Job Description
About IFDC The International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) is a public international organization that advances soil health and strengthens agricultural systems through science-based innovation. For over 50 years, IFDC has translated research into practical solutions that improve nutrient use efficiency, restore degraded soils, strengthen local agricultural markets and expand opportunity for smallholder farmers, especially women and youth. We work with farmers, governments and private sector partners to build resilient farming systems that produce nutritious food, improve livelihoods and safeguard natural resources for future generations. Our Values We are guided by four core principles: Collaborate – We work across teams, countries and partners to create lasting impact. Innovate – We apply evidence and continuous learning to design practical and responsible solutions. Include – We promote equity and meaningful participation for women, youth and underrepresented groups. Act with Integrity – We steward resources responsibly, uphold transparency and remain accountable to the communities, partners, staff and donors who place their trust in us. About Project/Program The Regional Hub for Fertilizer and Soil Health (RHFSH), launched in June 2024, operates under the ECOWAS framework as a sub-program aimed at improving soil fertility, fertilizer efficiency, and agricultural productivity across West Africa and the Sahel. In line with the Hub’s Function about on Bundling Services, which focuses on advising countries on how to package crop- and site-specific nutrient management and soil health practices, the Regional Hub, through the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC), is supporting countries to design and implement bundled input and service packages that reflect real farming conditions, local soil characteristics, climate risks, and market realities. This bundling approach enables countries to: Integrate fertilizers, improved seed, lime, and agronomic advisory services into coherent and context-specific packages; Link technologies with essential support services such as credit, insurance, and market access; Coordinate delivery systems that reduce adoption barriers and facilitate the scaling of sustainable soil and nutrient management practices; and Strengthen farmers’ capacity to improve yields, profitability, and long-term soil health. By placing farmers at the center, bundling enhances their ability to adopt improved practices, manage production risks, and achieve higher and more sustainable returns from healthier soils. Additionally, the Soil Values Program, a 10-year program (2024–2033) financed by the Netherlands Directorate-General for International Cooperation (DGIS), is a regional initiative focused on improving soil health management and promoting sustainable land use practices in West Africa. The project works to strengthen knowledge systems, support farmers and extension services, and enhance agricultural productivity through the adoption of innovative, environmentally friendly soil and water conservation technologies. By generating practical guidance and capacity-building resources, Soil Values seeks to facilitate the operationalization of soil health practices that increase nutrient use efficiency and contribute to resilient farming systems. Scope of Services IFDC is seeking highly skilled individuals to develop the illustrative guides on the most promising agricultural technologies and techniques to enhance soil health and plant nutrient use efficiency across West Africa and the Sahel. The development and dissemination of these technical guides will be supported through a cost-share mechanism, with both the Hub through IFDC and Soil Values Program contributing expertise, resources, and funding to ensure practical, user-friendly, and widely accessible materials. Overall general scope of the work The guides will provide smallholder farmers with practical, easy-to-use information to improve agricultural practices, increase productivity, and strengthen resilience to climate change, contributing to sustainable agricultural development and long-term food security driving economic growth throughout the region. General Objective To develop user-friendly illustrative guides/factsheets on agricultural-based technologies and practices that have the potential to improve nutrient availability, plant nutrient uptake, soil health, and water conservation in West Africa and the Sahel. Specific Objective The specific objective of the consultant under this activity is to: Shortlist based on predefined criteria’s, the technologies and practices targeting the best the needs of the smallholders’ farmers related to Agro-ecological zones across West Africa and Sahel; Develop an appropriate template for capturing the agricultural-based technology description; Describe each selected technology in a clear, step-by-step format, including practical guidance to address potential implementation challenges; Present the techniques and inputs to the NARS during an event organized jointly by the Hub and Soil Values Programs for validation of adequacy of use in the region based on existing evidence Requirements The assignment shall be undertaken by an individual consultant or a team with the following profile: A relevant master’s degree or above, in Agronomy, Crop system, Soil Science, or a related field may be preferred; Expertise in Crop Systems, Soil science or Agronomy, or Agricultural Extension and other rural development or related specialties; Experience in the development of agricultural technical guide, extension, and dissemination materials; At least 10 years of professional experience in agricultural research, development, and extension and a good knowledge of the West Africa region, An understanding of sustainable agricultural practices, considering the long-term environmental impact of recommended technologies and inputs; Fluent in English and in French. Key Deliverables The consultancy products expected from this call are: Short list of validated technologies according to agroecological zones across West Africa and the Sahel; Template for the Agricultural-based technology description; A comprehensive guide detailing the step-by-step instructions (with pictures) on how to implement the most promising agricultural based technologies and practices for improving soil health and water conservation in West Africa and the Sahel; Instructions to overcome any barriers or challenges farmers may face in implementing these technologies; All deliverables must be both in English and French, as well as any database. Location and Duration Based on this Scope of Work, the consultant will develop a detailed proposal on the execution including an operational work plan, a budget, and deliverables timetable. The assignment is expected to be completed over a period of approximately 3 months, May 15, 2026, to August 15th, 2026. Reporting and Work Relationship IFDC and Soil Values Project teams: Supervision: IFDC and Soil Values Project are responsible for supervising the consultant's work, including reviewing progress reports, providing feedback and guidance, and evaluating the consultant's performance. Support: IFDC and Soil Values Program must provide the consultant with all the support needed to carry out the study, including access to information, resources and/or facilitate the study through its offices. Consultant / Contractor: The consultant is responsible for the execution of all tasks detailed in the specifications, in accordance with the established deadlines, quality standards and budgets. The consultant is responsible for preparing and submitting periodic reports on project progress to IFDC and the Soil Values Program. The consultant must maintain open and regular communication with the IFDC and Soil Values Program and report any problems or delays that may affect project completion. Payment Fees and Terms IFDC and Soil Values Program are responsible for ensuring that the consultant receives payment for his work in accordance with the terms of the contract. Diversity Clause IFDC is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe in the value of bringing together people with a broad range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. All employment decisions at IFDC are made on the basis of ability, performance, and organizational need, in alignment with our values of fairness, respect, and opportunity for all.