Short-Term Consultant : Climate Smart Agriculture Solutions Specialist

International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2025, IFC committed a record $71 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging private sector solutions and mobilizing private capital to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

IFC is seeking an experienced Short-Term Consultant (STC) as a Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) Solutions Specialist to support the identification, evaluation, and deployment of CSA technologies across select agricultural value chains. The specialist will work closely with agricultural technology (AgTech) providers, implementing partners, and financial institutions to assess technological impact, estimate greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions, and design appropriate financing solutions that promote the adoption and scale of CSA practices.

The STC will report to the IFC Project Leader. All deliverables required for this assignment will be subject to the approval of the IFC Project Leader and other appropriate IFC technical officers.

Professional fees to be paid after the completion of the deliverables to an acceptable quality, and the submission and approval of invoices, timesheets, and deliverables of an acceptable quality. Reimbursable expenses, to be paid upon submission and approval of invoices and accompanying receipts.

The assignment will span up to 100 working days between December 2025 to June 2026. The contract might be further extended depending on business need and the consultant’s performance. The STC will preferably be based in India and will work across South Asia region with a multi-disciplinary team. The consultant will travel to project sites as required.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The scope of work will include, but is not limited to, the following :

• Identify and evaluate CSA technologies suited to selected value chains (e.g., irrigation systems, precision farming tools, improved seed varieties, conservation practices)
• Work with AgTech solution providers and agribusinesses to assess the performance of CSA technologies in terms of productivity improvement, input efficiency, and resource (water, energy, post-harvest) reduction
• Develop metrics and methodologies to estimate GHG emission reductions attributed to specific technologies or farming practices
• Translate agronomic and sustainability benefits into financing metrics to support tailored loan product design for FIs
• Support stakeholder engagements, including farmer groups, anchor firms, and lenders, to identify barriers to CSA technology adoption
• Continuously track and apply relevant global and national best practices in sustainable agriculture, CSA, and digital agri finance to strengthen project implementation.
• Collaborate with FIs, government agencies, and other stakeholders to promote innovative and scalable Agri finance models, exploring opportunities for adoption and scale-up of digitally enabled and CSA-aligned financing models where relevant.
• Work closely with IFC departments, the World Bank team, current and potential IFC private sector clients, government counterparts, and key stakeholders to identify investment opportunities in productive, inclusive, and resilient agriculture, including CSA and digital innovations as applicable.
• Conduct workshops, training sessions, and awareness programs to build capacity among FIs, agribusinesses, and other stakeholders on CSA practices and financing solutions
• Prepare comprehensive reports, case studies, and policy briefs to document project outcomes, good practices, and lessons learned
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of implemented solutions and provide recommendations for continuous improvement
• Assist the IFC team in preparing progress reports and project documentation for internal and external stakeholders.
• Monitor project implementation to ensure timely delivery of activities, outputs, and outcomes. Track progress against defined indicators.

SELECTION CRITERIA

▪ Advanced degree in Agriculture, Environmental Science, Agricultural Economics, Rural Development, or a related field.

▪ Minimum of 8 years of professional experience in agricultural finance, sustainable agriculture, or climate-resilient value chains; familiarity with CSA and digital agriculture approaches preferred.

▪ Strong understanding of the local and global agribusiness environment, as well as awareness of CSA technologies, and emerging market opportunities. Strong understanding of value chain dynamics and regional agricultural contexts

▪ Experience working with AgTech providers, farmer organizations, and FIs to develop climate-aligned products or investment strategies.

▪ Experience in conducting field-based assessments of agricultural technologies preferred.

▪ Familiarity with GHG accounting tools is preferred.

▪ Proven experience in organizing and delivering capacity-building activities, including workshops and training sessions preferred.

▪ Willingness and ability to travel extensively across states and field locations in India for stakeholder consultations, data collection, and pilot support. Demonstrated ability to work with FIs, government agencies, FPOs, and other agricultural stakeholders.

▪ Demonstrates active listening skills by paying full attention and asking questions to clarify client and stakeholder needs and gather required information.

▪ Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with local internal / external clients.

▪ Highly motivated, energetic, team player; and strong attention to detail and quality.

APPLICATION AND CONTRACT

Please send your CV and cover letter to Manolk Mungale (mmungale@ifc.org) by December 10, 2025. The subject line of your email must be “STC-CSA Solutions Specialist- FULL NAME.” The selected candidate will be awarded a contract (starting late December 2025) for a duration of 100 days. Contract is extendable depending on business needs.

WORLD BANK GROUP CORE COMPETENCIES

We are proud to be an equal opportunity and inclusive employer with a dedicated and committed workforce, and we do not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC, including our values and inspiring stories, at www.ifc.org.

CONFIDENTIALITY STATEMENT

All data and information received from IFC for this assignment are to be treated confidentially and are only to be used in connection with the execution of these Terms of Reference. All intellectual property rights arising from the execution of these Terms of Reference are assigned to IFC. All materials produced or acquired under the terms of this contract - written, graphics, film, magnetic tape, or otherwise - shall remain the property of IFC and may not be used for other purposes than the execution of these terms of references. The contents of written materials obtained and used in this assignment may not be disclosed to any third parties without the expressed advance written authorization of the IFC. The rights and duties provided for in this paragraph shall continue, notwithstanding the termination of the contract or the execution of its other provision.