AGRA is a proudly African-led institution focused on scaling agricultural innovations that help smallholder farmers towards increased incomes, better livelihoods, and improved food security. We understand that African farmers need uniquely African solutions to the environmental and agricultural challenges they face, enabling them to sustainably boost production and gain access to rapidly growing agricultural markets. Founded in 2006, at a time when agricultural development was emerging from a 20-year decline characterized by minimal growth and investment in the sector, AGRA’s mission is to catalyze and sustain an agricultural transformation in Africa through innovation-driven productivity increases and access to markets and finance that improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.
AGRA’s Vision: To contribute to a food systems-led inclusive agricultural transformation across Africa, to reduce hunger, improve nutrition, and adapt to climate change. In delivering its mission to catalyze the growth of sustainable food systems across Africa, by influencing and leveraging partners to build a robust enabling environment where the private sector thrives and smallholders are empowered to produce sufficient, healthy food. Over the next five years, this vision will be delivered through an institutional strategy that seeks to achieve the following objectives: 1) Empower and build the resilience of smallholder farmers; 2) Support the development of inclusive markets and finance to strengthen agricultural systems; and 3) Strengthen state capability to sustain agricultural transformation.
For information about AGRA, please visit www.agra.org
Objective of the Assignment
To develop high-quality proposals for institutional donors (bilateral, multilateral, and development banks), as well as private sector and philanthropic foundations, that align with donor requirements and address AGRA’s needs.
Scope of work
AGRA is seeking experienced proposal writer/s with a proven track record of success to lead the development of proposals for institutional donors (bilateral, multilateral, and development banks), as well as private sector and philanthropic foundations.
The selected writers will play a key role in supporting AGRA to secure new funding by collaborating with AGRA’s technical and country teams to develop high-quality, competitive, and strategically aligned proposals. As lead proposal writers, they will ensure that all submissions are compelling, responsive to donor guidelines and priorities, and consistent with AGRA’s strategic objectives.
For specific assignments, writers may also be required to facilitate storyboarding sessions and project design workshops with AGRA’s technical teams. Successful applicants will be included in AGRA’s roster of proposal writers, from which the Development Cooperation team will request services as needed.
Methodology:
a) Familiarizing yourself with AGRA’s work, (institutional and country strategies and implementation plans), and other related thematic documents.
b) Research and background reading to familiarize yourself with the specific donor opportunity and alignment to AGRA’s strategy (request for proposals, TORs, and other published documents).
c) Gather and analyze information, working with AGRA’s technical teams (virtually or in-person) formulating content and managing inputs through engaging with technical experts.
d) Draft the technical proposal, incorporating win themes, consolidating, and integrating content from the Technical Lead and the wider technical teams. Create graphics and visuals as required.
5. Deliverables of the Assignment
A solid well-consolidated Concept Note / Proposal for donor submission, prepared in line with valid donor requirements. Including the following sections but not limited to: · Project/programme summary
· Project/programme information
· Financing information
· Logical framework
· Annexes in line with donor funding proposal requirements
· Any other information to be in line with donor requirements.
Duration of the assignment
The consultant/s may be contracted on a one-year framework contract renewable twice subject to performance and availability of funds to support specific assignments. Each assignment will vary between 10 days to 30 days in duration.
Responsibilities
The consultants’ roles are described above. The selected consultant/s will be responsible for writing high quality proposals, in full compliance with the requirements of the donor and quality standards of AGRA. The AGRA Technical Support team will provide the technical support needed at every stage of the consultancy and monitor the consultant activities.
Key responsibilities include:
i. Familiarizing yourself with AGRA’s work, (institutional and country strategies and implementation plans), and other related thematic documents.
ii. Coordinating the concept note/proposal development process by producing a workplan, tracking timelines and key deliverables.
iii. Research and background reading to familiarize yourself with the specific donor opportunity and alignment to AGRA’s strategy (request for proposals, TORs, and other published documents).
iv. Work with AGRA’s Technical Leads and other designated personnel to determine proposal concepts by participating in proposal planning, design, and ideation meetings.
v. Gather and analyze information, working with AGRA’s technical teams (virtually or in-person) formulating content and managing inputs through engaging with technical experts.
vi. Draft the technical proposal, incorporating win themes, consolidating, and integrating content from the Technical Lead and the wider technical teams. Create graphics and visuals as required.
vii. Incorporate feedback on the technical proposal from the review process and strengthen proposal drafts by incorporating changes through an iterative review process.
viii. Work with the Development Cooperation, technical and leadership teams to ensure that all relevant proposal content aligns with AGRA’s organizational values.
Key qualifications and experience required
The consultant will be selected on the basis of their proven experience, qualifications and ability to deliver a quality product in a timely and efficient manner. Minimum qualifications and experience of the consultant will include:
Note: This assignment is targeting both Consultancy firms and Individual Consultants; interested individual consultants to submit their experience, profile/CV, and rate card proposal.
The selected consultants will be added to AGRAs roster of proposal writers. The consultant may be contracted on a one-year framework contract renewable twice subject to performance and availability of funds to support specific assignments. Each assignment will vary between 10 days to 30 days in duration.
Communication and Coordination
The selected consultants will work closely, communicate and coordinate with Development Cooperation team.
Deadline on: November 12, 2025
