AFRICAN UNION

UNION AFRICAINE

UNIÃO AFRICANA

Addis Ababa, ETHIOPIA, P. O. Box 3243, Telephone: +251-11-551 7700,

Fax: +251-11-5517844, website: www. africa-union.org

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (EOI)

CONSULTANCY SERVICE ON ASSESSMENT OF LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORKS

AND DISASTER RISK REDUCTION (DRR) STRATEGIES

AUC/DREA/C/024

SECTION I: LETTER OF INVITATION

1July 2020

Dear Applicants,

REF: CONSULTANCY SERVICE ON ASSESSMENT OF LEGISLATIVE

FRAMEWORKS AND DISASTER RISK REDUCTION (DRR) STRATEGIES

1. The African Union Commission wishes to recruit highly qualified African experts to

undertake the above assignment. The AUC now invites interested Individual Consultants to

submit CVs for the assignment as per attached Terms of Reference (TORS).

2. A Consultants will be selected under the Fixed Budget selection method and the maximum

amounts payable are specified in the ToRS.

3. The EoIs must include the following:

(i) A Cover Letter outlining the understanding of the assignment and methodology

(ii) CV demonstrating experience with similar assignments.

(iii) Expected Fees for the assignment

5. The EoIs must be submitted e-mail to Tender@africa-union.org with a copy to

Munhamoa@africa-union.org

6. The title of the Procurement must appear as subject of e-mail submissions or on the envelope

for hard copy submissions.

7. The Deadline for submission of EoIs is 21 July 2020 at 1500 hours Addis Ababa Time. Late

applications will not be considered.

7. This call for Request for Expressions of Interest comprise of the following:

Section I – This Letter of Invitation

Section II - Terms of Reference

Yours sincerely,

Head, Procurement, Travel and Stores Division

SECTION II: TERMS OF REFERENCE

TERMS OF REFERENCE

CONSULTANCY SERVICE ON ASSESSMENT OF LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORKS

AND DISASTER RISK REDUCTION (DRR) STRATEGIES

1. Background

Adopted by UN Member states in March 2015 at the World Conference on Disaster Risk

Reduction in Sendai, Japan and endorsed by the UN General Assembly in June 2015, the Sendai

Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030) is a set of common standards and a

comprehensive framework with seven achievable targets. In alignment with the Sendai Framework for

Disaster Risk Reduction, the African Union (AU) Member States developed a Programme of Action

(PoA) for the implementation of the Sendai Framework in Africa. The African Union’s Heads of State

and Government in the 28th Extraordinary Summit that took place in January 2017 in Addis Ababa,

Ethiopia, adopted the PoA. The PoA set the following five additional targets to facilitate the

implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction in Africa:

1. Substantially increase the number of countries with DRR in their educational systems at all

levels, as both stand-alone curriculum and integrated into different curricula;

2. Increase integration of DRR in regional and national sustainable development, and climate

change adaptation frameworks, mechanisms and processes;

3. Substantially expand the scope and increase the number of sources for domestic financing in

DRR;

4. Increase the number of countries with, and periodically testing, risk-informed preparedness

plans, and, response, post-disaster recovery and reconstruction mechanisms;

5. Substantially increase the number of regional networks or partnerships for knowledge

management and capacity development, including specialized regional centres and networks.

Data collected for the inaugural Africa biennial report for DRR shows that 64.71% of member states

and on average 38% of sub-national levels in Africa have DRR strategies and plans in place. The data

above was based on self-reporting by member states. The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk

Reduction (UNDRR) conducted an assessment of alignment of national DRR strategies to the Sendai

Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. However, there is still the need for further understanding of

the status of DRR legislations at regional level and the extent to which regional and national strategies

are aligned with the PoA. Conducting this assessment will contribute to foster the understanding of the

current situation and hence inform the AUC and its RECs in developing policy advocacy and capacity

building initiatives to facilitate the alignment of regional and national DRR Strategies with the PoA.

The inaugural Africa biennial report for DRR further established that while the majority of countries

have government agencies dealing with DRR/M, few countries have DRR legislations in place. This

was pointed out as the key challenge to the operations of national DRR/M agencies. It was observed

specifically that with no DRR legislation, having budget lines dedicated to DRR/M is a challenge.

Secondly it was noted that national DRR/M agencies have challenges with inter-ministerial

coordination in countries where no DRR legislative frameworks exist. DRR legislations obviously

create the enabling environment for prioritization and resource allocation for DRR. In that light, it is

important to conduct an assessment of DRR legislations in AU member states, with the aim to identify

current status, the challenges and best practices. The findings of this assessment are expected to support

advocacy by AUC, its RECs and partners for DRR legislations across Africa.

2. The Assignment

In light of the above, the AUC would like to conduct an assessment on the alignment of regional and

national strategies with the PoA, focusing on the 5 additional targets and legislative frameworks for

DRR among AU RECs and member states.

2.1. Purpose

The main objective of the consultancy is to conduct an assessment of alignment of regional and national

Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) strategies to the Programme of Action (POA) and to conduct an

assessment of the status of DRR legal frameworks.

2.2. Objectives

To establish progress made by member states and RECs in aligning their strategies to the PoA

To assess the status of DRR legislative frameworks in AU RECs and member states

To develop recommendations to inform the development of guidelines to support alignment of

regional and national DRR strategies to the PoA

To highlight key findings and recommendations to support policy advocacy for development

of DRR legislative frameworks in Africa

2.3. Description of Assignment

A. Development of methodology and reporting template

The consultant will propose a methodology as well as accompanying tools for the assignment. The methodology

will have to facilitate review of strategies, policies and legislative frameworks. The consultant will also develop

the methodology for the technical support to the Gambia. After developing the methodology the consultant will

need to train AUC and REC staff who will be supporting the data collection process. The Sendai Framework

for Disaster Risk Reduction, the PoA, the PoA Monitoring and Reporting Framework and the IFRC guidelines

on assessing DRR legislations are expected to be key reference points, in addition to other relevant frameworks.

B. Review of regional and natonal DRR/M strategies

The assignment is expected to conduct an indepth review of the existing regional and national DRR/M strategies

and the extent to which they are aligned to the PoA objectives. Specific tools and guiding questions are expected

to be used to assess the extent to which regional and national strategies address the five additional PoA indicators.

The assignment is also expected to interogate issues surrounding lack of or incomplete/unapproved DRR

strategies, for purposes of identifying gaps and challenges and ultimately making recommendations.

C. Review of DRR/M legislative ameworks

The assignment will involve assessment of the status of DRR Legislations in Africa. Specifically assignment

will include a review of existing laws and policies on DRR/M at regional and national level. It will also assess

the status of the laws, whether they are under development, awaiting approval, or operational. Where disaster

laws are operational, the study will further establish the impact of such laws on achievements of DRR objectives

of the PoA. To this end, a comparative analysis between countries with and those without legislative frameworks

may be necessary in order to draw lessons and recomendations thereof.

D. Compilation and validation of report

The assignment shall cuminate in a well detailed report covering, among others:

the number of RECs countries with strategies aligned to the PoA targets. A breakdown on the extent

of alignment to each of the five additional targets is expected to be included in the report.

Best practices and cases studies

Number of RECs and countries with DRR/M legislative frameworks and what impact these have

had.

The status of implementation of DRR strategies and legislations.

Key recommendations to address the identified challenges

The report will need to be validated by representatives of RECs and Member States constituting a quorum for it

to be considered final.

2.4. Specific tasks

Under the overall guidance of the Head of Environment, Climate Change, Water and Land Management

(ECCWLM) Division and direct supervision of the Technical Coordinator of the DRR Unit within

DREA, the consultant is expected to:

Develop methodology and data collection and analysis

Train focal points at the AUC and RECs level to ensure ownership and accurate use of the tools

developed for the field assessment

Conduct a desk review of existing legislative frameworks, DRR/M strategies and other relevant

public policies

Lead the field assessment in consultation with the DREA technical team. Supervise data

collection during field visits and ensure implementation of quality control measures during data

collection and data entry at all levels

Conduct structured and semi-structured interviews with targeted key informants

Support technical working group coordination and discussions led by the AUC

Lead data analysis and report writing process in consultation with the DREA technical team

2.5. Key Deliverables

Submission of monthly work plan and progress reporting matrix that indicates specific tasks and

activities, progress in relation to outputs, and lessons learned. Monthly outputs and work plan will be

prepared using the TOR as reference. Specifically the following milestones are expected to be achieved:

Inception report demonstrating understanding by the consultant of the TORs and detailing the

methodology to be used in carrying out the assignment; Study protocol, data collection tools

and training (if needed). Approved methodology and data collection and analysis tools

Completion of data collection

Completion of data entry and draft report

Technical review of draft report and validation of data collection results,

Final assessment report with clear recommendations on way forward for DRR strategies and

legislative frameworks

Final report validated by the AUC and RECs

Handover of the report and all datasets and tools to the AUC

3. Institutional arrangements

The consultant will work under the overall guidance of the Head of ECCWLM Division and direct

supervision of the Technical Coordinator for DRR. The African Union Commission will facilitate

consultations with all implementing partners and other relevant stakeholders

4. Minimum Qualifications

Education and skills:

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Social Science, Public Policy,

Law, Monitoring and Evaluation or Disaster Management.. A PhD will be an added advantage

Experience:

A minimum of 5 years of experience in Monitoring and Evaluation, Legal Research, Operational

Research and Policy Analysis.

At least 5 previous assignments in policy/program/project evaluation, with at least one in the

specific field of Disaster Risk Reduction/Disaster Risk Management;

Additional previous experience working with DRR/Resilience programs/projects is an added

advantage

Proven report writing skills, with traceable publication record

Proven experience in working with multiple stakeholders and inter-governmental organizations

in Africa

Language:

Full working knowledge of English

Proficiency in French will be an added advantage.

5. Duty Station

Due to the COVID-19 restrictions on travel, the assignment will be home based with several virtual

meetings with the AUC, Regional Economic Communities and Member States. Should the situation

change, the consultant should be prepared to make some visits to Addis Ababa, Regional Economic

Communities and Member States.

6. Duration of Assignment

The consultancy shall be conducted for the period of 6 months

7. Remuneration

A total amount of not more than US$ 40,000 shall be paid to the Consultant for the whole assignment. AUC

shall cover travel expenses and DSA for the Consultant during field visits, using the AUC regulations.

Payment shall be made upon completion of key deliverables as follows:

30% upon acceptance by the AUC of the comprehensive methodology and data collection tools

and briefing of AUC and REC focal points

50% upon acceptance by the AUC of reviews and surveys and submission of draft for validation at

regional and AUC level and submitting revised draft to AUC

20% upon submission and acceptance by the AUC of final report and datasets

S/N CRITERIA Score

1 Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Social Science,

Public Policy, Law, Monitoring and Evaluation or Disaster Management. A

PhD will be an added advantage.

20

2 A minimum of 5 years of experience in Monitoring and Evaluation, Legal

Research, Operational Research and Policy Analysis.

30

3 At least 5 previous assignments in policy/program/project evaluation, with at

least one in the specific field of Disaster Risk Reduction/Disaster Risk

Management;

20

4 Proven experience in working with multiple stakeholders and inter-

governmental organizations in Africa

10

5 Understanding of the Assignment as demonstrated in the methodology 20

6 Total 100

The pass mark for Technical evaluation shall be 70%.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

African Union policy requires consultants to provide professional, objective, and impartial

advice, and at all times hold the Client’s interests paramount, without any consideration for

future work, and strictly avoid conflicts with other assignments or their own corporate interests.

Consultants shall not be hired for any assignment that would be in conflict with their prior or

current obligations to other clients, or that may place them in a position of not being able to carry

out the assignment in the best interests of the Client.

Without limitation on the generality of this rule, consultants shall not be hired under the

circumstances set forth below:

(a) Conflict between consulting activities and procurement of goods, works or services:

A firm that has been engaged to provide goods, works, or services for a project, and

each of its affiliates, shall be disqualified from providing consulting services related

to those goods, works or services. Conversely, a firm hired to provide consulting

services for the preparation or implementation of a project, and each of its affiliates,

shall be disqualified from subsequently providing goods, works or services resulting

from or directly related to the firm’s consulting services for such preparation or

implementation (other than a continuation of the firms earlier consulting services for

the same project).

(b) Conflict among consulting assignments: Neither consultants (including their

personnel and sub-consultants) nor any of their affiliates shall be hired for any

assignment that, by its nature, may be in conflict with another assignment of the

consultants.

(c) Relationship with AUC staff: Consultants (including their personnel and sub-

consultants) that have a business or family relationship with a member of AUC staff

(or of the Client staff, or of a beneficiary of the assignment) who are directly or

indirectly involved in any part of: (i) the preparation of the TOR of the contract, (ii)

the selection process for such contract, or (iii) supervision of such contract may not

be awarded a contract.

The African Union requires that Officers of the AU, as well as Bidders/ Suppliers/ Contractors/

Consultants, observe the highest standard of ethics during the procurement and execution of

such contracts.1 In pursuance of this policy the AU:

1 In this context, any action taken by a bidder, supplier, contractor, sub-contractor or consultant to influence

the procurement process or contract execution for undue advantage is improper.

(a) defines, for the purposes of this provision, the terms set forth below as follows:

(i) “corrupt practice”2 is the offering, giving, receiving or soliciting, directly or

indirectly, of anything of value to influence improperly the actions of another

party;

(ii) “fraudulent practice”3 is any act or omission including a misrepresentation that

knowingly or recklessly misleads, or attempts to mislead, a party to obtain a

financial or other benefit or to avoid an obligation;

(iii) “collusive practice”4 is an arrangement between two or more parties designed

to achieve an improper purpose, including to influence improperly the

actions of another party;

(iv) “coercive practice”5 is impairing or harming or threatening to impair or harm,

directly or indirectly, any party or the property of the party to influence

improperly the actions of a party;

(v) “obstructive practice” is deliberately destroying, falsifying, altering or

concealing of evidence material to any investigation or making false

statements to investigators in order to materially impede any investigation

into allegations of a corrupt, fraudulent, coercive or collusive practice; and/or

threatening, harassing or intimidating any party to prevent it from disclosing

its knowledge of matters relevant to the investigation or from pursuing the

investigation;

(b) will reject a recommendation for award of contract if it determines that the bidder

recommended for award has, directly or through an agent, engaged in corrupt,

2 “another party” refers to an officer of the AU acting in relation to the procurement process or contract

execution. In this context, “officer of the AU” includes staff and employees of other organisations taking

or reviewing procurement decisions.

3 a “party” refers to any officer of the AU; the terms “benefit” and “obligation” relate to the procurement

process or contract execution; and the “act or omission” is intended to influence the procurement process

or contract execution.

4 “parties” refers to any participants in the procurement process (including officers of the AU) attempting to

establish bid prices at artificial, non competitive levels.

5 a “party” refers to any participant in the procurement process or contract execution.

fraudulent, collusive, coercive or obstructive practices in competing for the contract

in question;

(c) will declare a firm ineligible, either indefinitely or for a stated period of time, to be

awarded an African Union financed contract if it at any time determines that the firm

has, directly or through an agent, engaged in corrupt, fraudulent, collusive, coercive

or obstructive practices in competing for, or in executing, an African Union financed

contract.

Consultants shall not be under a declaration of ineligibility for corrupt, fraudulent, collusive,

coercive or obstructive practices issued by the.