Uganda: Consultancy services to facilitate the update of ASARECA Strategy (2019-2028) and preparation of the Operational Plan III (2019 - 2023)

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (REOI)

(CONSULTANCY SERVICES – INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANTS)

Grant No: TF 093070 Project ID No: P 112600

Consultancy services to facilitate the update of ASARECA Strategy (2019-2028) and preparation of the Operational Plan III (2019 - 2023)

REFERENCE NO: ASA/CONS/17-18/00009

1. Introduction

The Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA) is funded by various donors under the Multi-Donor Trust Fund (MDTF). The World Bank manages this fund that focuses on supporting Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa. ASARECA intends to apply part of the grant proceeds for provision of individual consultant services.

2. Objective of the consultancy

The overall objective of this consultancy is to review the current ASARECA Strategy and Results Framework (A-SRF: 2017-2026), update it for the next decade (2019-2028), and consultatively develop the ASARECA’s Third Operational Plan (OP III: 2019 – 2023) that is aligned to the updated A-SRF (2019-2028).

3.Scope of work

The consultant is expected to support ASARECA management in the achievement of its mandate by developing an implementable OP III. To achieve this, the Consultant will undertake the following specific tasks:

1. Review all the ASARECA Strategy and OP documents, as well as scan and document the mega-trends in the AR4D landscape in the ECA sub-region;

2. Review and update ASARECA’s niche, mandate and thematic focus in AR4D in the region, including development of trackable Results Framework that is likely to position ASARECA on its competitive niche within the sub-region;

3. Conduct stakeholder analysis and identify beneficial ASARECA constituency for enhanced comparative advantage, geographical focus and areas of work for better coordination and minimal duplication of efforts;

4. Identify priority flagship programs and projects for ASARECA thematic areas and provide budget projections and funding scenarios

5. Articulate the available resources along major priority areas, determine the absorption capacity, and undertake gap analysis for the needed and available resources (especially staff time, infrastructure, technology, and associated equipment) for optimal allocation on thematic priorities.

6. Co-develop implementable workplan along each thematic area and clearly indicate the why, what, when, how, and who in ensuring operationalization of the proposed OP III;

7. Clearly define the human resource package needed for ensuring implementation of the OP III, including assessment of the current staffing levels, additional staff need, and capacity development gaps needed;

8. Co-develop user-friendly OP III M&E Framework and Plan and articulate information pathway for enhancing learning and reporting;

9. Draft the OP III and develop plan for validation workshop, including preparation of summary of the Draft for presentation to ASARECA Management and Workshop Participants;

10. Prepare final OP III that includes the views of a wider consultative group, and submit to ASARECA Board and Management.

4. ASARECA now invites eligible consultants to indicate their interest in providing the stated services. Interested consultants must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services (academic qualification, description of similar assignments, and experience in similar conditions).

5. The attention of the interested consultant is drawn to paragraph 1.9 of the World Bank’s Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants by World Bank Borrowers (current edition) setting forth the World Bank policy on conflict of interest. Consultants will be selected in accordance with the Selection of Individual Consultants method set out in the World Bank Guidelines.

Interested consultants may obtain further information at the address below during office hours: 9.00 am - 12.00 pm; and 2.30 pm - 4.00 pm (East African Time), and can also access the Terms of Reference from the ASARECA Website: www.asareca.org.

7. Expressions of Interest must be delivered to the address below by 11.00 am, 23^rd July 2018, and marked**: “Expression of Interest for Consultancy** to facilitate the update of ASARECA Strategy (2019-2028) and preparation of the Operational Plan III”.

To Interim Executive Secretary

Attn: Procurement and Contracting Officer, Reception Office,

Plot 5 Mpigi Road, Entebbe.

E-mail: procurement@asareca.org