Country: Ethiopia
Closing date: 16 Oct 2018
Background
In Africa, the cycle of violent conflicts and disruptive crises persists, with various parts of the continent continuing to experience insecurity, instability, disruption of political harmony, erosion of social cohesion and public despondency. This scenario is upheld by a range of factors, including poverty, economic hardships, violation or manipulation of constitutions, encroachment of human rights, exclusion, inequalities, marginalization, mismanagement of the continent’s rich ethnic diversity, external interference, as well as relapses in some post-conflict settings.
Undoubtedly, these challenges can be overcome, with a strategic approach that identifies appropriate remedies, institutes sustainable implementation processes, and overall, integrates peace and security into the pursuit for socio-economic development and transformation across Africa.
Towards ending violence and maintaining peace on the continent, the Organization of African Unity/African Union (OAU/AU) 50th Anniversary Solemn Declaration adopted the objective of Silencing the Guns in Africa by 2020. Among other aspects, the AU Heads of State and Governments expressed: "...determination to achieve the goal of a conflict-free Africa, to make peace a reality for all our people and to rid the continent of wars, civil conflicts, human rights violations, humanitarian disasters and violent conflicts, and to prevent genocide. We pledge not to bequeath the burden of conflicts to the next generation of Africans and undertake to end all wars in Africa by 2020."
The Silencing the Guns in Africa program is part of the flagship projects and programs of the African Union’s (AU) Agenda 2063, the continent’s blueprint for long-term socio-economic and integrative transformation. In 2017, the AU Assembly adopted the Master Roadmap of Practical Steps for Silencing the Guns in Africa by the Year 2020, developed by the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC). Premised on the principle that Africa should assume total responsibility for its destiny, the Master Roadmap has realistic, practical, time-bound implementable steps.
Objective
The assignment will support the inception phase of the Silencing the Gun in Africa program, a period that is broadly aimed towards establishing the narrative (vision, objectives and modus operandi) of the initiative. Specifically, the consultancy will focus on aspects related to the establishment of the structure for communication and awareness aspects of the program.
Scope of Consultancy
Under the guidance and supervision of the Operations Manager, Silencing the Gun program, the consultant will contribute to:
Interim communication
Pending the establishment of a core communication team, the incumbent will commence brand positioning of the Silencing the Guns in Africa program and inaugurate efforts to yield interest, stimulate conversations, and generate support for the initiative.
To achieve these objectives, the consultant will develop and implement a short-term communication plan to facilitate visibility for activities, including specific undertakings of the High Representative and related endeavors across the AU Commission, in alignment to the Master Roadmap of Practical Steps for Silencing the Guns in Africa.
The communication plan will also present a basis for the development of the long-term communication and awareness strategy of the Silencing the Gun in Africa program.
Recruitment of a service provider
Towards the contracting of a service provider to develop and implement the long-term communication and awareness strategy of the Silencing the Guns in Africa program, the incumbent will:
- Develop the terms of reference
- Support the procurement process as necessary.
Expanding Partnerships
To broaden the support base for the Silencing the Gun in Africa program, this assignment will include the development of a cooperation framework to engage private sector partners.
Structure for Communication Products
The incumbent will develop the structure and produce communication tools like newsletters, opinion editorial articles, press releases, social media messages and blogs.
Key deliverables, duration and timelines
This assignment is for a duration of 3 months, to be undertaken in four phases as follows:
Phase 1: weeks 1 – 2
Consultative meetings with representatives of the Silence the Guns in Africa program, AU Directorate of Information and Communication, and lead departments, to conduct a strength, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis of communication vis-a-vis relevant project and program activities.
Phase 2: weeks 3 – 5
Produce:
- An implementable and evaluable communication plan that clearly indicates stakeholders, messages, tools, products and channels, timelines and budgets, and monitoring and evaluation indicators.
- Terms of reference for the service provider to be contracted.
Phase 3: Weeks 6 – 11
Commence implementation of the communication plan, including the following, though not exhaustive items:
- In collaboration with the AU Directorate of Information and Communication, develop a branding strategy, as well as templates for communication products.
- Develop generic communication products for use by the Silencing the Gun team, including a narrative and power presentations.
- Produce and disseminate communication products, newsletters, opinion editorials and blogs.
- Coordinate the creation of a range of branded materials for the Silencing the Guns in Africa program.
- Contribute to the procurement process of the previously mentioned service provider.
- Conduct progress review and make adjustments as necessary.
Phase 4: Week 12
- final report and recommendations
Academic Qualifications and Professional Experience Required
The assignment will require a high level of competence in communication, as well as exposure to public regional and international institutions. Thus, the consultant should have:
- Graduate level degree in communication, social sciences or development studies (proficiency in African studies will be an added advantage).
- Seven or more years of experience working in a communication leadership role, preferably for a reputable regional or international organization.
- Exposure to the African Union or related pan-African institutions, especially in relation to communication.
- Strong writing and editing skills, with demonstrable experience in producing high quality and diverse editorial products.
- Experience in procuring communication related services.
Language Requirement
Proficiency in one of the African Union working languages. Knowledge of one or several other working languages would be an added advantage.
Terms of payment
The Consultant will be paid 30,000USD for the assignment.
The payments will be made to the Consultant according to the following schedule:
- 10% of contract value - After signing of contract and submission of work plan
- 20% of contract value - On completion of Phase 1 and 2
- 35% of contract value - On completion of Phase 3
- 35% of contract value - On completion of Phase 4
It is anticipated that the incumbent will undertake four trips to the AU headquarters in Addis Abba, Ethiopia. For this purpose, travel expenses and per diem at Addis Ababa rate per day, will be paid in addition. Interested candidates are requested to submit the following documents for AUC’s consideration as an attachment to the CVs:
Technical Proposal on:
- understanding and interpretation of the TOR
- methodology to be used in undertaking the assignment
- time and activity schedule
Financial proposal**, FIXED RATE = 30,000.00**
Evaluation criteria
The African Union Commission now invites eligible Individual Consultants to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested candidate must provide information demonstrating that he/she has the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services. Consulting firms may propose individual consultant/s, but only the experience and qualifications of individual/s shall be used in the selection process, and that his or her corporate experience shall not be taken into account, and the contract would be signed with the proposed individual.
For evaluation of the expressions of interest the following criteria will be applied:
- General Education Qualification and Relevant Training (20 points)
- Experience Related to the Assignment (30 points)
- Technical approach and methodology (40 points)
- Work plan (10 points)
Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours 8:00-13:00hrs and 14:00-17:00 hours Local Time.
How to apply:
Proposal must be delivered in a written form to the address below not later than 15:00 hours local time, October 16th , 2018.
African Union Commission,
Attn: Carine Toure Yemitia (Mrs.)
Head of Procurement Travel and Store Division
Building C, Room 327
P.O.Box 3243, Roosevelt Street
Tender@africa-union.org