Antecedentes

The African Solidarity Initiative (ASI) is an AU-led initiative that aims to mobilise a higher level of support particularly from Africa for post-conflict reconstruction and development (PCRD) efforts. The initiative was endorsed by the AU Heads of State and Governments in adopting a decision (Decision Assembly/AU/Dec.425 (XIX) on the ASI, which provides an opportunity to mobilize, from within the continent, support for African countries emerging from conflicts, consolidate and expand intra-African co-operation and mutual self-help.

The Decision further requested the Commission, in close collaboration with the countries concerned and all other Member States, Regional Economic Communities, other relevant African institutions and partner organisations, to roll-out a full implementation plan, to mobilize in-kind, capacity building, as well as financial contributions to support post-conflict reconstruction activities and efforts in African countries concerned.

The launching of the ASI took place in Addis-Ababa on the 13th of July 2012, and was part a follow-up to Decision Assembly/AU/Dec.408 (XVIII), adopted by the Assembly of the Union, at its 18th Ordinary Session, held in Addis Ababa, from 29 to 30 January 2012, which stressed the need for renewed efforts towards post-conflict reconstruction and development.
In the context of the implementation of the ASI, it is important to develop a framework for continental resource mobilisation to support post-conflict reconstruction and development efforts. These Terms of Reference (ToRs) highlight the work envisaged under these consultancy services.

It is noteworthy to stress that despite the milestones that have been accomplished in ensuring the common objective of a conflict-free Africa, there is growing need for renewed efforts towards post-conflict reconstruction and peace building, in order to sustain the hope and gains that come with the end of violence, in addition to addressing existing crises and conflicts. Indeed, as experience indicates, in the early phase of the transition from conflict to peace, the risk of relapse into violence is high as countries emerging from conflicts are often characterized by weakened capacity at all levels, destroyed institutions, governance challenges and poverty.

In launching the ASI, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs/External Relations and other representatives of the Member States of the African Union aimed at giving a new impetus to Africa’s efforts in the area of post-conflict reconstruction and development, building on steps already taken by individual Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and other stakeholders, as part of the strategy towards growth, renewal and sustainable development.

The main objective of the ASI is to promote African solidarity, mutual assistance and regional integration, and propel the continent to a higher level of development and self-reliance, driven by the motto: ‘Africa helping Africa’. The initiative intends to help operationalize the African Solidarity Initiative as well as sow the seeds to institute a broad-based African technical co-operation programme directed to PCRD, by identifying, piloting and expanding relevant technical cooperation activities.
Finally, the initiative represents an additional platform for mobilising support to countries engaged in PCRD.

Deberes y responsabilidades

The Consultant will work closely with and provide substantive support to the ASI/PCRD team towards the following areas: 

  • Facilitating/Mobilizing Intra-African Technical Assistance for PCRD
  • Facilitating the development of instruments to promote and capture ASI commitment of African support (Resources/arrangements for intra-African self-help in-kind or cash)
  • Sensitization and awareness creation 
  • Mobilising/Promoting Intra-African Technical Cooperation schemes 
  • Research, gather information and produce a framework document of domestic (African) resources mobilisation as a sustained paradigm for “Africa helping Africa” under the ASI for PCRD.

The following outputs will be expected from the consultant(s);

  • Operational support to the ASI Team and ASI process to enhance the pertinence of actions and to enhance mobilisation of in-kind and financial support. (May- June 2013)
  • Instruments to promote and capture ASI commitment of African support (Resources/arrangements for intra-African self-help in-kind or cash)(31 June 2013)
  • Mechanisms and approaches to capture and promote intra-African Technical Cooperation schemes for PCRD.(31 June 2013)
  • Commitment building approaches for mobilization of resources from(in addition to countries), private sector, parastatal setups, academia, diaspora, CSOs/FBOs (31 July 2013)
  • A comprehensive framework document for domestic resources mobilisation through the ASI for PCRD. (31 August 2013)
  • Well prepared and holding of a validation workshop(mid-September 2013)
  • Final draft of framework document incorporating workshop inputs(30 September 2013)

Competencias

Core Competencies: 

  • Ethics and Values: Demonstrate and safeguard ethics and integrity
  • Organizational Awareness: Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgment 
  • Development and Innovation: Take charge of self-development and take initiative. 
  • Team Work: Demonstrate ability to work in a multicultural, multi ethnic environment and to maintain effective working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds. 
  • Communicating and Information Sharing: Facilitate and encourage open communication and strive for effective communication.

Functional competencies: 

  • Ability to plan, prioritize and deliver a variety of tasks on time 
  • Exercise sound judgment/analysis
  • Ability to develop creative solutions
  • Ability to provide constructive coaching and feedback for others 
  • Ability to liaise with a myriad of stakeholders and partners, including government, civil society, international organizations and grassroots organizations 
  • Ability to work in culturally diverse environments and display diplomacy and tact 
  • Demonstrated sensitivity, discretion, tact, and courtesy in relation to implementing partners, and national and international personnel of varied nationalities and backgrounds

Habilidades y experiencia requeridas

Education:
  • The consultant/consultant team will be required to possess education training at least at Masters Level in fields such as Economics, Sociology, Development Studies and other related fields.
Experience:
  • The Consultant(s) (or at least the team leader) should have prior experience in Resource Mobilization (working and designing Resource Mobilization Schemes in major development agencies, such the UN, NEPAD, etc.).
  • The Consultant(s) (or at least the team leader) should have at least fifteen (15) years of professional experience in the development sector, mobilization, partnerships, and as a development practitioner he should be knowledgeable on African development, humanitarian, conflict and post-conflict issues.
  • The Consultant(s) should have previous experience with (international) development organizations (e.g. UN agencies) or regional and continental institutions, more especially specific experience with the NEPAD Agency, the RECs and other development actors in Africa, and the African Union.
  • The Consultant(s) should be familiar with PCRD issues in Africa and knowledgeable about African countries
  • Close familiarity with the ASI process as well as an understanding of post-conflict challenges will be highly desirable.
Language:
 
  • The Consultant(s) (or at least the team leader) should demonstrate fluency in both English and French. Fluency in other languages could be useful.
Timing of availability
 
  • Immediate
Interested applicants are invited to submit their CV's online. Only short listed candidates will be contacted to submit technical and financial proposal
 
FC: 04210