Terms of Reference - LD4D Livestock Development Strategic Advisor

1. Background

The Livestock Data for Decisions (LD4D) Network brings together over 2,000 members worldwide, including researchers, practitioners, policymakers and industry to strengthen evidence driven decision-making in the livestock sector. Through collaboration, knowledge sharing and improved use of data analysis the network mobilises its membership to support more sustainable, inclusive and resilient livestock systems in low- and middle-income countries. 

The Centre for Supporting Evidence-Based Interventions in Livestock (SEBI-L), hosted by the University of Edinburgh and funded by the Gates Foundation, serves as the LD4D Secretariat. The Secretariat provides core coordination, communications and strategic support to the network. 

As LD4D evolves towards a more action-oriented and impact-driven approach, the network is placing greater emphasis on:

• A clear and coherent strategic direction

• Technically robust, high-impact outputs 

• Effective design and implementation of LD4D Solution Groups

• More diversified funding streams 

To support this, LD4D is seeking a Strategic Advisor with extensive experience in the livestock development sector in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to provide strategic and technical guidance ensuring the network is impactful and financially sustainable. 

2. Objectives

The overall objective of this consultancy is to provide senior-level strategic and technical advice to LD4D so that:

• Network activities and outputs are conceptually strong and aligned with donor and partner priorities

• LD4D’s portfolio is coherent and delivers measurable impact across the livestock sector

• Resource mobilisation efforts are guided by a clear strategic direction and ensure the network’s financial sustainability   

The Livestock Development Strategic Advisor will work closely with the LD4D Secretariat (SEBI-L) and the LD4D Fundraising Consultant. 

3. Scope of Work 

3.1 Strategic Direction 

The Senior Strategic Advisor will:

• Contribute to the development and refinement of LD4D’s medium-term strategy and theory of change.

• Provide strategic advice on LD4D’s priority initiatives identifying areas of comparative advantage.

3.2 Technical Guidance 

• Provide feedback on concept notes and proposals developed by the LD4D Secretariat and fundraising consultant 

• Advise on the overall approach to Solution Groups (purpose, added value, criteria for establishment, implementation plans) ensuring that LD4D Solution Groups are well-conceptualised, impactful and fundable

• Provide technical input to the design of individual Solution Groups, including:

• Focus areas and problem statements

• Workplans and deliverables

• Links to existing initiatives, partners and funding opportunities

• Advise on how Solution Group outputs can best be packaged and communicated to policy makers, implementers, advisors and potential funders.

3.3 Partnerships and Funding 

• Provide strategic guidance on the refinement and implementation of LD4D’s Financial Sustainability Strategy, including options for diversifying the donor base (foundations, bilateral and multilateral agencies, corporate partners, climate finance, etc.).

• Provide advice on how LD4D’s portfolio and Solution Groups can be framed to resonate with different funders and partners.

• Identify, through their networks, potential strategic alliances and potential donors that could strengthen LD4D’s financial sustainability. 

4. Timelines and Outputs/Deliverables

1. Advisory Workplan - workplan for the advisory role outlining priority areas, key outputs, milestones and timeframes covering a 12-month period.

2. Feedback and recommendations on concept notes, proposals and workplans as well as Solutions Groups’ outputs

3. Regular Advisory Sessions - scheduled weekly meetings with the LD4D Secretariat 

4. Participation in key meetings with partners, donors, LD4D Steering Committee and Solution Groups, providing technical and strategic inputs as required

5. Participation in Events - Participation (virtually or in person, as agreed) in LD4D webinars, workshops and selected external events 

6. Strategic input to fundraising and resource mobilisation activities and strategies

7. Strategic Review & Recommendations Report- a short report or slide deck providing practical recommendations to strengthen:

• LD4D’s overall network strategy and positioning

• The design and implementation of Solution Groups

• LD4D’s strategic approach to fundraising and partnership development 

5. Travel Requirements 

The consultant will work remotely (home-based). Travel may be requested by SEBI-L if required. 

6. Project Period and Time Allocation

The consultancy is expected to run for an initial period of 12 months starting in March 2026 (W/C 30 March), with potential for extension subject to performance and funding. 

7. Reporting and Management 

The Senior Strategic Advisor will:

• Report to the LD4D Development Manager

• Work in close collaboration with the LD4D Secretariat team, the fundraising consultant and Steering Committee. 

8. Performance indicators

• A 12-month workplan is developed and agreed with the LD4D Secretariat within 2 weeks of contract start.

• Feedback on concept notes, proposals and workplans is provided within agreed deadlines.

• Regular strategic advisory sessions are held in accordance with the agreed schedule (at least 80% of scheduled sessions take place, with rescheduling where necessary).

• Regular attendance at meetings with partners, donors, Solution Groups and Steering Committee as agreed with LD4D Secretariat (at least 80% of agreed meetings attended).

• Strategic Review & Recommendations Report (or equivalent slide deck) is completed by the agreed deadline and approved by the LD4D Secretariat  

9. Third Party Involvement 

No third-party involvement is anticipated for this consultancy. The Consultant will carry out all tasks personally and will not subcontract, delegate or otherwise pass on any part of the work to another individual or organisation without the prior written approval of the SEBI-L. 

Person Specification 

Essential

Leadership and Programme Experience

• Senior-level experience (e.g. Director, Head of Programme, Senior Advisor) in managing or directing complex livestock development programmes in low- and middle-income countries.

• Proven track record of designing and overseeing multi-country or multi-partner initiatives in livestock, food systems and/or climate-related areas.

Technical Experience and Strategic Skills

• Deep understanding of livestock and/or wider agricultural development, and the role of data and evidence in decision-making.

• Excellent strategic thinking skills, with the ability to provide actionable recommendations

• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to engage confidently with senior decision-makers.

Multilateral, Bilateral, Philanthropy and Government Experience

• Extensive experience working within multilateral agencies, bilateral donors, philanthropic foundations and international non-governmental organisations  

• Strong experience building and managing partnerships across sectors, including:

• International financial institutions 

• Research institutions and universities

• Government ministries and agencies

• Private sector / industry 

Funding and Resource Mobilisation

• Demonstrable experience raising funds or mobilising significant resources for programmes or initiatives (e.g. from multilaterals, bilaterals, foundations, climate funds, corporate partners)

• Strong understanding of how to position initiatives for different funders and craft value propositions

Values and Fit

• Strong alignment with LD4D’s mission and values, and with collaborative ways of working.

Desirable

• Experience advising or governing networks, coalitions or communities of practice.

• Experience conceptualising and implementing thematic or solution-oriented working groups.

• Experience integrating gender equality into strategies and programmes. 

Expressions of interest

Please submit your application by sending a cover letter, CV and daily rates to ld4d@ed.ac.uk by 28/Feb/2026. In your cover letter, please clearly indicate how you meet the required profile and briefly highlight relevant examples of managing or directing development programmes, working with major donors and partners, and raising funds. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.