Introduction
The African Union Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU- IBAR) is a specialized technical office of the Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture (DREA) of the African Union Commission (AUC). AU-IBAR’s mandate is to support and coordinate the utilization of livestock, fisheries and wildlife as resources for both human wellbeing and economic development in the Member States of the African Union (AU). AU-IBAR is at the forefront of reducing the impact of transboundary animal diseases and zoonoses on livelihoods and public health in Africa. The prevention, control and eradication of the diseases is achieved through specific projects, networks and platforms within the framework of continental policies and strategies that are aligned to the Malabo commitments/Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Programme.
The International Scientific Council for Trypanosomiasis Research and Control (ISCTRC) was established in the 60s on the realization that the removal of tsetse and trypanosomiasis (T&T) required an international platform that would serve as a vehicle of cooperation and implementation across national, regional and continental barriers. ISCTRC is a statutory council of the African Union with the secretariat at AU-IBAR and is managed by an Executive Committee, and provides recommendations to the Pan African Tsetse and Trypanosomiasis Eradication Campaign (PATTEC) that was established to initiate national campaigns on the African continent to eradicate the trypanosomiasis and tsetse flies menace from the African continent, once and for all. The ISCTRC has continued to act as a platform for knowledge sharing and information dissemination on trypanosomiasis research and control. The ISCTRC has provided the scientific arena to enable important discussion, including, research, review control strategies and recommendations for appropriate smarter methods of tsetse and trypanosomiasis control.
Background
The ISCTRC commemorated its 70th year of existence during the 35th General Conference held in Abuja, Nigeria in 2019. A key decision made during the ISCTRC was to chronical the ISCTRC’s 70-year journey by reporting on some of the outcomes, lessons and best practices that were achieved. The document is intended to inform, record and showcase the efforts of the many individuals who worked towards the elimination of Trypanosomiasis, and demonstrate the effectiveness of the various interventions in the fight against T&T and how the work of the ISCTRC is constantly improving.
The publication is further aimed to articulate how the ISCTRC has provided a comprehensive program that has avoided ad hoc action and, rather, has drawn all cooperating partners into a forum where common goals and a vision have been shared and supported based on the national, regional and continental priorities owned by the African Union Member States.
Aim of the Consultancy
AU-IBAR seeks to engage a resource person to guide the process in the development of a coffee table book, guided by the ISTCRC Working Group, Stories Guide and Checklist and supported by a Copy Editor.
Aim and Objective of the Coffee Table Book
The aim of the publication is to document and critically analyse the approaches adopted and implemented in the fight against T&T. The publication will consider the case studies and lessons learned since inception, progress made since that time and analyze the evolution of the thematic work under the fight against T&T in the past 70 years.
The publication is expected to also generate knowledge and lessons, by assessing the approaches and provide key recommendations for the future of the sector to remain effective, relevant and responsive to the Continental elimination of the fight against T&T and the nexus of T&T with other key strategies, such as the One Health Approach.
Expected Output
The expected outcome is a technical publication highlighting key experiences, important stories and lessons learned from the past 70 years of cooperation in the fight against T&T, aligning with the implementation of key continental policies and strategies on animal health.
Target Audience
The publication is targeted at regional and national strategic planners in T&T and animal health, T&T national and regional program developers, T&T national and regional policy makers, T&T, animal/ public health practitioners, technical experts from other sectors, Regional Economic Commissions (RECs), and the international development community.
Scope of Work
In close consultation with the AU-IBAR and the Working Group, the Resource person will perform the following tasks:
- Consult with relevant stakeholders and guide the preparation of contributions to be considered for the final publication
- Participate in meetings in order to consult with key stakeholders
- Review and analyse the data collected, contributions and submissions received and synthesis and consolidate in accordance with the agreed chapter outline of the Coffee Table Book
- Participate in the planned workshops and contribute to the development of the agenda of the workshops
- Prepare presentations to guide the contributors and facilitate workshops as required
- Present the draft publication at the validation workshop and incorporate comments received
- Prepare final publication, together with Copy Editor
The consultant is expected to:
- Work closely with AU-IBAR and the Working Group, and Copy Editor to refine understanding of the assignment, its scope and level of details by participating in skype discussions and planned meetings as necessary.
The consultant is also expected to perform the following tasks:
- Review relevant background material from contributors.
- Work closely with the Working Group, Editor/Copy Writer and AU-IBAR to refine understanding of the assignment, its scope and level of detail by participating in online discussions and planned meetings as necessary.
Proposed Schedule of Tasks
The Resource Person is expected to adhere to the agreed time-schedule of the assignment and production of the coffee table book as proposed by the Working Group and AU-IBAR. The consultancy will be carried out from the date of signing the contract to December 31, 2020.
Supervision, reporting and deliverables
The consultant shall work closely with the Working Group, Editor and report to the AU-IBAR Animal Health Expert, supported by the Senior Knowledge Management Officer.
Qualifications and Experience
The consultancy assignment defined in this terms of reference (ToR) requires technical/professional expertise with any of the following qualifications and experience:
- Master’s degree or PhD in relevant technical areas relevant to Animal Health, including entomology, Public Health/ One Health approaches, regional integration, policy development and planning, research and institutional development.
- At least 20 years of relevant experience in integrated pest control in particular tsetse flies
- Vast knowledge of the history of ISCTRC and PATTEC programme
- Vast knowledge and experience of T&T prevention and control tools
- Vast knowledge of Institutions and networks working on T&T in the continental and globally
- Excellent writing skills Excellent as demonstrated by publication or articles and books
- An understanding of regional integration particularly on the African continent in the context of T&T prevention and control.
- Knowledge of English language is a must.
- Knowledge of French and Portuguese will be an added advantage.
- Being a member of the ISCTRC would be an advantage
Language Requirements
Native or bilingual level proficiency (verbal and written) in English is essential. Knowledge of a second language (French, Arabic or Portuguese) is desirable.
Payment
The total amount budgeted for this activity is USD 18,000
The payment will be in two phases. The first payment (30%) will be made upon signing of the contract. The second payment (70%) will be made upon completion of the assignment.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications from qualified individuals will be desk reviewed by selection panel. The best submission will be further interviewed or engaged in the assignment.
Technical Scoring
The evaluation of the Technical Proposal, will be based on the parameters described under qualifications and experience and the proposed methodology.
Financial Evaluation
The evaluation of the financial proposal will weigh thirty (30) percent of the total rating. The financial proposal will be evaluated on the basis of total cost, cost realism and used in combination with the assessment of the technical quality to determine the best value for money.
How to apply:
How to Submit
The entire proposal, including all supporting documentation should not be no longer than 8 A4 pages in length, and should be emailed as a single document to:
procurement@au-ibar.org, with a copy to Khalid.seid@au-ibar.org, and by no later than 5.00pm East African Time on 6th October, 2020.
Specific questions not answered either in this call may be emailed to: procurement@au-ibar.org