AI Scaling Strategy Design and Support

1. Background and Context ILRI’s Impact at Scale programme is implementing the AI Bankable Scaling Strategies project under the GIZ i4Ag programme. At the core of this project is ASTRA (AI Scaling Strategy Assistant), an AI-assisted digital platform that guides agricultural innovation teams through structured evidence assessment and the development of bankable scaling strategies — credible enough to attract real commitments from funders, governments, and implementation partners. HarvestPlus Solutions (HPS) is one of two active pilot partners in 2026, working with ASTRA to develop scaling strategies for selected biofortification innovation packages. ILRI is commissioning a dedicated consultant to support the HPS pilot by filling evidence gaps and providing structured external feedback on the platform and process. 2. Objectives The consultancy has two complementary objectives: • Evidence gap-filling: Based on the ASTRA evidence scorecard output for the selected HPS innovation package, identify missing or insufficient evidence items and work to source, validate, or produce the required evidence. • Embedded-user platform and process feedback: Provide structured embedded-user feedback on ASTRA as a platform (interface, methodology, AI interactions) and on the end-to-end process of engaging with ASTRA - from initial platform onboarding through to strategy output - specifically from the perspective of a non-CGIAR, private sector user. 3. Scope of Work Phase 1: Platform Testing and Evidence Assessment (July – September 2026) • Onboard onto the ASTRA platform and familiarise with the tool interface, methodology, and scaling pathway framework • Select, in coordination with HarvestPlus Solutions and the ILRI project team, one or more innovation packages and scaling ambitions for testing • Work through the ASTRA evidence intake process and scorecard to identify which evidence components meet the required threshold and which are missing or insufficient • Develop a clear evidence gap map: what is needed, why, and potential sources or methods for filling the gaps • Proceed to fill evidence gaps through any appropriate combination of: – Desk research and literature synthesis – Stakeholder interviews or consultations – Participatory workshops or co-creation sessions with HPS team or relevant stakeholders – Primary data collection or rapid assessments, where justified • Document all evidence sourced or produced in formats compatible with ASTRA upload requirements • Provide regular feedback to the ILRI Impact at Scale team on platform functionality, usability, and methodology — capturing blockers, confusion points, and improvement suggestions as they arise Phase 2: Scaling Week Preparation and Participation (September 2026) • Support the preparation of session content and materials for the ASTRA/HPS session and/or presentation at Scaling Week 2026 (Nairobi, 21–25 September) • Contribute to the development of any donor-facing materials or investment pitch components prepared in connection with the pilot • Participate in Scaling Week 2026 in Nairobi (21–25 September), including active participation in the designated ASTRA session (travel and accommodation costs covered separately by ILRI) • Capture and document insights from Scaling Week interactions relevant to the HPS pilot and the broader ASTRA process design Phase 3: Reconciliation, Reporting and Closeout (October – December 2026) • Synthesise findings from Phases 1 and 2 into a short consultancy report (see Deliverables) • Contribute to and/or review the relevant sections of the final project report for GIZ • Participate in a reconciliation and lessons-learned review with the ILRI Impact at Scale team • Develop a templated private-sector onboarding guide for ASTRA, capturing recommendations for how the AI-supported Scaling Strategy process should be adapted for external, non-CGIAR partners — designed to be reusable for future external partner onboarding