TOR – DEVELOPMENT OF APRM TOOLKIT FOR NATIONAL GOVERNANCE PLANNING

DEVELOPMENT OF APRM TOOLKIT FOR NATIONAL GOVERNANCE PLANNING

CONSULTANCY SERVICES

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Project: Development of a Comprehensive National Governance Planning Guidelines and Template

1. Introduction

The African Union Heads of State and Government established the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) in 2003 with the primary purpose of fostering practices that lead to political stability, high economic growth, sustainable and inclusive development, as well as accelerated regional and continental integration. The APRM seeks to contribute to the redress of challenges in governance and socio-economic development among member states of the African Union. The APRM focuses on four thematic areas: (i) Democracy and political governance; (ii) Economic management and governance; (iii) Corporate governance; and (iv) Socio-economic development. In fostering these practices, the APRM supports participating countries to undertake a Country Self-Assessment and field an independent eternal review mission the outcomes of which culminate into a peer review exercise at the level of Heads of State. The review among others involves extensive and detailed consultations with government, private sector, civil society and other stakeholders, culminating in a peer review exercise at the level of Heads of State and Government.

A key feature of the APRM is that it is a homegrown, home-led and home-owned initiative. This feature, and its voluntary nature, are important in buttressing and consolidating Africa’s ownership of its governance and self-determination. As an assessment and monitoring tool, the APRM also participates in tracking progress towards meeting the governance-related aspects of regional and international development aspirations and commitments including AU’s Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

2. Project Description

At its 9^th Meeting held in February 2019, the APRM National Governing Councils (NGCs) identified the “need for countries participating in the APRM to establish a central national governance platform that would among others be responsible for the development of a National Governance Plan. Additionally, the NGCs resolved to strengthen the collaboration between the NGCs and all government governance bodies at the national level. It was envisaged that this collaboration should culminate in the development of the National Governance Plan, its implementation and importantly its monitoring and evaluation. The National Governance Plan can therefore be defined as a key strategy document that guides and defines the framework of action and engagement between the government, the private sector and a variety of non-state actors.

The decision of the NGCs was endorsed by the APRM Committee of Focal Points. An oversight ministerial body that directs the administrative, financial and policy affairs of the mechanism. In this regard, the APRM is seeking an independent Consultant to develop a toolkit that will comprise the guidelines, framework of indicators, templates and other advisory aspects on national governance reporting. The Toolkit will thus guide African Union Member States in developing their national governance plan.

3. The rationale for National Governance Plan

Of benefits to African Countries for the National Governance Plan are:

1. The potential to reinforce governance is an indispensable strategy in accompanying the implementation of public policies;
2. A reference guide for the elaboration of policies geared for political and socioeconomic development as it facilitates the implementation of initiatives of different sectors;
3. A framework for establishing a strong partnership between the state, the private sector and civil society organisations;
4. Defines the orientation, a clear plan of implementation and provides objectives assignable on a specific period time;
5. Provide appropriate answers to the challenges identified by countries and defines clearly the role of each key actors in the society.

4. The Assignment

Under direct supervision and guidance of the APRM Project Coordinator and overall authority of the APRM Continental Secretariat, Chief Executive Officer, the Consultant will support the APRM to design a toolkit (Concept Note, Methodology, and a national governance plan Template) for African Union Member States to utilize to produce/develop a plan of governance. The Consultant will assist the APRM Continental Secretariat to achieve the following milestones:

1. To encourage Member States to develop a governance plan/ strategy so to commit to improving the state of governance;
2. To encourage countries to elaborate their governance plans so to provide orientation for the implementation of programmes geared to development.

5. To achieve these milestones, the Consultant shall undertake the following Deliverables
6. Draft/Provide a brief account of the importance of African Union Member States to develop their National Governance Plan;
7. develop a comprehensive Methodology to guide countries on how to use the tool (national governance plan);
8. develop a governance plan template;
9. Develop a Training Package on National Governance Plan
10. participate in meetings of the Taskforce group to further discuss and finalise the Toolkit.

6. Reporting

The Consultant shall report directly to the Project Coordinator and will submit all deliverables as per the Terms of Reference.

7. Timeframe
8. The first Draft should be available within 2 weeks of signing the consultancy.
9. Present the first Draft of the Toolkit before the Taskforce group meeting that will be convened by APRM in November 2019
10. Finalise and submit the Toolkit on National Governance Plan to the APRM within 2 weeks after the Taskforce meeting of November 2019.

8. Operational skills 

1. Ability to do research, ensure results-based management and reporting;
2. Good knowledge of African Union Agenda 2063, African Union shared values and the APRM key thematic areas and a good understanding of governance matters in Africa;
3. An expert level of understanding the APRM and the governance challenges of the African Continent;
4. Expert level in planning.

9. Education

• A minimum master’s degree in governance related field with at least 7 years of commensurate experience.
• Doctoral degree from an internationally recognised institution in Public Administration, Public Policy, Political Science, Economics, Development Studies, International Political Economy, Public Governance or other closely related field.

10. Experience

• Academic research and work with research institutions, universities, think tanks or policy advisories related to the thematic areas in the context of Africa is required. Experience with the APRM or other international institutions is an added advantage.

• At least 7 years of professional experience in research preferably in governance and policy-related research and strategic planning;

• Excellent research, drafting and communication capacity;
• Experience in planning as well as conducting research and coordination.

11. Period of payment

The full payment will be made after total completion of assignment.

12. Location

The Consultant may carry out the assignment, from a location of his/her choice.

13. General Information

All consultancies will be advertised on an equal opportunity basis.

The performance criteria to be used to assess the consultant shall be based on the deliverables and scope of work defined in this ToRs.

14. Language of assignment

The APRM National governance reporting Template (Toolkit) may be presented in English or French.

15. Evaluation Criteria

The selection will be done based on the following criteria.

16. Mode of Application

All applications in writing should be accompanied by up-to-date Certified Curriculum Vitae and supporting documents with the names and addresses of three referees, one of which should be the last consultancy and addressed to:

African Peer Review Mechanism Secretariat

Private Bag XO8, Halfway House

Physical Address: 230 15^th Road, 1^st Floor,

Raandjies Park, Midrand, 1685,

South Africa

Contact: Project Coordinator

Email: [email protected]

Closing date: 23 October 2019 at 17:00 hrs. 

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