1) Background:
The African Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (AFAAS) is the continental umbrella organization that aims at strengthening national Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services (AEAS) in Africa. Its mission is to promote lesson learning and add value to initiatives in AEAS through policy advocacy and lobbying, sharing of knowledge and information through increased professional interaction among AEAS providers. Each member country is ultimately expected to establish a Country Forum (CF) through which its activities shall be implemented.
Currently AFAAS is spearheading the AEAS initiatives for sustaining the momentum of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) of the African Union. In this regard it works in close collaboration with other continental and sub-regional bodies contributing to CAADP -most notably those in the areas of agricultural research, organizing farmers and fostering private sector involvement. AFAAS is soliciting a consultant to engage with Country Fora, initiate and strengthen partnerships, in addition to supporting AEAS projects.
2) Objectives of the Consultancy:
The objective of the assignment is:
(i) Engagement with Country Fora: To facilitate and enhance interaction with Country Fora to ensure effective implementation of AEAS initiatives.
(ii) Partnership Development: To identify, build, and strengthen strategic partnerships at all levels to support AEAS projects and objectives.
(iii) Project Support: To provide technical and operational support to AEAS projects to ensure they meet their goals and deliverables.
3) Duration of the Assignment
The consultancy is for a duration of six (6) months and will commence on 15th September, 2024 and will conclude on 30th March, 2025. Specific milestones and deadlines will be agreed upon during the inception phase.
4) Qualification, Experience and Competences
The following set of qualifications and competencies will form the basis for selection of the AEAS Consultant.
5.1 Qualification and Experience:
a) Minimum of Advanced degree (Master of Science) in agriculture, rural development, extension services, or a related field.
b) At least 10 years of general professional experience in AEAS.
c) At least 4 years of experience in business development/ training and/or consultancy services or similar assignments;
d) Proven experience in AEAS, including project management and partnership building.
e) Demonstrated experience in article/reports development and/or trainings in the agricultural sector.
f) Strong understanding of the agricultural sector in Africa and the role of Country Fora.
5.2 Competencies
a) Strong understanding of the National/regional agricultural economy, governance challenges, ability to forge multi-stakeholder partnership and experience working to address them,
b) Ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse stakeholders (national and international experts) to meet strict deadlines and manage the competing priorities.
c) Excellent analytical skills and ability to develop strategies based on systematic analysis of challenges, potential risks and opportunities, linking the vision to the workable solutions.
d) Ability to develop effective strategies and prioritized plans in line with work effectively under pressure and manage competing priorities.
e) Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal communication skills to build rapport with stakeholders, facilitation and coaching skills
f) Ability to use information and communication technologies as tools and resources
Interested individual consultants must provide information verifying that they are qualified to perform the assignment and meet the minimum required experience criteria above. Submitted information shall include: (i) Cover Letter for EOI; (ii) CV in English; and (iii) References (Recommendation Letters). Expressions of interest must be delivered to the address below not later than 10th September, 2024, at 2.00 p.m. at the address below or electronically on email: secretariat@afaas-africa.org.
The Consultant will be selected based on the “Consultants Qualification Selection (CQS)” procurement method by IFAD Procurement Handbook (approved in September, 2010). Interested individuals may obtain detailed information on the assignment at the address below from 08:00 – 17:00 (local time) latest September, 5, 2024.
Dr. Silim M. Nahdy
Executive Director, AFAAS,
Kigobe Road; House No. 26; Minister’s Village;
P.O BOX 34624 Kampala, Uganda
Telephone: +256-312313400.
Email secretariat@afaas-africa.org;
Copying msnahdy@afaas-africa.org and pwanzala@afaas-africa.org.
Further information may be obtained from AFAAS procurement Unit: email: pwanzala@afaas-africa.org; or Director of Programmes; Email: llihasi@afaas-africa.org;
AFAAS Affirmative Action Statement on Employment: there is no discrimination based on gender race, religion, ethnic orientation, disability or health status.