Request for Proposal(RFP)
Executive Search Firm Services

Request for Proposal (RFP)

Executive Search Firm Services

Issued by: World Vegetable Center

Date Issued: December 15, 2024

Proposal Submission Deadline: January 15, 2025

Announcement download here

1. Background

The World Vegetable Center, an international non-profit institute for vegetable research and development with headquarters in Taiwan, mobilizes resources from the public and private sector to realize the potential of vegetables for healthier lives and more resilient livelihoods. WorldVeg’s globally important genebanks, improved varieties, production, and postharvest methods help farmers increase vegetable harvests, raise incomes in poor rural and urban households, create jobs, and provide healthier, more nutritious diets for families and communities. Field operations in Asia and Africa are led from five regional centers in Bangkok, Thailand; Hyderabad, India; Arusha, Tanzania; Bamako, Mali; and Cotonou, Benin.

To support our mission, we are seeking a visionary and experienced individual to serve as our next Director General. This role will require exceptional leadership, strategic insight, proven fundraising and change management capabilities, and an ability to navigate the complexities of global agricultural research and policy.

We are soliciting proposals from qualified executive search firms to assist the Director General (DG) Search Committee with identifying, evaluating, and recruiting outstanding candidates for this critical leadership position.

2. Objectives

The selected executive search firm will:

• Identify a diverse pool of highly qualified candidates.

• Assess candidates based on leadership capabilities, globally recognized expertise in agri-food systems, experience with innovative resource mobilization, cultural sensitivity, and alignment with WorldVeg’s mission and values.

• Provide guidance and support to ensure a transparent, inclusive, and efficient recruitment process.

3. Scope of Work

The executive search firm will be responsible for:

1. Needs Assessment and Position Profiling:

o Work closely with WorldVeg’s DG Search Committee and senior management to refine the job description and candidate profile. o Gain an in-depth understanding of WorldVeg’s strategic priorities, challenges, and culture.

2. Market Research and Candidate Sourcing:

o Conduct a global search to identify potential candidates, leveraging industry networks, databases, advertisements, and direct outreach. o Prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion in candidate identification.

3. Candidate Screening and Evaluation:

o Assess candidates’ qualifications through in-depth interviews, reference checks, and leadership assessments. o Present a long, medium, and shortlist of top candidates with detailed profiles, including strengths, areas for development, and motivations for the role.

4. Support Throughout Selection Process:

o Coordinate interviews with search committee members and facilitate communication between candidates and the search committee. o Coordinate in-person interviews and technical seminars with finalists. o Provide ongoing support to ensure an efficient decision-making process.

5. Final Selection and Onboarding Support:

o Assist as requested with final negotiations, contract preparation, and onboarding planning to ensure a smooth transition for the selected candidate.

4. Timeline

The anticipated timeline for this search process is as follows:

• Proposal Submission Deadline: January 15, 2025

• Selection of Executive Search Firm: January 31, 2025

• Position advertised: March 1, 2025

• Final Candidate Selection and Appointment by the Board Chair: December 2025

• Position Start Date: April 2026

5. Proposal Requirements

Interested firms should submit a proposal that includes:

1. Company Overview:

o History, mission, and relevant experience. o Details of prior searches conducted in the agriculture, international agriculture or international development sectors.

2. Proposed Approach and Methodology:

o Description of how the firm will approach this search, including sourcing strategies and candidate evaluation processes.

3. Team Composition:

o Biographies and roles of key team members assigned to this search.

4. Diversity and Inclusion Commitment:

o Examples of how the firm has successfully recruited diverse leadership in past searches.

5. Timeline and Deliverables:

o Proposed timeline and key milestones for the search process.

6. Fee Structure:

o Detailed cost proposal, including professional fees, reimbursable expenses, and payment schedule.

7. References:

o Contact information for three recent clients with similar executive search needs.

6. Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on (weights in parentheses):

• Demonstrated experience and expertise in executive searches, particularly within the agricultural or international development sectors, including quality of references, past performance, and ability to provide high-level guidance throughout the process (30%).

• Proposed methodology for sourcing, evaluating, and selecting candidates (30%).

• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in leadership recruitment (20%).

• Fee structure and overall value (20%).

7. Submission Instructions

Please submit your proposal electronically in PDF format to searchcommittee@worldveg.org no later than January 15, 2025. Proposals should be addressed to:

Dr. Julie Howard
Chair, DG Search Committee
World Vegetable Center
P.O. Box 42
Shanhua, Tainan, Taiwan 74199
searchcommittee@worldveg.org

8. Contact for Questions

For questions or clarifications regarding this RFP, please contact:

Dr. Julie Howard
Chair, DG Search Committee
searchcommittee@worldveg.org

We look forward to your proposal and thank you for your interest in partnering with the World Vegetable Center to find our next Director General.

Sincerely,

Julie Howard
Chair, DG Search Committee
World Vegetable Center