TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE CHIEF TECHNICAL ADVISOR: 1ST PAN-AFRICAN INTER-PARTY DIALOGUE (PAIPD)

TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE CHIEF TECHNICAL ADVISOR: 1ST PAN-AFRICAN INTER-PARTY DIALOGUE (PAIPD)

PROCUREMENT NUMBER:EOI/APRM/RM/CTA/06/1/2021

1. Introduction

The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) is an autonomous entity of the African Union (AU). The primary purpose of the APRM is to foster the adoption of policies, standards and practices that lead to political stability, high economic growth, sustainable development and accelerated sub-regional and continental economic integration through sharing of experiences and reinforcement of successful and best practices.

The mandate of the APRM is to ensure that policies and practices of participating Member States conform to the agreed political, economic and corporate governance values, codes and standards of the African Union. The African Union (AU) through its specialized entity, the Africa Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) in excise of its mandate to foster good governance on the continent seeks to convene a dialogue on enhancing the effectiveness of political parties in democratic governance in Africa.

It is in this regard that the APRM will hold annual All Africa Inter-Political Parties Conferences from 2021 onwards to deliberate and share experiences on party constitutionalism, intra-party democracy and leadership, legislation on party financing, as well as political party manifestos and policy continuity. The annual conference will therefore necessarily bring together ruling political parties, main opposition political parties and nation-founding political parties to deliberate on enhancing the effectiveness of political parties in the African political economy context.

The conference will also foster the creation of a Pan-African Political Parties’ Network on Effective Governance (PAPNEG) to broaden and sustain efforts to establish Pan-African values and standards that guarantee competitive and responsive of politics in Africa. The conference was conceived in accordance with the African Constitutive Act Article 3 which seeks to promote democratic principles and institutions, popular participation and good governance as well as aid towards the development of Africa. The conference also seeks to contribute to the attainment of goals set in the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG). The charter stipulates in Chapter 3 on Principles, Article 11 that the AU and African states will strengthening political pluralism and recognising the role, rights and responsibilities of legally constituted political parties, including opposition political parties, which should be given a status under national law.

Further, the Conference seeks to contribute to the progressive attainment of Guidelines for African Union Electoral Observation and Monitoring Missions. Section 1. Principles Governing Democratic Elections In Africa, Article vii which stipulates that the AU and member states shall ensure the availability of adequate logistics and resources for carrying out democratic elections, as well as ensure that adequate provision of funding for all registered political parties to enable them organise their work, including participation in electoral process.

The process of peer learning would also contribute towards addressing ‘conflicts in Africa which constitute a major impediment to socio-economic development through knowledge exchanges based on comparable environments. The conference aims to raise awareness of parties towards the promotion of ‘democratic principles and institutions, popular participation and good governance’. Thereby enabling citizens to participate more in the governance and developmental efforts through engaging in research.

2. Project Background and Rationale

The conference would contribute to existing efforts of four regional (pan-African) and sub-regional institutionalized parliamentary groupings which can be used as starting points for supporting and encouraging pan-African or sub-regional party to-party partnerships but with a particular focus on intra-party democracy.

ECOWAS, AUC Commission through the Department of Political Affairs and the Pan-African Parliament have done significant work in in terms of inter-party partnerships areas through promoting dialogue and cooperation between the political parties, the media and civil society. These groups have led the way as important consultative body in addressing some of the major issues confronting the sub-regions of the continent, such as poverty, HIV/AIDS, conflict and other social ills. The APRM would like to contribute but with a particular focus on governance.

3. Objectives of Service

The Chief Technical Data Consultant shall undertake internet research to facilitate the development and management of i) the database of African Political Parties, ii) establishing the continental reference group and planning committees, iii) support the drafting of the final proposal , programme and concept note, iv) organising continual working groups

4. SCOPE OF THE ASSSIGNMENT

The Chief Technical Data Consultant is to develop/establish the following over the course of thee months:

1. Technical dealings with the leadership of the various political organisations and leadership of institutions which will form part of the dialogue;
2. Correspondence and liaison – with ruling parties and main opposition parties. Coordinated with and through the national governance officers at regional UNDP offices
3. Identification of Eminent Personalities to support initiative
4. Identification of Regional Ambassadors for initiative
5. Identification of network of actors to sponsor and provide technical guidance
6. Assistance in sourcing Financial Support for initiative
7. Identification of Key Institutions for initiative
8. Organise planning meetings with
   1. APRM Member State Networks at National level
   2. national governance officers at regional UNDP offices
   3. AUC Commission through the Department of Political Affairs
   4. Pan-African Parliament
   5. ECOWAS and African RECs
   6. African Governance Architecture Platform
   7. United Nations: Department of Political Affairs and Peace-Building
   8. Africa Political Party Finance Initiative (APPFI)

5. TIMELINES AND DELIVERABLES

The Consultancy Services should be completed within ninety days (3 months)

6. REPORTING AND ACCOUNTABILITY

The Consultant will primarily report to Dr McBride Nkhalamba HOD Research, Methodology and Development. The Consultant will work closely with the continental secretariat programme coordinator to track the actual status of fulfilment of the deliverables and with Dr Nkhalamba on the quality check for the technical deliverables.

7. REQUIREMENTS

Consultants are reequried to have the following qualifications:

Education and experience:

• Phd or double Master’s degree in political science, international relations, international economics, international law, or related field is required.

• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution or related area is required
• Experience in drafting policy documents, analytical notes and reports is desirable.
• Experience in networking with academic institutions, research organizations and think-tanks in the area of international peace and security is desirable.
  Experience in areas related to conflict prevention and peace-making is desirable.

• Academic research and work with research institutions, universities, think tanks or policy advisories related to the thematic areas with the African Union or other international institutions is an added advantage.
• Extensive knowledge on protocols and instruments relative to the African Union, Agenda 2063, UN SDGs, AGDEC and the APRM governance framework;

Skills & Requirements

• Have project management experience and able to respect deadlines
• Strong communication (Written and verbal) and IT skills, including capacity to convene virtual/remote meetings and consultations.
• Good interpersonal and diplomatic skills; ability to work in a team in a consultative and collaborative manner observing protocol.
• Ability to analyse and interpret data to inform program and resource mobilization decisions;
• Strong writing and oral presentation skills, including editing skills;
• Fluency or professional working proficiency in English is desirable;
• Organizational competencies include: Communication & Collaboration; Ethics & Integrity; and Professional Skills.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of cross-cutting peace and security issues, especially related to conflict prevention and political analysis. Ability to conduct independent research, including into emerging peace and security trends as well as key cross-cutting issues. In-depth knowledge of the UN System and in particular its work in the area of peace and security. In-depth knowledge of policy planning practices. Shows ability to represent Departmental positions and work collaboratively in interagency processes. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender
  perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

8. Evaluation Criteria

APRM Support

The APRM will be responsible and will endeavour to support the Consultant by:

• Providing all the necessary information and reports to the Consultant;
• Facilitating access and communication with the staff and technical networks of members of the APRM;

Location

The Consultant shall conduct all their work virtually with the APRM.