About GAIN
The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) is a Swiss-based foundation launched at the UN in 2002 to tackle the human suffering caused by malnutrition. Working with both governments and businesses, GAIN aims to transform food systems so that they deliver more nutritious food for all people. The organization builds alliances between governments, local and global businesses, and civil society to deliver sustainable improvements at scale. Through these alliances, GAIN provides technical, financial, and policy support to strengthen food systems, using research and evidence to shape its own programs and influence the actions of others.
Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, GAIN has representative offices in The Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States, with country offices in Bangladesh, Benin, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Pakistan, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda. Programs and projects are implemented across multiple countries, particularly in Africa and Asia.
Background
Addressing the interlinked challenges of malnutrition, climate change, equity and inclusion, and resilience requires integrated approaches that work across all aspects of food systems, rather than in sectoral silos. The 2021 United Nations Food Systems Summit (UNFSS) reinforced the need for “food system transformation” to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. In response, GAIN is implementing the Nourishing Food Pathways program, an ambitious initiative aimed at accelerating progress towards these goals by supporting inclusive and coherent food systems transformation.
A key component of this initiative involves gaining a deeper understanding of food systems transformation processes, identifying facilitating factors, and addressing barriers. To support and inspire efforts toward food systems transformation, GAIN seeks to document 15 case studies exploring diverse approaches to change across different contexts. These case studies will examine initiatives led by individuals, civil society, private sector actors, international organizations, and governments, with a focus on policy-related changes. While most studies will explore increasing access to and consumption of healthy diets—particularly those linked to sustainable food systems—some may also highlight unsuccessful transformation efforts.
The research must adhere to rigorous analytical standards, critically examining both processes and outcomes. Case studies will involve mixed research methods, incorporating primary and secondary data collection. GAIN will provide a framework for analysis, including overarching research questions, while the consultant will be responsible for identifying case studies, engaging stakeholders, conducting data collection, and analyzing results.
The focus of the research will be on the transformation process, including the origins of initiatives, their development over time, and the key factors driving success or failure. The consultant must critically assess case details, document challenges, and identify how policy influence or broader systemic changes were achieved.
Scope of Work and Deliverables
The consultant will be responsible for identifying and analyzing 15 case studies, with approval from GAIN. This includes developing research methods, protocols, and data collection tools, obtaining ethical approval, and securing necessary permissions. The consultant will oversee data collection, ensuring compliance with ethical and quality standards, and conduct analysis to generate clear, well-documented findings. Deliverables include an initial case study selection, study protocols, qualitative and quantitative data, draft and final reports, and a comprehensive synthesis report.
The research is expected to begin in May 2025 and conclude by December 2026, with case studies staggered over time.
Expected Expertise
The consultant should have extensive experience conducting rigorous research, including case studies and mixed-methods analysis. Expertise in food systems, policy change processes, and research ethics is essential, along with experience working across multiple country contexts, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Strong project management, organizational skills, and a track record of successful collaborations with NGOs or research institutions are required.
This call for proposals is open to organizations registered in the European Union, European Economic Area, Switzerland, or low- and middle-income countries.
Instructions for Responding
Inquiries and communications should be directed to rfp@gainhealth.org.
Applicants must provide a detailed financial proposal, including all associated costs in USD.
Submissions should include a technical proposal (maximum 8 pages) outlining qualifications, proposed case study selection, research methods, stakeholder engagement, ethical considerations, team roles, and an indicative timeline. CVs of team members (up to 4 pages each) can be annexed. A separate financial proposal with a cost breakdown and a completed “Offer of Services” form must also be included.
Proposals should be sent to rfp@gainhealth.org by 21 April 2025 with the subject line “Global FST Case Studies.” The submission deadline is 21 April 2025, 23:39 Central European Time.
