INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT - Development of an automated repository and analytical framework for data and information on African Agricultural Science, Technology and Innovation

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

(INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT)

Consulting Services:  Development of an automated repository and analytical framework for data and information on African Agricultural Science, Technology and Innovation – Develop the necessary API of existing FARA systems and consolidate the FARADataInformS (Phase 2).

Name of project:         FARA Multi-Donor Trust Fund (FARA-MDTF)

Grant No:                    FARA-MDTF TF095129

Project ID No.:            P112684

Ref: KDS1.1.1                                                                                                          Date: June 21, 2017  

This request for expressions of interest follows the general procurement notice for this project that appeared in dg Market, issue no. 4577029 of November 10, 2009.

The forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) has received a grant from the Multi-Donor Trust Fund (MDTF) towards the cost of implementation of Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) Third Medium Term Operational Plan (MTOP III) to be implemented over the period, 2014-2018.

FARA intends to apply part of the proceeds for the following consultant services:

Development of an automated repository and analytical framework for data and information on African Agricultural Science, Technology and Innovation – Develop the necessary API of existing FARA systems and consolidate the FARADataInformS (Phase 2).

The Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) is the apex organization for agricultural research for development in Africa. The completion of the implementation of the first Medium Term Operational Plan (MTOP 1) in December 2013, heralded the development of a new strategy and MTOP to consolidate the significant gains of MTOP 1. Based on lessons learnt from implementing the MTOP 1, and an analysis of current challenges, opportunities and emerging trends in the agriculture sector and the AR&D arena, the Secretariat identified three Strategic Priorities (SPs) as key result areas for the second MTOP (MTOP 2) in the next five years (2014 – 2018). These are: visioning Africa’s agricultural transformation through strategic analysis and foresight; integrating capacities for change by connecting and learning; and establishing the enabling policy environment for implementation through advocacy and communications. 

Currently, Africa’s contribution to the global knowledge system is among the lowest in the world. This is mainly due to the low institutional and individual knowledge generation capacity on one hand, and the weak institutional capacity and infrastructure for collecting, storing and managing the data and information being generated on the other. Informed decision-making processes at all levels are weak due to low availability and accessibility of reliable data, information or knowledge. 

To effectively provide science, technology and innovation (STI) knowledge support to the CAADP country process and for the implementation of the Malabo Declaration for 2025, FARA is collaborating with AU-NPCA to establish the FARA Data and Information System (FARADataInformS); a repository of relevant STI metrics at country level. FARA has completed the user experience gathering and a mockup has been developed to provide guidance on what prospective users expect from such a system.

A. OBJECTIVES OF ASSIGNMENT  

The purpose of the assignment is to establish the FARA Data and Information System (FARADataInformS); a repository of relevant Science and Technology Indicators (STI) metrics at country level that will serve as the basic resource from which various information products will be derived. The FARADataInformS is a component of the FARA Observatory on the Science Agenda and Africa AR4D. 

Establishing the FARADataInformS will entail:

1. Integrating existing databases in FARA such as the eRAILS, e-Capacities and the Innovation Platform Agribusiness portal (IPAbP)
2. Collecting data to populate and update the FARADataInformS.
3. Site Testing, user manual development and training

B. SCOPE OF ASSIGNMENT

Based on the mock-up, the Consultant will be expected to liaise with the Knowledge Management Officer of FARA, to undertake the following tasks:

1. Develop the necessary API of existing FARA systems and consolidate the FARADataInformS interfaces
2. Migrate and maintain the various FARA information systems under a single host
3. Front-end development - implementation of user interface designs in HTML, CSS, JavaScript.
4. Back-end development - database setup and data modelling
5. Testing of the system and gather feedback from selected users - full website testing, user acceptance testing, testing on different browsers
6. User training and validation- website training and documentation support

C. OUTPUTS AND DELIVERABLES  

The Consultant is expected to deliver the following:

1. API of FARA existing systems developed and FARA interface consolidated by August 14, 2017
2. FARA information systems migrated under a single host by August 29, 2017
3. User interface designed in HTML, CSS, JavaScript by September 15, 2017
4. Database setup and data modelling completed by September 29, 2017 
5. Testing (Website, user acceptance, browsers, etc.) completed by October 27, 2017
6. User Training (FARA & selected constituents) including user manuals development completed by November 17, 2017.
7. Final Training manuals (Admin and User manuals) submitted to FARA by December 15, 2017

D. DURATION OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The duration of the assignment will be 65 working days spread during the months of June to October 2016. 

E. LOCATION OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The assignment will mostly be home-based but will require a minimum of 10 days on location at FARA Secretariat in Accra, Ghana or a designated location decided by FARA.

F. PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

The Consultant is expected to undertake the services with the highest standards of professional and ethical considerations, competence and integrity. He/she is expected to deliver the outputs listed in Section C and D in a most effective and efficient manner within the assignment period stated in Section E of this document. 

G. REPORTING

The Consultant will be working directly and frequently with the Knowledge Management Officer and reporting to the Executive Director of FARA through the Director of Research and Innovation (DRI). The Consultant is expected to engage with the Director of Research and Innovation and the Knowledge Management Officer, at least one week prior to the commencement of the assignment to be briefed on FARA’s expectations. 

H. FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED BY FARA

FARA will provide the following information and facilities to the consultant: 

1. Mock up report or prototype of FARADataInformS
2. Concept Note and ToR about the FARADataInformS
3. Information about the eRAILS as well as access to the back-end of the system
4. Information about e-Capacities as well as access to the back-end of the syste
5. Information about IPAbP as well as access to the back-end of the system
6. Information on other existing relevant FARA Data and Information Systems and websites.
7. Logistics/travel information
8. Honorarium and per-diem
9. Any other relevant information required

I. QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE  

The following qualifications are required:

1. Minimum of a Masters or B.Sc., Information Technologies, Information and knowledge management system, Computer Science, Communications, or any related social science and development fields.
2. A minimum of 5 years’ professional experience in conceptualizing, designing and developing agricultural research for development related information systems (Proof will be required) for large multi-national organizations like FARA.
3. Proven ability to design and develop information management systems including collection, storage and analysis of multivariate data sets.
4. Good knowledge and understanding of existing similar information and knowledge management systems
5. Good knowledge of African agricultural policies, research, advisory services, education, science and technology.
6. Understanding of issues relating to food security and agricultural productivity on the continent
7. Familiarity with FARA’s role in African agricultural research and development
8. Experience working in Agricultural Research for Development (A4RD) and international development in general. Fluent in English Language and proficient writing and communication skills in English language 
9. Ability to speak another UN language (preferably French) will be added advantage.

FARA now invites eligible individual consultants to indicate their interest in providing the services. Interested individual consultants must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services (brochures, description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, availability of appropriate skills among staff, etc.). 

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in the World Bank’s Selection and Employment of Consultants by the World Bank Borrowers, January 2011 revised in July 2014.

Interested consultants may obtain further information at the address below during office hours 0900 to 1500 hours

Expressions of interest must be delivered by e-mail to the address below on or before July 5, 2017 to the address below:

Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa

Dr Yemi Akinbamijo

The Executive Director, 

Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA)

PMB CT 173 Cantonments, Accra 12 Anmeda Street Roman Ridge,  Accra, Ghana. 

Email: recruitment@faraafrica.org

Consultants are advised to quote the Assignment Title & Reference Number in the application.