Job Description

We are seeking seasoned, proficient, and dedicated training experts and facilitators proficient in English and/or French to collaborate with us on a short-term, assignment-based basis. These consultants will support the design, delivery, and evaluation of AWARD’s training and capacity-building programs, contributing directly to strengthening Africa’s AR4D leadership and institutional resilience.Areas of expertise required

1. Gender Equity in agrifood systems
2. Gender responsive agriculture policies
3. Gender and Climate Sciences
4. Gender Equity and Social Inclusion
5. Innovation and technological development
6. Leadership and management development
7. Negotiation skills
8. Executive leadership coaching
9. Mentorship
10. Curriculum design and delivery (virtual and in-person programs)

Duties and responsibilities

Expected Key Training Tasks and Responsibilities

The training consultants will play a critical role in delivery of high-quality capacity strengthening training programs across Africa. During this period consultants will be engaged periodically based on programmatic demand and expertise required. As part of AWARD’s distinguished network of international trainers, the consultants will join a dynamic community of AR4D professionals committed to fostering gender responsive agricultural innovation in Africa. In addition to assignment-based engagements, the experts will benefit from access to AWARD’s knowledge resources, collaborative platforms, and professional networking opportunities, strengthening their connection to a continent-wide ecosystem of practice. The experts will be engaged in training activities including:

1. Design and carry out training needs assessments
2. Design course programs and objectives based on assessment analyses
3. Develop interactive, engaging, and impactful course content and methodology
4. Prepare, deliver, and co-facilitate the trainings in line with the schedule and objectives set
5. Actively participate in debrief sessions with other trainers
6. Plan, prepare and/or facilitate training related meetings
7. Design and conduct course evaluations
8. Prepare and submit comprehensive training reports

Education, knowledge and experience

Consultant Qualification and Knowledge requirements
1. Advanced university degree in education, adult learning, agricultural sciences, social sciences, natural sciences and other relevant disciplines.
2. Subject matter expertise in one or more of these areas (gender in agriculture, policy, climate science, innovation and technology, research proposal writing, scientific writing and publishing, research methods, women’s leadership, organisational development, mentoring and coaching)
3. A minimum of ten years’ working experience in designing and delivering capacity development programs regionally and/or internationally
4. Knowledge of adult learning principles in capacity development programs and experience in the development and design of curricula and course materials
5. Excellent presentation and facilitation skills
6. Relevant experience and knowledge of the African Agriculture Research for Development landscape
7. Experience working with diverse teams including different nationalities, gender, cultures, age groups and across sectors.
8. Familiarity and knowledge in the use of ICT tools in course delivery (demonstrated ability to create professional power points, organize webinars, work with different online tools/applications, experience with Open-Source Learning Systems such as Massive Open Online Course MOOCs, ability to manage tutorial chat rooms, etc.)
9. Trainers with certification in leadership, mentoring, gender training (these can include Meyers Briggs Type Indicator-MBTI, BELBIN, Emotional Intelligence, Leadership Circle, 360-degree feedback programs or others), will have an added advantage.
10. Formal certification in inclusive education, special needs education, or disability studies is an added advantage.
11. Demonstrated experience facilitating mixed-ability groups respectfully and effectively.
12. Proficiency in English and/or French.

Personal attributes and competencies

1. A positive professional attitude: ability to work independently, work under pressure and manage tight deadline with a degree of flexibility
2. Excellent interpersonal skills: communications, working productively in diverse teams, client relations, positive collaboration with colleagues and partners at all levels
3. Proactive, creative problem solver
4. Values sharing of information, constructive learning for continuous improvement
5. Passion for capacity building and supporting social impact development
6. Strong ethical standards, including confidentiality and impartiality

Terms and conditions

• Qualified and interested training experts are invited to submit expressions of interest and curriculum vitae to: AwardTraining@cifor-icraf.org. Expressions of interest will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and early submissions are strongly encouraged.
• Successful candidates will be formally notified and added to CIFOR-ICRAF – AWARD’s pool of approved training experts. Inclusion in the pool does not guarantee immediate engagement but provides eligibility for assignment-based consultancy opportunities aligned with program needs.

Application process

The application deadline is 18 Jun 2026
We will acknowledge all applications, but will contact only short-listed candidates.