EIT Food is seeking Independent Evaluators

EIT Food invites experts from the agriculture industry to join our database of independent evaluators for various calls for proposals.

Job Title: Call for Expression of Interest – EIT Food Evaluators in Agriculture
Job Location: Remote / Online (Global applicants welcome)
Closing Date: 23:59 CET on 29 March 2026
Contract: Independent evaluator (upon selection, with remuneration per assignment)

This opportunity is open to professionals with extensive experience in agriculture, sustainability, digital farming, and related fields.

Selected evaluators will contribute to the evaluation of innovative projects aimed at transforming the food system, supporting sustainability, resilience, and technological advancement in agriculture.

The role involves reviewing proposals, participating in training, and engaging in panel discussions to select the most impactful projects aligned with EIT Food’s strategic goals.

The deadline for applications is 23:59 CET on 29 March 2026.

About EIT Food

EIT Food is the world’s largest food innovation community, supported by the European Union, dedicated to creating a sustainable, healthy, and resilient food system.

Through a wide range of programs, investments, and collaborations, EIT Food seeks to foster innovation, skills, entrepreneurship, and systemic change within the food sector.

The organization operates under a strategic framework outlined in the Strategic Agenda 2021-27, emphasizing societal and economic impact through transformative projects and initiatives.

Purpose of the Call for Evaluators

EIT Food conducts numerous calls for proposals throughout the year to fund projects that align with its thematic priorities.

To ensure the highest quality of funded activities, EIT Food requires independent evaluators with expertise across various aspects of agriculture and food innovation.

These evaluators will support the assessment process, ensuring the selection of impactful, innovative, and feasible proposals.

This specific call aims to expand EIT Food’s database of evaluators specializing in agricultural innovation, climate-smart farming, digital agriculture, water efficiency, and related areas.

Evaluators will be called upon to review proposals, produce detailed reports, and participate in decision-making panels.

Key Responsibilities of Evaluators

Participate in online training sessions to understand evaluation criteria, processes, and confidentiality requirements.
Review full proposals with a focus on financial viability, innovativeness, and feasibility.

Assess proposals qualitatively based on pre-defined criteria, including scientific, technical, and impact considerations.
Produce comprehensive evaluation reports, proofread submissions, and ensure quality standards are met.

Engage actively in panel meetings, contribute to discussions, and assist in reaching consensus on proposal rankings.
Assist in selecting proposals for funding, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and evaluation standards.

Profile of Ideal Evaluator

Professional Experience in Agriculture and Food Innovation

Candidates should have at least 10 years of professional experience within the agriculture sector and demonstrate expertise in at least one of the following areas:

Regenerative & Climate-Smart Agriculture: Experience with regenerative practices, carbon farming, nature-based solutions, holistic systems, and climate-resilient farming.
Soil, Carbon & Ecosystem Health: Proven knowledge of soil health, carbon sequestration, biodiversity, and ecosystem services.

Sustainable Farming Systems & Practices: Expertise in crop rotation, agroforestry, perennial systems, and no-till farming.
Animal Health: Experience in holistic grazing, integrated crop-livestock systems, and sustainable animal production.

Nutrient & Input Management: Natural fertilizers, composting, biochar, input reduction strategies.
Pest & Disease Management: Integrated Pest Management (IPM), disease control, and animal health strategies.
Water & Climate Adaptation: Water management, climate-specific farming systems, adaptation to arid, tropical, Mediterranean, or northern environments.

Aquaculture & Diversified Systems: Experience in aquaculture, diversified production, and sustainable resource use.
Farm Systems Design & Innovation: Expertise in farm planning, landscape design, seed selection, and research.

Digital Agriculture & Data Systems: Knowledge of AI, remote sensing, GIS, data collection, and digital logistics.
Impact Measurement & Carbon Accounting: GHG accounting, MRV systems, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), KPIs, and verification methods.

Finance & Investment: Experience in regenerative finance, impact investment, and scaling innovative projects.
Policy & Standards: Knowledge of regenerative standards, carbon methodologies, ESG reporting, and public policy frameworks.

Entrepreneurship & Project Management: Business development, startup acceleration, grant management, and scaling strategies.
Value Chains & Market Systems: Traceability, fair trade, market access, and decarbonized supply chains.

Social Inclusion & Stakeholder Engagement: Farmer engagement, gender equality, youth involvement, participatory processes, and community development.
Bioeconomy & Food Innovation: Circularity, resource efficiency, food waste reduction, alternative proteins, fermentation, and enabling technologies.

Eligibility Criteria

Proven expertise in at least one of the thematic areas listed above.
Fluency in English, both written and spoken.
Ability to work collaboratively and openly evaluate proposals.
Not subject to EU sanctions or disqualifying conflicts of interest.

Contracting, Remuneration & Conditions

Selected evaluators will enter into a contractual agreement with EIT Food, which includes:

Remuneration: EUR 56.25 per hour, with an estimated 2-7 hours per proposal review.
Payment: For each proposal reviewed, evaluators will be paid based on the actual hours spent, up to a total of EUR 90,000 over four years.
Assignment: Evaluators will be assigned multiple proposals, with deadlines of up to three months from assignment date.
No initial remuneration for inclusion: Being part of the evaluator database is unpaid; remuneration applies only upon assignment.

Conditions and Conflict of Interest

Evaluators must adhere to a strict code of conduct, confidentiality, and impartiality. They must declare any conflicts of interest before or during assignments and abstain from evaluation if conflicts arise.

Disqualifying conflicts include involvement in proposal preparation, employment by participating organizations, or close relationships with proposers.

MORE JOB OPENINGS:

Application Process and Timeline

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

Technical expertise: Proven track record in relevant fields (65%)
Experience with EU-funded evaluations: Previous work on EU projects (15%)
Experience within the EIT Community: Familiarity with EIT programs (20%)

Evaluation and Notification

Applications are assessed on a rolling basis. Selected applicants will be notified by 30 April 2026. Candidates may be invited for a mock evaluation to demonstrate their assessment skills.

Timeline Highlights

Application deadline: 29 March 2026
Evaluation of applications: Ongoing, rolling basis
Notification of selection: By 30 April 2026
Evaluator training sessions: April-May 2026
Panel evaluations: 27 April – 6 May 2026
Panel interviews: 18-29 May 2026
Further opportunities: Tech validation pitches (November 2026), multiple calls related to regenerative agriculture landscapes, MRV providers, project managers, and more from May 2026 onwards.

How to Apply

Interested candidates must complete the online application form available here by 23:59 CET on 29 March 2026. The application requires a comprehensive CV, filled-out form, and detailed information about experience.

For further details and to apply, visit the official EIT Food call page here.

APPLY HERE