Livestock Policy Expert to conduct the stocktaking on the implementation of the Livestock Development Strategy for Africa (LiDESA)

Background

The African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), a specialized technical office of the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment (DARBE) of the African Union Commission, is mandated to support and coordinate the development and utilization of livestock, fisheries, aquaculture and wildlife as resources for both human wellbeing and economic development in the Member States of the African Union. The Vision of the AU-IBAR Strategic Plan 2018-2023 is an Africa in which animal resources contribute significantly to integration, prosperity and peace. Within the framework of the African Union 2063, the Africa Blue Economy Strategy environed an inclusive and sustainable blue economy that significantly contributes to Africa’s transformation and growth.

The Livestock Development Strategy for Africa (LiDeSA) stems from a resolution of the Twenty-Fourth Ordinary Session of the Executive Council held from 21st to 28th January 2014 in Addis Ababa (EX.CL/Dec.792(XXIV). The resolution was informed by the realization that innovative and transformative technical; policy and investment interventions are required to address the challenges facing the livestock sector. The AUC was requested, to coordinate and lead the formulation of a Livestock Strategy for the continent that will accelerate reforms in the sector for the realization of its full potential. In response to the decision of the Executive Council, the AUC, through AU-IBAR, led a joint multi-stakeholder process of comprehensive sector assessments, consultations and an in-depth situation analysis covering the five official geo-political regions of Africa. This resulted in the identification of issues affecting the sector throughout the continent including but not limited to; breeds with low productivity, lack of quality land, pasture and water resources, inadequate access to animal health and husbandry services, limited access to markets and weak compliance with sanitary and phytosanitary standards. These are coupled with deficiencies in policy, legislative and institutional frameworks that deter investments along the value chains as well as the inadequate application of available technologies, knowledge and skills.

The LiDeSA is guided by the vision of the Accelerated African Agricultural Growth and Transformation Goals of the Malabo Declaration, and is informed by the CAADP results framework. The LiDeSA positions the livestock sector as a key driver for delivering the target of 6% annual growth in agriculture in the Member States, thus contributing significantly to national growth. It also guides stakeholders’ efforts in addressing major development barriers facing the sector ensuring coordination of effort at national, regional and continental levels, promote synergy in addressing critical issues facing livestock development and brings about result oriented actions that will lead to the realization of livestock sector’s full potential

The LiDeSA has the goal of transforming the African livestock sector for enhanced contribution to socio-economic development and equitable growth.

The LiDeSA aims at addressing the identified barriers in the sector and has the following strategic objectives:

• To attract public and private investment along the livestock value chains
• To enhance animal health and increase production, productivity and resilience of production systems
• To enhance innovation, generation and utilization of technologies, capacities and entrepreneurship skills of value chain actors
• To enhance access to market, services and value addition

After eight (8) years of the implementation of the LiDESA, a stock taking assessment of the status of implementation of the LiDeSA at national, regional and continental levels (including what has worked across the continent, regions, countries and partnership arrangements and investments) is planned.

To this effect, AU-IBAR is seeking the services of a Senior Livestock Expert for a short-term consultancy to conduct the stocktaking and analyses to inform investment planning by stakeholder and by technical, development partners and organizations to accelerate LiDeSA implementation for impact at continental, regional and national levels.

Objective

The objective of the consultancy is to accelerate implementation of LiDeSA through impactful approaches and activities that address the current implementation gaps and challenges informed by robust monitoring and reporting mechanisms.

Tasks

The consultant will be required to undertake the following tasks:

1. Develop an Inception report containing the approach, methodology, plan and the timelines
2. Conduct the stocktaking exercise in African Union Member States. This consultation should include at least two countries from each regional economic community (REC) and key livestock-related stakeholders such as FAO, WOAH, ILRI, AfDB and World Bank.
3. Collect and analyze national and regional livestock development policies, strategies, plans, activities and investments in relation to LiDESA and specifically in selected African Union Member States, and RECs as well as regional and international institutions;
4. Collect and analyze primary and secondary data related to the implementation of LiDESA and specifically in African Union Member States and RECs as well as regional and international institutions;
5. Identify and analyze main barriers for adoption of LiDESA at national and regional level;
6. Review/propose and enhance proposed paradigm shift investment theories, strategies and activities pertaining to LiDESA and livestock development/ management and technical implementation modalities.
7. Coordinate the work with the M&E Consultants and FAO RAF regional livestock office.
8. Compile summarized report on the findings and interpretation of graphs and tables that will form part of the review/update of LiDESA;
9. Support the validation meeting for the report;
10. Develop a report on the implementation of LiDeSA in Africa, and at MS by the different actors.
11. Prepare a set of actionable recommendation to accelerate the LiDeSA implementation;
12. Support presentation of the LiDeSA review finding to the 33rd African Regional Conference to be held in Morocco, 18-20 April 2024

Expected Outputs and Deliverables

The assignment is designed to take a total of 45 working days. Specific timelines for the delivery of the tasks will be agreed upon between the AU-IBAR and the consultant, but the consultant shall be guided by four key milestones:

Activity Deliverables Timeframe

Livestock policy Consultant recruited Contract agreement with the consultant and award of the contract 23rd February 2024

Inception meeting (Approach, methodology, timelines)/road map Inception report 29th February 2024

LiDeSA assessment in five regions/RECs Field /online visit to 5 RECs and 10 selected member states 1st to 10th March 2024

Draft reports from 5 RECs and MSs Continental, Regional and National reports 15th March 2024

Continental validation meeting organized Continental and regional Validated reports 29th March 2024

A PPT presentation on the stocktaking assessment delivered during the Side event on LiDeSA in the FAO Regional Conference for Africa (ARC33), 15-19 April 2023 prepared PPT presentation on LiDeSA Stocktaking prepared and translated 12th April 2024

LIDESA side event during FAO Regional Conference facilitated Meeting facilitated 15th to 19th April 2024

Submission of the final consolidated report 30 April 2024 Final consolidated and comprehensive report of the side event meeting report submitted to AU-IBAR 30th April 2024

Duty Station

The assignment will be home-based. Any travel to be undertaken under this consultancy away from the home-base will require prior written approval by the Contract Supervisor.

Duration

The duration of this assignment is 2 calendar months. Deliverables should be submitted in accordance with the schedule stated above.

Remuneration

The fees payable for this consultancy shall be US$ 13,500 and shall be payable on submission and approval of all deliverables and reports as stated above.

Any expenditure for approved missions will be covered separately in accordance with the applicable African Union Commission rules and regulations.

Supervision and Reporting

The candidate will be under supervision of the Animal Health Unit Coordinator and the overall direction of the Director of AU-IBAR. The Animal Health Unit Coordinator shall have the responsibility of approval of reports and deliverables.

Requirements

Qualification

The successful applicant should have a minimum of a post-graduate degree in agricultural economics, livestock economics, socio-economics & policy or animal and veterinary sciences. A strong understanding of the livestock sector in Africa will be an added advantage.

General Experience

1. Sector related project development, management and implementation skills at national, and regional levels;
2. Experience in workshop facilitation.
3. Demonstrated ability to provide strong leadership and foster team environment is required.

Specific Experience

1. At least 10 years proven strong working experience in policy, strategy analysis and formulation.
2. Proven experience related to higher level livestock policy development, livestock and agribusiness sector, financing and marketing, competitiveness and value chain analysis in Africa,
3. Record of experience and knowledge on African Union policy processes and relevant sector AU instruments and implementation frameworks.
4. Knowledge of functions of regional institutions with mandates on animal resources and proven evidence of experience in promoting coordination mechanisms and regional cooperation on livestock sector in Africa.
5. Experience in policy formulation to promote coherence in the governance of livestock sector in Africa.
6. Extensive knowledge on issues of Africa animal resources and knowledge on ongoing African Union initiatives and interventions in the sector.
7. Practical work experience as a policy specialist in intergovernmental organisations.

Skills and Competencies

1. Diplomacy and good interpersonal skills necessary for dealing with senior officials in Government, Regional Organizations, and donor/development organizations;
2. Very strong writing and analytical skills are necessary.
3. Good networking skills and ability to maintain positive and constructive dialogue with key institutions.
4. Self-starter with the ability to strategically plan own work and follow-up on implementation;
5. Proficiency in at English and French.

Gender Mainstreaming

The AU Commission is an equal opportunity employer and qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Evaluation Criteria

The applications will be evaluated on the basis of the relevant technical qualifications, experience and competence of the candidates.

Criteria Scores (%)

Technical proposal 10

Qualifications 15

General Experience 25

Specific Experience 40

Other skills & competencies 10