(24-30) Consultant for Delegation of Authority Policy Design

Call for International Consultancy Services Consultant for Delegation of Authority Policy Design (C-24-30)

DEPARTMENT: CIP – Legal Services Unit

WORK LOCATION: Remote with potential travel to CIP headquarters and/or regional offices as needed CLOSING DATE: Sep 15, 2024

The International Potato Center (CIP) is a research-for-development organization dedicated to the study, improvement, and sustainable use of potatoes, sweet potatoes, and other root and tuber crops. CIP is a member of the CGIAR, a global partnership that unites organizations engaged in research for a food-secure future.

As part of CIP's commitment to align with the CGIAR's One CGIAR strategy and its own 2030 Strategy, which emphasizes regionalization and decentralized decision-making, CIP is restructuring its organizational framework. A key component of this restructuring is the design and implementation of a comprehensive Delegation of Authority (DoA) policy that will guide decision-making processes across all levels of the organization, from headquarters to regional offices. Objective:

To design a Delegation of Authority policy and related procedures that align with CIP's new organizational structure and supports the regionalization goals set forth in CIP's 2030 Strategy. The operational model is based on decentralizing decision-making authority at the country, regional and HQ level. This approach is designed to enhance responsiveness, flexibility and local empowerment.

Scope of Work:

The consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:

1.Review and Analysis:

• Review CIP’s current organizational structure and the envisioned structure under the 2030 Strategy, with a focus on regionalization.

• Analyse existing decision-making processes, governance structures, and authority delegations within CIP (Headquarters and Regions)

• Assess relevant CGIAR policies and procedures that may inform the development of CIP’s DoA policy. 2. Stakeholder Engagement:

• Engage with key stakeholders, including senior management, regional office leaders, and governance bodies, to understand their needs and expectations regarding decision-making authority.

• Conduct interviews and workshops as necessary to gather insights and feedback on the current and desired state of authority delegation.

3. Design of Delegation of Authority Policy:

• Develop a draft DoA policy that clearly outlines the delegation of decision-making authority across all levels of CIP’s operations, considering legal, financial, and operational requirements.

• Ensure the policy is adaptable to different regional contexts and aligns with both CIP’s strategic goals and CGIAR’s broader governance frameworks.

4. Development of Procedures:

• Design related procedures and guidelines for the implementation of the DoA policy, including clear protocols for escalation, approval processes, and accountability mechanisms.

• Provide templates and tools to facilitate the application of the DoA policy in day-to-day operations and project implementation.

5. Validation and Finalization:

• Present the draft policy and procedures to CIP’s senior management and governance bodies for review and feedback.

• Incorporate feedback and finalize the DoA policy and procedures.

• Develop a brief implementation plan and provide recommendations for training and capacity-building initiatives to support the rollout of the policy.Deliverables:

1. Inception report outlining the approach and timeline for the consultancy.

2. Draft Delegation of Authority policy and related procedures.

3. Finalized Delegation of Authority policy and procedures, including templates and tools. 4. Brief implementation plan and recommendations for training and capacity-building.

Expected duration and conditions:

• This consultancy contract from September to November 2024 (2 months).

• The payment is a fixed and consolidated fee.

• The venue for Interview will be informed only to the shortlisted candidates.

Qualifications/special skills

• Advanced degree in Law, Governance, Public Administration, or a related field.

• Proven experience in designing governance frameworks, policies, and procedures within international organizations.

• Preferably, prior experience working with CGIAR or similar international research organizations. • Strong understanding of the management structure of international organizations and the complexities of decentralized decision-making.

• Excellent analytical, drafting, and communication skills.

• Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders across different regions and cultural contexts. Reporting:

The consultant will report directly to Selim Guvener, Head of Legal Services, and will work closely with the Legal Office at CIP.

Application Process:

Please visit the following link: http://cipotato.org/open-vacancies/ to submit your cover letter and a full C.V. along with your references (preferable recent supervisors). We highly encourage all interested candidates to participate in this exciting and competitive process. The deadline for the receipt of applications is September 15, 2024. This consultant WILL NOT be in contact with children or vulnerable adults.

Learn more about CIP by accessing our web site at http://www.cipotato.org.

CIP is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified women and professionals from developing countries are particularly encouraged to apply.