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7 March 2024

Call for proposals: apply to become a SIANI expert group

Photo: Neil Palmer (CIAT) / Wikimedia Commons

Photo: Neil Palmer (CIAT) / Wikimedia Commons

SIANI is glad to announce that the call for new expert groups 2024-25 is now open. If you are a cross-sector team planning a project to transform food systems, you may be eligible for funding as a SIANI expert group. Submit your application by 19 May 2024.

SIANI forms partnerships with multisector teams that run projects to make food systems more sustainable, rights-based and inclusive. These expert groups obtain funding from SIANI and contribute valuable knowledge.

We currently have groups focusing on One Health and waste recovery in Burkina Faso, land rights in Latin America, agrobiologicals in East Africa and pollination in Asia – learn more about the current expert groups.

If you would like to apply to become an expert group in the next round, here is all the information you need.

How to apply

We only accept online applications, here is the link to the Application form. All applications must be written in English and submitted no later than on 19 May 23.59 CEST.

How to prepare your application

Here are some handy resources to help you prepare your application:

Terms of Reference – this is where you find selection criteria and expectations on the groups.

Proposal template – here you can see which questions will be asked in the application form so that you can prepare your answers.

Expert group page – this section of the SIANI website is full of inspiring stories from current and previous expert groups.

Although the applications must be made in English, information about the call is also available in French and Spanish.

Q&A for applicants

Below we have compiled some of the most frequently asked questions about the application process. More details can be found in the Terms of Reference.

How are the expert groups selected?

The expert group proposals are assessed according to standardised criteria by a review committee at the SIANI secretariat. The final selection of successful proposals is made by the SIANI Steering Committee. You can read the selection criteria in the Terms of Reference document.

Can I submit more than one application?

Yes, you can submit as many applications as you want. However, applying organizations can only have one proposal finally selected. This is because SIANI seeks to have a diverse set of expert groups.

Is it required to have a link to Sweden or a Swedish organization?

As stated in the Terms of Reference, “expert groups should have at least one member from an institution/company with a connection to Sweden, or links to Swedish organizations or actors benefitting from Swedish development aid.”

To clarify further, the link can vary from having expert group members based in Sweden, to having members representing organizations connected to Sweden but based in other countries, or having members representing organizations that have experience from cooperating with organizations or actors benefitting from Swedish development aid. The reason for this requirement is to ensure adherence to Swedish development cooperation requirements and standards for internal control systems and reporting.

Is proficiency in English communication a requirement?

Yes, being able to communicate in English with SIANI is a requirement. The expert group application must also be submitted in English. The expert group can however use any language of its choice for communication within the team and with stakeholders.

When are the new expert groups announced?

All applicants can expect to hear back from SIANI around September 2024. The decision will be sent to the email address of the proposal/group leader provided in the submitted proposal.