VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT:
Consultancy Service to Support programme design and review in Africa as part of CAADP-based National Agricultural and Food Security Investment Plans (NAFSIPs)
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Semi-Arid Food Grain Research and Development (SAFGRAD) is one of the specialized technical offices of the Commission of the African Union under its Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture. SAFGRAD mandate is to lead, coordinate and facilitate the formulation of appropriate policies and programmes that build resilience of rural livelihoods in semi-arid Africa through strengthening of institutional capacities aimed at advancing agricultural research, technology transfer and adoption; enhancement of value chains; management of natural resources; and mitigation and adaptation to climate change and combating desertification. SAFGRAD vision falls within the Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development (CAADP) framework which is at the heart of efforts by African governments to accelerate growth and eliminate poverty across the continent.
The Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) framework reflects the recognition that in Africa agriculture is central to the alleviation of poverty and hunger. Hence, the successful development of agriculture is crucial to achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Today, 40 countries have signed CAADP Compacts which reflect a commitment to shared vision and strategy for Africa’s agricultural development. Most of these countries have moved ahead in the CAADP process for formulating National Agricultural and Food Security Investment Plans (NAFSIPs), and Regional Economic Communities (RECs) are developing and moving ahead on Regional Agricultural and Food Security Investment Plans (RAFSIPs), which clarify priorities to bring the best returns to investment.
It is within this context that AU-SAFGRAD is going to conduct a study to support programme design and review in Africa Semi-Arid Zones as part of CAADP-based National Agricultural and Food Security Investment Plans (NAFSIPs) both at national and regional level.
The Commission invites applicants who are citizens of Member States for Consultancy service for AU-SAFGRAD Office in the Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture to support programme design and review in Africa as part of CAADP-based National Agricultural and Food Security Investment Plans (NAFSIPs)1.
Post title: Consultant(s)
Immediate Supervisor: Coordinator of AU-SAFGRAD
2. Major duties and responsibilities (Scope of Work)
- The Consultant will be requested to identify gaps, review and analyze the NAFSIPs in the areas of land management, land degradation, desertification andclimate change, in 5 countries located in ECOWAS region The consultant will be requested to advice the selected countries on the activities and/or programmes that have to be enriched, added or reprioritized in particular of above mentioned areas.
- The review and analysis will be based on desk work, then the consultant will meet with the national focal point(s) for discussion
- Track progress in the implementation of Pillar I at the sub-regional and national levels of above mentioned areas.
- Assess whether the investment plans incorporated adequate and gender-targeted steps to adapt to the impact of above mentioned areas on smallholder agriculture and pastoralism.
- Analyze the way in which the regional dimension (subsidiarity, complementarities, and comparative advantages) were correctly taken into account both in content and in the process of elaboration of plans
- It might be the consultant will be required to visit some selected countries to meet with the relevant persons/institutions there.
- The consultant will present his report to the relevant stakeholder in the meeting organized by AU-SAFGRAD
- The consultant will be responsible to facilitate the above mentioned meeting
- Based on the above mentioned the consultant will finalize his report and submit to AU-SAFGRAD
3. Educational Qualifications:
An advanced University degree (Masters Level or PhD) in agriculture science, Agriculture economics, Land Management, Climate change related science or Desertification’s related science.
4. Work Experience:
The consultant(s) shall have the following minimum qualifications:
- At least 10 years of experience working in the agriculture sector in developing countries
- The consultant(s) must have prior expertise on smallholder agriculture as a route to poverty eradication and inclusive growth in Africa, and must also be familiar with the ecological sustainability desertification and climate resilience issues surrounding African agriculture
- The consultant(s) must be well experienced with the CAADP and other agricultural policies and plans at-country level
- Demonstrable experience in conducting similar work with proven analytical skills
- Thorough understanding and knowledge of agriculture and development issues in Africa, agricultural policy analysis and food security
- The candidate is expected to have an understanding of CAADP in particular CAADP Pillar I and the issues, challenges and constraints of Pillar I implementation that will guide him/her to track the progress of the Pillar implementation in selected countries.
5. Other relevant skills
- Computer literacy.
- Excellent drafting and reporting skills.
- Good planning and organizational skills.
- Conscientious and efficient in observing deadlines and achieving results.
- Takes accountability for goals and challenges.
- Effective and distinct communication ability with excellent written and verbal communications skills.
- Ability to defend, explain with tact and diplomacy difficult positions addressing key policy issues.
- Ability to work under pressure and collaboratively with and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues
- Track record of excellent time management and ability to meet tight deadlines.
6. Language requirement:
Proficiency in English and French. Knowledge of other AU working languages would be an added advantage
- 7.Tenure of Appointment:
The consultancy is planned for a maximum period of eight weeks starting from Month, May 2014.
- 8. Gender Mainstreaming:
The AU Commission is an equal opportunity employer and qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.
- 9. Expected Outputs
Inception report: The consultant will prepare an inception report including the methodology of delivering the assignment and detailed work plan. The report should also highlight all logistic issues necessary for the exercise.
Draft evaluation report: the consultant will submit a draft report for review by AU- SAFGRAD team and other key stakeholders within and outside AU-SAFGRAD. The report will be submitted in electronic copy. The contents of the report will include, but not limited to:
a-Executive summary, context and introduction and methodology
b-Strong analytical and recommendation country reports
Final evaluation report: After receiving comments on the draft report, the consultant will submit a final report including the relevant inputs from AU-SAFGRAD and other stakeholders. Hard copies and an electronic copy of the final report will be submitted by the consultant to AU-SAFGRAD’s to the below mentioned addresses.
- Remuneration:
The salary attached to the position is a lump-sum of US$ —inclusive of all allowances
- Application:
To apply, please submit the following: A detailed and updated CV.
Applications must be received not later than1st May 2014-and should be addressed to:
AU -SAFGRAD
01BP1783Ouagadougou 01
Ouagadougou
Burkina Faso
