements, and experience
Essential qualifications and competencies
- Outstanding verbal and written English.
- Extensive experience as a writer of documents for grant bids.
- Experience analyzing and summarizing country/regional agriculture, environment, and climate change strategies.
- Experience analyzing and summarizing donor strategies at a global and country level.
- Knowledge of the issues related to ICARDA’s mission such as agricultural development, research for development, food security, sustainable agriculture, and climate change.
- High degree of tact, discretion, and good judgement to effectively manage sensitive and confidential matters.
- High geopolitical awareness, especially with respect to the CWANA region.
- Outstanding interpersonal and communications skills.
- Excellent priority setting, planning and organizational skills.

Desirable qualifications and competencies
- Experience drafting succinct documents acceptable for consumption by a governing body, similar to ICARDA’s Board of Trustees.
- High working level proficiency in Arabic or French.
- Knowledge of CGIAR.
- Tertiary degree in International Development, Political Science, Business, Economics, or demonstrated experience and/or knowledge in relevant fields

**Benefits**:
With respect to this work, ICARDA may engage more than one consultant for the responsibilities listed above.