Call for Proposals: External Mid-Term Review of UK-CGIAR Centre – Consultancy Opportunity Worth Approximately £100,000
CABI has announced an exciting international consultancy opportunity for qualified organisations and consortia to conduct an External Mid-Term Learning Review of the UK-CGIAR Centre. The assignment is open to applicants worldwide and seeks experienced evaluation teams with strong expertise in agriculture, international development, monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL), and research impact assessment.
This high-level consultancy will provide an independent review of the Centre’s progress, achievements, challenges, and future direction. Successful applicants will support evidence-based decision-making and contribute to strengthening global efforts toward food security and sustainable agricultural research.
CABI Seeks Experienced Evaluation Teams for UK-CGIAR Centre Review
The UK-CGIAR Centre brings together scientists from the United Kingdom and the CGIAR network to develop impact-focused research collaborations aimed at addressing global food security challenges.
The External Mid-Term Review will assess the Centre’s first phase of implementation, examining how effectively the programme has delivered against its objectives and identifying opportunities for improvement.
The review will provide valuable insights for stakeholders, including programme leaders, researchers, donors, and partners, helping shape future investments and programme strategies.
The consultancy is designed for organisations, evaluation firms, and expert consortia with proven experience delivering complex international reviews and assessments.
Purpose of the External Mid-Term Learning Review
The main purpose of the assignment is to conduct an independent assessment of the UK-CGIAR Centre’s performance and provide practical recommendations for future programme development.
The review will:
- Assess progress made during the Centre’s first phase.
- Identify successes, challenges, and lessons learned.
- Examine the effectiveness of research collaborations.
- Analyse the use of evidence, innovation, and learning.
- Provide recommendations for improving programme delivery.
- Support future decision-making and donor investment planning.
The review will follow the internationally recognised OECD-DAC evaluation criteria, ensuring a structured and credible assessment process.
Scope of the Consultancy Assignment
The selected review team will evaluate two of the most advanced implementation projects within the UK-CGIAR Centre portfolio, alongside assessing the overall performance and management of the Centre.
The review will focus on areas including:
- Programme relevance and effectiveness.
- Research collaboration models.
- Innovation and knowledge generation.
- Impact pathways and outcomes.
- Learning processes and adaptation.
- Partnership approaches.
- Opportunities for strengthening future activities.
The successful consultancy team will be expected to engage with key stakeholders, analyse available programme evidence, and develop recommendations that can improve the Centre’s long-term impact.
Key Deliverables for the Successful Consultant
The selected organisation or consortium will be responsible for producing several important outputs throughout the review process.
Expected deliverables include:
Inception Report
The consultancy team will develop an inception report outlining the review methodology, approach, evaluation framework, stakeholder engagement strategy, and timeline.
Draft Review Report
A comprehensive draft report will be prepared presenting findings, analysis, lessons learned, and preliminary recommendations.
Final Review Report
Following feedback from stakeholders, the team will produce a final report containing evidence-based conclusions and recommendations.
Presentation to UK-CGIAR Board
The successful team will also present findings and recommendations directly to the UK-CGIAR Board to support strategic discussions and future planning.
Consultancy Timeline and Important Dates
The External Mid-Term Learning Review will take place between September and November 2026.
Key dates include:
- Proposal submission deadline: 10 August 2026
- Contracting period: 24–31 August 2026
- Learning review period: September–November 2026
- Draft report submission: 30 November 2026
- Final report submission: 15 December 2026
Applicants should ensure their proposals demonstrate the ability to complete the assignment within the required timeframe.
Consultancy Budget and Financial Details
The estimated consultancy budget is approximately £100,000.
Applicants are required to submit:
- A detailed financial proposal.
- Budget justification.
- Evidence demonstrating relevant experience.
- Details of team expertise and regional knowledge.
Proposals should clearly explain how resources will be allocated to successfully deliver the review.
Required Qualifications and Experience
CABI is seeking experienced evaluation professionals with strong backgrounds in international development and agricultural research.
Applicants should demonstrate:
- A gender-balanced evaluation team.
- A senior evaluator with at least 10 years of relevant experience.
- Strong expertise in agriculture and development programmes.
- Extensive monitoring, evaluation, and learning experience.
- Experience conducting complex external reviews.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
- Knowledge of relevant review regions and local contexts.
Organisations or consortia with experience evaluating research partnerships, donor-funded programmes, and global development initiatives will be strongly suited for this opportunity.
Why Apply for This International Consultancy Opportunity?
This consultancy offers a unique opportunity for evaluation experts to contribute to a major global initiative focused on improving food security through scientific collaboration.
The assignment provides successful applicants with the chance to:
- Work with an internationally recognised development organisation.
- Influence future agricultural research strategies.
- Support evidence-based global development decisions.
- Contribute to improving research impact and innovation.
- Collaborate with scientists and development professionals worldwide.
The opportunity is particularly suitable for consulting firms, research organisations, evaluation specialists, and development experts with experience in large-scale international programmes.
How to Submit a Proposal
Interested organisations and consortia should submit their proposals, including a detailed budget and evidence of relevant experience, by 10 August 2026.
Applications should be sent via email to:
Questions regarding submissions can be directed to:
a.mckay@cabi.org and c.rowley@cabi.org
Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the full job profile document before preparing their proposals.
Conclusion
The External Mid-Term Review of the UK-CGIAR Centre represents a significant opportunity for experienced evaluation teams to contribute to global food security efforts. With a consultancy budget of approximately £100,000, the assignment seeks highly qualified professionals capable of delivering a rigorous, independent assessment that will guide future programme improvements.
Organisations with expertise in agriculture, development evaluation, MEL, and research impact are encouraged to submit proposals and play a role in shaping the future of international agricultural collaboration.
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