Local Facilitator – USDA Food for Progress, Bangladesh
IESC is a leading U.S. nonprofit organization that catalyzes private sector growth and creates economic opportunity for people and communities. Since 1964, we have delivered lasting solutions across 139 countries. We share proven business skills and experience with entrepreneurs, jobseekers, businesses, farmers, cooperatives, and governments. We also offer resources—human, technological, and financial—that sustainably build capacity and empower communities. We have helped businesses in a variety of sectors—including agriculture—to grow and create or save more than 1.5 million jobs around the globe. IESC is an experienced implementer of USDA Food for Progress (FFPr) projects.
IESC is seeking a consultant to provide technical expertise, contribute relevant strategic advice, and facilitate logistical and networking support to the IESC Food for Progress proposal design team in preparation for the upcoming U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Bangladesh Food for Progress. The project is anticipated to expand trade of agricultural products through improving trade facilitation processes, systems, and people in Bangladesh. Technical guidance will include undertaking local research, conducting networking, and providing contextual information to technical and operation design. The consultant will provide timely written and oral comments on early drafts as requested. Logistical support includes arranging meetings with key stakeholders (either in person, virtually, or by phone), documenting contacts met with in Bangladesh, helping source local candidates and partners, and following up with contacts as needed to secure letters of support.
Consultant Tasks:
Identify, share, and summarize relevant desk research in Bangladesh and key networks.
Review and comment on draft research, identify and fill research knowledge gaps.
Provide advice and collect background information on relevant stakeholders to meet with in person or virtually.
Suggest a range of beneficiaries and key points of access for potential project interventions.
Coordinate with the IESC team on arranging in-person and virtual meetings with and facilitating introductions to relevant potential partners and stakeholders to meet with during the trip. The meetings shall be arranged with stakeholders specified by IESC as well as with suggested parties recommended by the local facilitator. Anticipate booking four to six meetings per day (dependent on transit times). Potential stakeholders to meet with include:
Relevant Government ministry counterparts and local government entities,
Relevant multilateral institutions.
Relevant private sector industry associations and business service providers,
Relevant private sector agribusinesses and associations, agribusiness/product exporters, importers, and others as determined with IESC.
Relevant Bangladeshi agricultural universities and research institutes.
Potential local partners for the project in areas determined with IESC.
Other local partners and organizations as applicable.
Participate in in-person and virtual interviews with stakeholders. Provide translation for IESC recon team members, as needed.
Contribute to the project design including the technical approach and strategy, as requested.
Suggest a range of beneficiaries and key points of access for potential project interventions.
Provide advice, recommendations, and feedback on partners, as requested.
Follow up on meetings conducted to collect letters of support from stakeholders, as requested.
Participate in strategy sessions, as requested.
Support with recruitment by collecting CVs of Bangladesh technical experts and operations staff, as requested.
Support the design team logistics with recommendations related to domestic travel, hotel accommodation recommendations, and vehicle rental.
Gather cost information for personnel and operations to ensure IESC’s proposed costs are reasonable and realistic, as requested.
For the proposal, provide follow-up information, as requested.
Performance Period:
This assignment is planned to take place during the period from April 27 to June 30, 2026. It is expected that the tasks will require up to 18 days of LOE.
Travel and Transportation:
In-country travel may be requested. All travel , if any, must be individually authorized by the Agreement Manager.
Expenses:
The following out-of-pocket expenses are pre-authorized.
Meals/coffee/snacks associated with meetings in Dhaka and other cities as requested. Must be pre-approved by the agreement manager.
Transportation costs to approv meeting locations outside of Dhaka, Bangladesh. Must be pre-approved by the agreement manager.
Qualifications:
Technical knowledge of agriculture and trade issues in Ecuador
Extensive network within the agriculture sector and trade, and knowledge of stakeholders
Experience in donor funded development programs in agriculture and trade
Fluency in English language is required.
Outstanding collaboration, team management, and communication skills.
Well-developed interpersonal skills and ability to deal professionally with a wide variety of people at all levels.
Exceptional organizational, follow through, and time management skills; attention to detail, thoroughness and accuracy are critical.
Proven experience meeting deadlines in a high-pressure work environment.
Strong research and analytical capabilities.
Experience and proficiency working with Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, SharePoint, and other software.