AWARD Training Consultants Call 2026: Expert Opportunity to Advance Gender-Responsive Agricultural Transformation in Africa
The African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD), in collaboration with the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF), has announced a call for Training Consultants to support its expanding capacity-strengthening programmes across Africa. This consultancy opportunity is part of a broader effort to strengthen gender-responsive agricultural research and development (AR4D) systems and build leadership capacity within the agrifood sector.
As climate change, food insecurity, and inequality continue to challenge agricultural systems globally, initiatives like AWARD play a crucial role in developing skilled professionals who can drive inclusive and sustainable transformation. This call for consultants seeks experienced trainers, facilitators, and subject matter experts to contribute to high-impact learning programmes delivered across the continent.
About AWARD and CIFOR-ICRAF Collaboration
African Women in Agricultural Research and Development is a leading African initiative dedicated to strengthening the leadership and technical capacity of women in agricultural science and development. Since its establishment in 2008, AWARD has supported emerging African women scientists and promoted gender equality across agricultural research systems.
The programme operates in collaboration with CIFOR-ICRAF, a globally recognized research institution focused on forestry, agroforestry, and sustainable landscape management. Together, these institutions form part of the CGIAR research network, which works to reduce poverty, enhance food security, and improve natural resource management.
Through this partnership, AWARD and CIFOR-ICRAF are strengthening Africa’s agricultural innovation ecosystem by investing in leadership development, institutional capacity, and gender-responsive research systems.
Purpose of the Training Consultant Role
The Training Consultant role is designed to enhance the quality, reach, and effectiveness of AWARD’s capacity-building programmes. Consultants will contribute to the design, delivery, and evaluation of training interventions that target agricultural researchers, policymakers, and development practitioners.
Rather than a permanent position, this is a roster-based consultancy. Experts will be engaged on a short-term, assignment-driven basis depending on programme needs and areas of expertise. This flexible model allows AWARD to draw from a diverse pool of global professionals while ensuring high-quality and context-specific training delivery.
Consultants will join a dynamic network of facilitators working across Africa’s agrifood research landscape, contributing to systemic change through knowledge transfer and leadership development.
Key Areas of Expertise Required
AWARD is seeking professionals with expertise in one or more of the following areas:
- Gender equity in agrifood systems
- Gender-responsive agricultural policy development
- Climate science and gender integration
- Social inclusion and equity in development systems
- Agricultural innovation and technology adoption
- Leadership and executive development
- Mentorship and coaching programmes
- Negotiation and facilitation skills
- Curriculum design and adult learning methodologies
These areas reflect AWARD’s commitment to building inclusive agricultural systems that respond to both scientific and social challenges.
Key Responsibilities of Consultants
Selected Training Consultants will contribute to the full training lifecycle, ensuring that learning programmes are impactful, participatory, and aligned with development goals. Responsibilities include:
- Conducting training needs assessments to identify skill gaps
- Designing curriculum frameworks and learning objectives
- Developing interactive and engaging training materials
- Delivering and co-facilitating virtual and in-person training sessions
- Participating in debriefing and knowledge-sharing sessions with other experts
- Supporting planning and coordination of training activities
- Designing evaluation tools to measure training effectiveness
- Preparing detailed training reports after assignments
Consultants will be expected to bring innovation, adaptability, and strong facilitation skills to ensure training programmes meet diverse participant needs across African contexts.
Required Qualifications and Experience
Applicants are expected to meet the following criteria:
- Advanced degree in education, agriculture, social sciences, or related fields
- At least 10 years of experience in capacity development or training design
- Strong knowledge of adult learning principles and curriculum development
- Experience delivering regional or international training programmes
- Excellent facilitation, communication, and presentation skills
- Understanding of African agricultural research systems
- Experience working with multicultural and multidisciplinary teams
- Proficiency in digital learning tools, webinars, and online platforms
Additional advantages include certifications in leadership development tools (such as MBTI or emotional intelligence frameworks), gender training, coaching, or inclusive education.
Personal Attributes and Competencies
AWARD places strong emphasis on personal qualities that support effective collaboration and knowledge sharing. Ideal candidates should demonstrate:
- Strong ethical standards, including confidentiality and impartiality
- Ability to work independently under tight deadlines
- Creativity and problem-solving skills
- Commitment to continuous learning and improvement
- Strong interpersonal and communication abilities
- Passion for gender equality and social impact
- Ability to work effectively in diverse and multicultural environments
These competencies ensure consultants can contribute meaningfully to AWARD’s mission-driven programmes.
Application Process
Interested candidates are invited to submit their Expression of Interest and Curriculum Vitae to:
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and early submission is strongly encouraged. Successful applicants will be added to AWARD’s roster of approved training consultants. Inclusion in the roster does not guarantee immediate assignment but provides eligibility for future consultancy opportunities.
The deadline for applications is 18 June 2026.
Final Overview
The AWARD Training Consultants opportunity represents a significant chance for experienced professionals to contribute to Africa’s agricultural transformation agenda. By supporting gender-responsive training and capacity development, consultants will help strengthen leadership, innovation, and institutional resilience across the agrifood sector.
Through its collaboration with CIFOR-ICRAF and the broader CGIAR network, AWARD continues to build pathways for inclusive agricultural development. This consultancy not only offers professional engagement but also provides a platform to influence meaningful, long-term change in Africa’s food systems.
For professionals passionate about gender equality, agricultural innovation, and leadership development, this opportunity stands as a gateway to impactful, continent-wide contribution.
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Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to RJO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
