1. Background

The African Union (AU) is a Pan African continental body charged with the responsibility of spearheading Africa’s rapid integration and sustainable development by promoting unity, solidarity, cohesion and cooperation among the peoples of Africa as well as developing new partnerships worldwide. Its Headquarters is located in Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia. The Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture (DREA) of the African Union Commission (AUC) is responsible for issues pertaining to agriculture, rural economy and development, environment and natural resources in Africa. DREA has three divisions, namely, Agriculture and Food Security, Rural Economy and Environment and Natural Resources, as well as Technical Offices. The overall objective of the Agriculture and Food Security Division (AFSD) is to coordinate continent-wide initiatives on agriculture, livestock, fisheries, food and nutrition security, reinforced by appropriate policy and technological options that would enhance the livelihoods and food security of Africans. The division also seeks to strengthen the resilience of African food production systems and to facilitate the harmonization of agricultural policies and knowledge support systems.
The Partnership for Aflatoxin Control in Africa (PACA) envisions an Africa free from the harmful effects of Aflatoxins. It’s on a mission to support agricultural development, safeguard consumer health and facilitate trade by catalyzing, coordinating and increasing effective Aflatoxin control along agricultural value chains in Africa. This innovative partnership – the only one of its kind in the world – unites over 50 organizations and is supported by all countries of the African Union in the fight against aflatoxins. The partnership members, comprised of Regional Economic Communities (RECS), Government Ministries, Research Institutions, African and Global Companies, NGOs, universities, Private Sector Companies, Farmers Organizations amongst others, coordinate their efforts to fight aflatoxins in myriad various activities. PACA provides strategic leadership and coordination to catalyze the development of evidence-based comprehensive actions for aflatoxin control.
2. OBJECTIVE OF THE CONSULTANCY
The main objective of the consultancy is to advance implementation of the PACA initiative at national and REC levels in the region while contributing to continental efforts.

SCOPE OF THE SERVICE
The scope of the consultancy service includes, but not limited to the following;
• Coordinate with PACA Country Officers including day to day communication with Country Officers working in the region to support the implementation of national aflatoxin control action plans and related PACA activities;
• Implement engagement and coordination with Regional Economic Communities to provide support to Member States on aflatoxin mitigation;
• Develop short and long term plans for their respective region, including overseeing detailed country planning;
• Oversee and track progress in implementation of national aflatoxin control plans;
• Follow up with respective countries to ensure valid and consistent approaches are implemented for collection of baseline, monitoring and evaluation, and impact analysis data;
• Support the mainstreaming of aflatoxin control into national/regional frameworks: in relation to the national planning process, particularly supporting mainstreaming of aflatoxin control plans into CAADP;
• Support PACA’s advocacy and communication including but not limited to drafting communication materials, communiqué, policy briefs;
• Support regional convening’s of PACA through developing meeting materials, participant list, and regular communication with co-conveners;
• Support the embedding of aflatoxin control in education curricula, and agriculture and health extension systems of countries or regions coordinated by the officer; and
5. Key Deliverables and schedule

The Consultant shall submit a monthly progress report on the implementation of activities listed above.

6. Reporting and Communication:
The consultant will report to the Director of Rural Economy and Agriculture.

6.1 7. Qualifications and Experience:

7.1 Education

Master’s degree in the fields of agriculture, agricultural or food policy, development studies, or related fields;

Extensive training, at least at the level of certificate, in the area of food safety and aflatoxins

7.2 Experience
A minimum of 5 years of work experience, with program implementation experience of at least 4 years in a large scale, preferably continental, aflatoxin control programme in Africa.

The African Union Commission now invites eligible Individual Consultants to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested candidate must provide information demonstrating that he/she has the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services.
7.3 Duration of the Consultancy
The consultancy services is required for a period of 12 months
7.4 Consultancy fee
The consultant shall be issued with a time-based Contract. The consultancy fee will be USD 8,326.78 which will be calculated on the basis of days worked.
VIII. EVALUATION CRITERIA
For evaluation of the expressions of interest the following criteria will be applied:
a) General Education Qualification and Relevant Training (30 points);
b) Experience Related to the Assignment (60 points)
c) Language (10 points);

Interested candidates are requested to submit the following documents related to personal capacity assessment for AUC’s consideration:
• Relevant experience related to the assignment
• Contacts of organizations previously worked for
• Curriculum Vitae of the Consultant

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours 8:00-13:00hrs and 14:00-17:00 hours Local Time.
RESPONSE TO THE CALL
Application must be delivered in a written form to the address below not later than 1500 hours local time, 16th March 2018
African Union Commission,
Head of Procurement Travel and Store Division
P.O. Box 3243, Roosevelt Street Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Tel: +251 (0) 11 551 7700 – Ext 4305, Fax: +251 11-551-7844
E-mail: tender@africa-union.org