RFP Release Date - October 8, 2024
Performance Period - December 1, 2024 – July 1, 2025 with possibility for extension (3 days per week)
Proposal Submission Deadline - November 7, 2024
Location of Service - Remote, with travel to Head Office (Little Rock, AR, or Washington, D.C.) or other locations where Heifer International has offices, as required
Reports to: Director, Heifer Labs
Electronic Submission heiferlabs@heifer.org
Summary
Heifer International is seeking an Analyst Consultant to support Heifer Labs in evaluating and deploying digital solutions that align with Heifer’s mission of leveraging technology to drive high-impact,farmer-focused programming. HeiferLabs is the organization’s digital technology innovation unit, collaborating with country programs to design interventions that enhance smallholder farmer value and drive organizational impact.
This consultancy requires a well-rounded understanding of digital technologies within the development context, project management, and user-centric design. The role involves a commitment of three days per week (8 hours per day) for 52 weeks, with a compensation of $28- 38 per hour and will contribute to multiple key initiatives, such as developing a digital Access to Finance curriculum for smallholder farmers in partnership with Heifer Impact Capital (HIC) and supporting the Data Champions program, which equips rural youth with skills in data analytics and AI. The consultant will play an essential role in advancingHeifer's work in regions like Asia and Latin America, driving innovation and impact.
Essential Character Traits
Team player
Detail-oriented
Culturally aware
Organized
Passionate about Heifer’s mission
Enjoys learning new things
Scope of Work & Responsibilities
Program Design & Support: Assist in planning, designing, and deployingHeifer Labs programs, including the digital Access to Finance initiative and youth data skills programs. Provide flexible support across projects based on demand.
Technology Assessments: Conduct due diligence on software solutions and technology vendors that could enhance Heifer Labs’ strategic initiatives.
Stakeholder Management: Maintain regular communication with global, regional, and country-level stakeholders to ensure smooth execution of projects.
Ad-hoc Research & Strategic Support: Assist with research requests and tasks related to the Labs' strategic plans.
Internal Communication: Draft internal blog posts and updates to share project progress and key learnings across the organization.
Deliverables
Develop and contribute to the design of the digital Access to Finance curriculum.
Support the rollout and execution of the Data Champions program, including program materials, outreach, and analytics.
Complete due diligence reports on relevant software solutions and vendors.
Provide regular communication updates to stakeholders.
Produce internal reports and blog posts detailing project progress and outcomes.
Requirements
2-4 years of hands-on experience organizing or implementing technical programs with multiple stakeholders and solutions.
2+ years of experience in user-centric design, prototyping, testing new solutions, and feedback processes.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks with minimal supervision.
Preferred Requirements
2+ years of experience with data management systems, web or mobile digital platforms, particularly in addressing specific industry use cases.
Fluency in both written and spoken English and Spanish.
Experience in a non-profit or international development context.
Familiarity with Access to Finance initiatives and data-centric programs.
Experience with research, data collection, and analysis in development settings.
Exposure to AI concepts and data analytics.
Prior experience working with rural communities or smallholder farmers.
Essential Functions and Physical Demands
Ability and willingness to travel both domestically and internationally.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a changing environment.
Ability to work outside of standard business hours as needed.
Sensitivity and respect for working with diverse cultures, beliefs, and gender equity.
Proposal Submission Requirements
Interested applicants should submit the following documents to heiferlabs@heifer.org by the
November 7, 2024 deadline:
A resume detailing relevant experience and professional background
A response to the following questions (max 250 words each):
How do you think digital technology will affect the rural development sector in the next 5 years?
How would you evaluate whether a digital solution meets a user’s need?
What is your approach to rolling out a new program or project in another country/context?
Selection Process
Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
Relevant experience and qualifications 35%
Demonstrated ability to deliver the required scope of work. 25%
Cultural fit and alignment with Heifer International’s mission and values. 20%
Cost-effectiveness and proposed compensation. 20%
For questions or clarifications regarding the RFP, please email heiferlabs@heifer.org. Heifer International reserves the right to amend or cancel this RFP at any time.
We look forward to receiving your proposals and thank you for your interest in working with Heifer International!
