Africa Think Tank Platform Project

 

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (CONSULTING SERVICES – INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT)

Country: Ethiopia

 

Name of Project: Africa Think Tank Platform Project

 

Grant No: - E246-3A

Project No: - P179804

 

ASSIGNMENT TITLE: Independent Committee of Member - Think Thank Institutional Expert

 

Procurement reference number: ET-AUC-473644-CS-INDV

 

The African Union Commission has received financing from the World Bank toward the Implementation of Africa Think Tank Platform Project and intends to apply part of the proceeds   for establishing an Independent Committee of Experts (ICE) to review proposals submitted for consideration under this project.

 

The overall objective of the consultancy service is of the ATTP project is to create an effective and sustainable platform that enhances collaboration on regional policy issues between policymakers, regional associations, regional think tanks, and relevant thematic departments within the African Union Commission (AUC). The ICE will be responsible for assessing the quality, relevance, and feasibility of project proposals in line with the ATTP project objectives

 

The ICE will operate under the overall guidance and oversight of the AUC’s Directorate of Partnerships and Resource Mobilization whose main task is to prepare the project and implementation guidelines, competitively select consortia of think tanks, review results and progress, oversee grantees and ensure the achievement of project objectives

 

The ICE would be completed by including global technical experts in the relevant disciplines and think tank operations ensuring the representation of expertise in priority thematic areas targeted by the ATTP, including:

1. Economic transformation and governance (including issues around debt and illicit financial flows),
2. climate change (including the energy transition, adaptation capacity, and carbon markets),
3. regional trade with a focus on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and promotion of regional value chains,
4. food security,
5. human capital and
6. digitalization.  

 

 

 

•  The ICE Roles and Responsibilities (Scope of Service):  

1. Evaluating and scoring the research and capacity-building proposals submitted by think tank consortia for financing under the ATTP project

• After the AUC lists eligible proposals, the ICE will perform a technical assessment. Evaluation panels for each thematic area will review each proposal with at least three evaluators led by a lead reviewer.
• An Evaluation Protocol will guide the ICE in selecting Consortia proposals for the ATTP call. It includes criteria, an assessment rubric, information requirements, and procedures.
• The ICE will appoint a Chair to lead its operations.

1. Reviewing documentation of the first-round assessment and site visit to the shortlisted Consortia:
   • ICE will be responsible in providing the Think Tank Platform Steering Committee (TTPSC) a comprehensive short list of Think Tank Consortia proposals for site visit evaluation.
   • This critical review phase will include an on-site visit to short-listed applicants.
   • The site visit, meticulously guided by the site visit guideline document and evaluation form, will culminate in the selection of conditionally approved consortia for the AUC.
2. The committee's mandate will conclude once the consortia have been selected.

 

 

• Contract Duration

The total time commitment for the committee will be a total of 90 hours. Participants engaged in site visits will have an additional week-long commitment. The committee will operate for up to 4 months, encompassing the period from proposal review to the selection of finalists

 

• Remuneration

 

 ICE experts will receive an honorarium for work related to the ATTP project review process, and will have their travel costs and per diems covered by the AUC. These will adhere to the relevant AUC regulations and policies regarding honorarium payment.

 

The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment are attached to this Request for Expression of Interest.

 

The African Union Commission now invites eligible individual (“Consultant”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services. The shortlisting criteria are:

 

1.  Qualification Requirement

 

 The ICE member (Think Tank Institutional Expert) should have the expertise to cover the key thematic areas:

ICE Role	Expertise	Academic Background	Experience
ICE member (Think Tank Institutional Expert)	Expertise in institutional development of think tanks and public policy institutions.	Public policy and administration	Experience of the think tank community and their institutional capacity challenges. Experience in leading policy engagement and communication strategies. Track record of influencing policy decisions through effective communication and outreach.

 

1. Additional Requirement: 

 

The ICE member (Think Tank Institutional Expert) should also be independent of the ATTP consortium of think tanks and affiliated stakeholders, well acquainted with the thematic areas(s), and able to review the areas of the Consortia’s key activities, which include:

1. producing relevant, good-quality, and collaborative policy research on continental priorities
2. developing and implementing activities for effective policy engagement and influence regionally and nationally, and,
3. building institutional capacity to enhance sustainability and improve the representation of female policy professionals. 

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” July 2016 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest

 

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Individual Consultant Selection method set out in the Procurement Regulations.

 

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours i.e. 0900 to 1700 hours.

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by e-mail) by 13 May 2025   

 

African Union Commission,

Attn: Head of Supply Chain Management Division

Building C, 3rd Floor,

P.O Box 3243, Roosevelt Street

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Tel: +251 (0) 11 551 7700 – Ext 4305

Fax: +251 (0) 11 551 0442; +251 11-551-0430

E-mails: tender@africa-union.org 

 

 

 

TERMS OF REFERENCE

(CONSULTING SERVICES– INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT)

 

Project Name: Africa Think Tank Platform Project

            

Grant No: - E246-3A

Project No: - P179804

 

ASSIGNMENT TITLE: Independent Committee of Experts' Member, Think Thank Institutional Expert

 

Procurement reference number: ET-AUC-473644-CS-INDV

 

1. Introduction

 

The African Union Commission (AUC) is seeking to establish an Independent Committee of Experts (ICE) to review proposals submitted for consideration under the World Bank-funded Africa Think Tank Platform (ATTP) project implemented by the AUC. The higher-order objective of the ATTP project is to create an effective and sustainable platform that enhances collaboration on regional policy issues between policymakers, regional associations, regional think tanks, and relevant thematic departments within the African Union Commission (AUC). 

 

The ICE will operate under the overall guidance and oversight of the AUC’s Directorate of Partnerships and Resource Mobilization whose main task is to prepare the project and implementation guidelines, competitively select consortia of think tanks, review results and progress, oversee grantees and ensure the achievement of project objectives.  

 

The ICE will be responsible for assessing the quality, relevance, and feasibility of project proposals in line with the ATTP project objectives. 

 

2.  Selection and Composition of the Independent Committee of Experts 

 

2.1. Selection criteria

 

The ICE must be composed of objectively, well-balanced, and academically recognized members. That is, the members of the ICE should be independent of the ATTP consortium of think tanks and affiliated stakeholders, well acquainted with the thematic areas(s), and able to review the areas of the Consortia’s key activities, which include:

1. producing relevant, good-quality, and collaborative policy research on continental priorities
2. developing and implementing activities for effective policy engagement and influence regionally and nationally, and,
3. building institutional capacity to enhance sustainability and improve the representation of female policy professionals. 

ICE members should mainly come from African educational institutions, research centers, and the scientific community. The Committee would be completed by including global technical experts in the relevant disciplines and think tank operations ensuring the representation of expertise in priority thematic areas targeted by the ATTP, including:

1. Economic transformation and governance (including issues around debt and illicit financial flows),
2. climate change (including the energy transition, adaptation capacity, and carbon markets),
3. regional trade with a focus on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and promotion of regional value chains,
4. food security,
5. human capital and
6. digitalization.

2.2. Selection procedures

The selection procedure for the chair and members of the ICE must ensure the competence, expertise, impartiality, and independence of the Committee as a whole. To meet these requirements, AUC will carefully consider the fit between the ICE and its members, and the required competencies, disciplinary expertise, and professional backgrounds necessary for the effective assessment of the submitted ATTP proposals. The AUC will prepare and finalize the list of ICE members and share it with the World Bank team for approval. The names of the members of the ICE will be made public only after the evaluation of the ATTP Consortium proposal review is complete. The identity of the evaluators for each proposal will not be disclosed. The ICE members are collectively responsible for each evaluation. The selection committee for the ICE experts should not include any think tank members and consist solely of AUC directorate staff

Each committee member must be a recognized authority in their respective field of study[1]. Members may be affiliated with government agencies, non-profit organizations, academic institutions, and public policy research institutions. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.3. Composition of ICE

The ICE members should have the expertise to cover the key thematic areas and activities and include the following: 

ICE Role	Expertise	Academic Background	Experience
1. Member (Economic Transformation, Trade, and Governance)	Expertise in economic transformation, governance, debt, and illicit financial flows.  Expertise in regional trade dynamics, AfCFTA, and promotion of regional value chains.                 Experience in financial management, fiduciary compliance, and risk management.	Economics, political science, Finance, accounting, international trade, or related field	Track record of research and advocacy in climate change and sustainable development. Experience in leading policy research projects, trade policy initiatives or regional integration projects. Track record of collaborative research on key policy issues and research on institutional development and governance structures. Track record of research on AfCFTA and regional value chain promotion.
2. Member (Climate Change)	Specialization in climate change, energy transition, and carbon markets.	Environmental science, climatology, or related field	 Experience leading projects focused on energy transition and carbon market analysis.
3. Member (Food Security)	Specialization in food security and agricultural economics.	Agronomy, agricultural economics, or related field	Experience in leading agricultural development programs.  Track record of research on food security and agricultural policies.
4. Member (Human Capital Development)	Expertise in human development, education policy, and skills development. Expertise in institutional development, capacity building, and organizational management. Dedicated to promoting gender inclusivity and boosting female representation.	Education, Public administration, management, gender studies, sociology, or related field	Experience in leading education policy initiatives human capital development projects or leading organizational capacity building programs. Track record of research on education systems and skills development. Experience in leading financial management and risk assessment initiatives, including ensuring fiduciary compliance and safeguards in development projects. Experience in leading gender inclusivity initiatives and a track record of advocating for female representation in policy and decision-making roles.
5. Member (Digitalization, and ICT Policy)	Specialization in digital transformation, ICT policy & engagement, communication, outreach strategies, and innovation.	Computer science, information technology, Communication studies, public relations, or related field	Experience in leading digital innovation projects or ICT policy development initiatives.  Track record of research on digital transformation and its impact on governance and society.
6. Think Tank Institutional Expert	Expertise in institutional development of think tanks and public policy institutions.	Public policy and administration	Experience of the think tank community and their institutional capacity challenges. Experience in leading policy engagement and communication strategies. Track record of influencing policy decisions through effective communication and outreach.

 

The members will elect a chairperson during the inaugural meeting. The ideal candidate for chairperson should possess a diverse range of expertise spanning economic transformation, governance, climate change, or other ATTP-relevant thematic areas. Additionally, the chair should demonstrate a track record of leadership, having previously led teams, or held similar leadership positions in policy research, advocacy, or evaluation.

 

3. ICE Roles and Responsibilities (Scope of Work)

 

The ICE will conduct an overall assessment of the ATTP proposals. The tasks are listed below: 

1. Evaluating and scoring the research and capacity-building proposals submitted by think tank consortia for financing under the ATTP project

• After the AUC lists eligible proposals, the ICE will perform a technical assessment. Evaluation panels for each thematic area will review each proposal with at least three evaluators led by a lead reviewer.
• An Evaluation Protocol will guide the ICE in selecting Consortia proposals for the ATTP call. It includes criteria, an assessment rubric, information requirements, and procedures.
• The ICE will appoint a Chair to lead its operations.

1. Reviewing documentation of the first-round assessment and site visit to the shortlisted Consortia:
   • ICE will be responsible in providing the Think Tank Platform Steering Committee (TTPSC) a comprehensive short list of Think Tank Consortia proposals for site visit evaluation.
   • This critical review phase will include an on-site visit to short listed applicants.
   • The site visit, meticulously guided by the site visit guideline document and evaluation form, will culminate in the selection of conditionally approved consortia for the AUC.
2. The committee's mandate will conclude once the consortia have been selected.

 

3.1. Member and Chair Responsibilities

 

Each committee member will be designated as a lead for one or more of the priority thematic areas outlined by the ATTP project. This designation entails overseeing the review process within the assigned thematic area(s) and ensuring that evaluations are conducted comprehensively and with relevance to the specified focus. The Chair following the evaluation protocol will guide committee members in understanding the nuances and specific criteria pertinent to their designated thematic area(s). Each member will serve as the primary point of contact for any inquiries or discussions related to proposals within their area(s) of expertise. The chair will work closely with all members to coordinate activities, ensure consistent evaluations across thematic areas, integrate feedback into the final assessment process, and ensure assessments are submitted by the deadline.

3.2. Proposal Review and Evaluation

 

The ICE will provide an overall assessment of the ATTP project proposals. This includes assessing the quality, relevance, and feasibility of each proposal within the context of its designated thematic area(s). In the first round, the Committee will provide detailed feedback on the strengths, weaknesses, and overall merit of each proposal, drawing upon their expertise and knowledge of the thematic area(s) to offer informed assessments. Each proposal will be evaluated by at least three ICE members. At the end of the first round, the ICE will short-list proposals eligible to advance and qualify for the second round of the review process – the site visit. 

 

3.3. Site Visits and In-depth Assessments

 

As part of the selection process, committee members may be required to participate in site visits to gain a deeper understanding of proposed projects and their potential impact on the ground. The site visit will involve reviewing the recommendations from the previous round. During site visits, committee members will engage with project consortium think tank leads, and stakeholders, assess implementation plans, and evaluate the alignment of proposed activities with the objectives of the ATTP project.  

 

3.4. Confidentiality and Conflict of Interest

 

Committee members are expected to maintain strict confidentiality throughout the selection process to uphold the integrity and fairness of the evaluation process. This includes keeping all discussions, deliberations, and information related to the review process confidential. The Chair will ensure that confidentiality guidelines are adhered to within their designated areas and will address any concerns or breaches of confidentiality that may arise. 

 

Staff or employees of the AUC, World Bank Group, and Applicant Think Tanks and stakeholders are ineligible to serve as ICE members. All members should maintain impartiality and integrity and will be ineligible to join the ICE committee if they have conflicts of interest. Conflicts of interest may arise from various sources, such as prior employment with the think tank, familial connections to the applicant think tank, close personal relationships with the applicant think tank, financial interests in applicant think tank(s), professional ties with applicants, personal biases, etc. Members must refrain from participating in the committee if they are ineligible due to such conflicts, ensuring fairness and transparency throughout. 

 

3.5. Collaboration and Decision-making

 

Committee members will collaborate closely with one another and with the overall committee chairperson to ensure a coordinated and cohesive review process. The Chair will facilitate discussions, synthesize feedback from fellow committee members, and contribute to the overall decision-making process. These recommendations will be used to inform the final selection of think tank consortia under the ATTP project, and to identify proposals that demonstrate the highest potential for impact and innovation within their respective thematic areas. The Chair will be responsible for furnishing final recommended consortium proposals to the Think Tank Platform Steering Committee (TTPSC). 

 

4. Meetings and Time Commitment:

 

4.1.  Regular Meetings

 

The Independent Committee of Experts will convene for regular meetings to discuss ongoing evaluations, review progress, and address any emerging issues or concerns. Meetings will be scheduled at regular intervals as determined by the committee chairperson, with the frequency adjusted as needed to accommodate the workload and timelines of the evaluation process. The chair will play an active role in organizing and facilitating meetings within their designated areas, ensuring that discussions remain focused and productive. 

 

4.2. Time Commitment and Flexibility

 

Committee members are expected to dedicate a significant amount of time to fulfill their responsibilities effectively. This includes reviewing proposals, preparing for meetings, conducting site visits, and providing feedback on evaluation outcomes. The time commitment required may vary depending on the volume and complexity of proposals under review, as well as the scheduling of site visits and other related activities. While the exact time commitment may vary, committee members should be prepared to devote sufficient time and attention to ensure thorough and rigorous evaluations of all proposals submitted under the ATTP project. 

 

The total time commitment for the committee will be a total of 90 hours. Participants engaged in site visits will have an additional week-long commitment. The committee will operate for up to 4 months, encompassing the period from proposal review to the selection of finalists. The Committee should remain flexible in accommodating members' schedules and availability, recognizing that they may have other professional commitments outside of their role on the ICE. Efforts should be made to schedule meetings and activities at times that are convenient for all members, considering different time zones and logistical considerations. The chair will work collaboratively with the overall committee to ensure that meetings and activities are organized in a manner that maximizes participation and engagement from all members.

 

4.3. Remuneration 

 

ICE experts will receive an honorarium for work related to the ATTP project review process, if permitted to receive such an honorarium, and will have their travel costs and per diems covered by the AUC. These will adhere to the relevant AUC regulations and policies regarding honorarium payment.

 

[1] Based on post- graduate qualifications, history of publication in peer-reviewed journal(s), research, and teaching in the specific field.