TOR – INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT TO CONDUCT THE MID-TERM REVIEW OF THE APRM STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE PERIOD 2016-2020

TERMS OF REFERENCE

INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT TO CONDUCT THE MID-TERM REVIEW OF THE APRM STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE PERIOD 2016-2020

1. BACKGROUND

The African Peer Review Mechanism was established in 2003 by the African Union Heads of State and Government 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. It seeks to rectify underlying deficiencies in governance and socioeconomic development processes among member states of the African Union. The APRM covers four thematic areas: (i) Democracy and political governance; (ii) Economic management and governance; (iii) Corporate governance; and (iv) Socio-economic development. Participating countries go through detailed review process (including consultations with government, the private sector, civil society and other stakeholders), culminating in a peer review exercise at the level of Heads of State and Government. Annex 3 presents details of the APRM structures and review processes. A key feature of the APRM is that it is home grown. This, as well as its voluntary nature, are important in buttressing and consolidating Africa’s ownership of its development agenda. As an assessment and monitoring tool, the APRM can also help to track progress towards meeting regional and international development aspirations and commitments including AU’s Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The African Union and the Heads of State are cognizant of this and in January 2017 expanded the mandate of the mechanism from the core reviews to monitoring and evaluation role for the African Union Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Agenda 2030. This is a reflection of the confidence still reposed in the mechanism and will contribute to the universalization of the APRM. The ultimate goal is that all member states of the AU will become members of the APRM.

Description of the Project

On 8th March 2018, the Board of Directors of the African Development Bank approved the APRM Institutional Support Project. The project will help strengthen the APRM and contribute to the delivery of its mandate. It will support the implementation of the 2016-2020 Strategic Plan and reposition of the APRM as an instrument for monitoring AU Agenda 2063 and the SDGs. Apart from addressing the immediate challenges faced by the Mechanism, the grant will help in the review and refinement of the APRM tools and processes, to ensure that the Mechanism remains relevant in a rapidly changing world, and is also able to take on board the expanded mandate and expectations of member countries. The Mid-Term Review of the APRM Strategic Plan Project is part of the activities financed by the AfDB project. The project will help the Mechanism to review lessons learned and incorporate changes in implementation of the  last 18 months of the Strategic Plan (Second semester 2019 and 2020).

In the context of the implementation of the APRM Institutional Support Project, the APRM intends to recruit one (1) experienced consultant to conduct the independent mid-term review of the APRM Strategic Plan for 2016-2020 for which these Terms of Reference (TORs) are prepared.

2. OBJECTIVE

APRM intends to conduct an independent a mid-term review of APRM Strategic Plan for the year 2016-2020 through a participatory process involving the APRM Secretariat, critical stakeholders and key partners. The consultant will be expected to support the process and provide technical expertise to develop methodologies, instruments to be used in guiding review process and deliverance of the final document.

3. SCOPE OF THE SERVICE

i. Develop a comprehensive inception report on how the assignment will be undertaken, taking into consideration the timelines and relevant stakeholders;

ii. Assess and carry out the mid-term review of the strategic plan from APRM offices including scheduling interactions with divisional and unit heads and other employees, as well as with APRM national structures and strategic partners as and when needed;

iii. Collect and document relevant information to be used in the reviewing the strategic plan, that is, through desk research, and analysis of the internal and external environment.

iv. Assess progress attained towards realization APRM Strategic Plan for the year 2016-2020, through the current strategic objectives, program results and delivery of key outputs / outcomes.

v. Document lessons learnt so far from implementing the ongoing Strategic plan.

vi. Present the mid-term review report to a retreat to be organized at the end of August 2019

vii. Revise the report based on feedback from the retreat; and

viii. Present and submit the final report at the APRM meetings in October 2019

4. REPORTING AND COMMUNICATION

The Consultant shall report directly to the Principal Strategic Planning Officer, and, in his absence, the Strategic Planning Officer. The report will be reviewed by the project implementation committee for the AfDB project, before it is submitted to stakeholders and management.

5. DELIVERABLES

The consultant is expected to deliver the following major outputs, and reports. Not limited to the schedule below, the consultant shall prepare a detailed work plan of activities.

Throughout the process emphasis will be placed on highly effective, regular and detailed communication with the Project Coordinator.

6. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES

Consultants are required to submit a detailed CV to demonstrate the ability to undertake the assignment. The CV shall be examined for the following information:

i. Minimum Master’s degree in Strategic Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation or related field;
ii. Minimum of 10 years of experience in Strategic Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation or related field
iii. Knowledge of/experience with Bank/other international development organizations’ procurement procedures;
iv. Good knowledge of the M&E systems and project planning;
v. Fluency in spoken English and ability to write lucid reports and documents in English is required; knowledge of French will be an added advantage.
vi. Strong organization skills and ability to work in a team-oriented, dynamic and diverse environment;
vii. Proven track record in working effectively within multidisciplinary teams, recognize the value of sharing ideas, knowledge and information with others and takes personal responsibility for doing so;
viii. Excellent interpersonal skills, sound judgment, communication skills, training experience, ability to identify and resolve policy and operational constraints;
ix. Demonstrated computer skills, knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite especially, Word, Excel and PowerPoint;
x. Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, set priorities, and work independently, or under minimum supervision;
xi. Demonstrated capacity for initiative and efficient decision making with competent analytical and problem-solving skills;
xii. Demonstrated competence by the level of timeliness and accuracy the individual displays in carrying out his/her role, personal energy and enthusiasm and willingness to exceed expectations in his/her role;
xiii. Ability to plan and organize effectively and build alternative actions into plans, deploying resources effectively and reviewing priorities;
xiv. A commitment to supporting counterpart staff to achieve the outcomes and objectives of the Project;
xv. Recognition and respect of peers, and a demonstrated ability to interact effectively and collegially with peers at all levels;
xvi. Demonstrated ability to make sound judgments on capacity issues that will require management referral and guidance;
xvii. Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a mentoring role;
xviii. Demonstrated ability to communicate ideas and analyses clearly and tactfully, both orally and in writing;
xix. Demonstrated ability to transfer skills and knowledge;
xx. Demonstrated ability to adapt to challenges and changes in the workplace.

6.1 EVALUATION CRITERIA

Only bidders who will attain a threshold score of 70% and above in the technical evaluation will be considered technically responsive and subjected to financial evaluation.

7. FACILITIES AND SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED BY THE CLIENT

The Client will provide:

1. Access to all information and stakeholders to facilitate the assignment
2. Adequate office space with essential office furniture and office equipment; and
3. Access to Internet, and network resources, where necessary

8. DURATION OF THE ASSIGNMENT AND PAYMENT

8.1The expected commencement date for the assignment is June 2019 and the duration is a four (4) month consulting contract, from June to September 2019. The sequencing of the deliverables and specific timelines will be agreed prior to contract signature.

Consultant will be expected to make a financial proposal in the application.

The consultant will be required to agree to a flexible work schedule within the 4-month period of the contract.

8.2 Payment schedule

1. Presentation of Acceptable Inception for approval 10%
2. Presentation of Acceptable Draft Review Report- 40%
3. Final and Acceptable Review Report Incorporating any revisions to the independent review report from APRM – 50%

9. LOCATION

The Consultant will be located within the Strategic Planning Unit of the African Peer Review Mechanism, Midrand, South Africa.

10.  GENERAL INFORMATION

All consultancies will be advertised on an equal opportunity basis.

11.  LANGUAGE OF ASSIGNMENT

The language of the assignment shall be English Language.

12. WORK PERMIT

Successful Consultant who is not a Citizen of South Africa, will be required to arrange for work permit upon signing the contract.

MODE OF APPLICATION/SUBMISSION

Consultant shall submit a separate financial proposal clearly marked Financial Proposal for: EOI 9/2019: INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT TO CONDUCT THE MID-TERM REVIEW OF THE APRM STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE PERIOD 2016-2020.This should be submitted alongside the other submission (Technical Proposal) but as a separate document. All submissions shall be through email or delivery to APRM offices. The financial proposal shall be a lump sum amount and be should in USD currency.

All applications in writing should be accompanied by up-to-date certified Curriculum Vitae and supporting documents (Note: do not send originals) with the names and addresses of three referees, one of which should be the last or current employer and addressed to:

African Peer Review Mechanism Secretariat

Private Bag XO8, Halfway House

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

Raandjies Park, Midrand, 1685,

South Africa

Contact: Prof. Aboubaker Chedikh Beye

Email: [email protected]

Info email: [email protected]

All proposals should be submitted to: [email protected]

Applicants should submit the following;

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV);
2. Expression of Interest;
3. Financial Proposal

Closing date: 25 May 2019 at 3pm RSA time.

APRM Strategic Plan TOR_APRM-Mid-Term Strategic Plan__18.04.2019