Call for a Consultant Category: Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Strategy Type of contract: Individual consultant contract (STISA) - international Duty station: Addis Ababa Contract starting date: 10 September 2018 10 December 2018 Contract Duration: 3 months Amount: up to 21 000 USD: (maximum) Background The African Union adopted a people centred and long-term Agenda 2063 in January 2015; The Africa We Want to foster inclusive growth and sustainable development at the national, regional and continental levels. In the same year, in September, the UN adopted the Sustainable Development Goals, Agenda 2030, for collective action on economic, social and environmental dimensions in a balanced and integrated manner. Both these agendas recognize the critical role of science, technology and innovation, as universal enablers for achieving the aspirations and goals set therein: poverty and inequalities; diseases; climate change impact; food and nutrition security, digital infrastructures, health; disease prevention and environmental conservation among others that disproportionately affected most countries and require collective action by African governments. Therefore strengthening capacity in science, technology and innovation for sustainable development, and harnessing the outcome discoveries, can only be achieved within a comprehensive framework of science, technology and innovation, where we respond at the national, regional and continental levels, with policies, programmes, institutions and partnerships, which maximize economic opportunities and societal benefits. In this regards, the African Heads of State and Government in June 2014 adopted the Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa 2024 (STISA-2024) i as the continental framework for accelerating Africa's transition to an innovation-led, knowledge-based economy within the overall framework of the AU Agenda 2063. In the process they also adopted decisions and statutory documents to establish strategic pan African institutions namely African Scientific Research and Innovation Council (ASRIC), the African Observatory for Science, Technology and Innovation (AOSTI) and the Pan-African Intellectual Property Organisation (PAIPO). STISA-2024 outlines the key socio-economic priority areas that Africa has to collectively address through scientific research and development. It is the first of ten-year incremental phasing strategies that responds to the demand for STI across various socio-economic and development sectors by embedding STI into these sectors. These will ensure that STI is an effective multi-functional tool and enabler for achieving the continental development goals, namely, diversification and beneficiation of resources to optimise our socio-economic growth potential, and sustaining and extending the current economic performance. There is an urgent need to change the narrative that Africa, being home to 15% of the world s population and 5% of the world s GDP, accounts for just 1.3% of the globe s investment in research and development (R&D) and holds only 0.1% of the world s patents. Africa needs to make greater investments in science and technology to become more efficient and
competitive, says the African Development Bank (AfDB). This will unlock the massive benefits from science, research and innovation for its economy and boost scientific publication and patents registration. Over the years, in collaboration with AUC/HRST, UNESCO assisted AU Member States in formulating their STI policies, strategies and plans as well as in the reform of their science systems, by bringing to light policy options for the governance of science systems in new contexts and supporting participatory policy formulation and/or reviews to improve science management at the national level. This is done by means of the provision of guidelines and methodologies, technical advice and guidance on formulation, implementation and monitoring, together with a review of policies and plans concerning national science, technology and innovation. The support to the implementation of science, technology, innovation strategy for Africa (STISA 20-24) for achieving the broader goals of Agenda 2063 and SGDs and to further accelerate the transition of African countries to innovation-led, knowledge-based economies has been further highlighted as one priority activity within the framework of RCM Cluster 3: Human capital development, health, nutrition, science, technology and innovation starting 2018. Objective of the Consultancy This consultancy is a contribution as an activity of the Regional Coordination Mechanism (RCM) Cluster 3: Human capital development, health, nutrition, science, technology and innovation, in support to Agenda 2063. There has been gradual implementation progress of STISA 2024 and the main actors are NEPAD planning Agency, the AUC and partner regional institutions UNESCO, UNECA, AfDB, RUFORUM, FARA, and AAS among others. Some countries such South Africa and Nigeria and some RECs have also been mainstreaming STISA-2024 in their STI programmes. It is therefore important to have a common understanding of where we are, who is doing what around the continent within the context of STISA-2024. The main aim of the consultancy is to take stock on implementation status of STISA-2024 from 2014 to date, and to propose elements of Work Streams for onwards effective implementation of STISA- 2024 to respond to Agenda 2063 SDGs and the alligned UNESCO Operational strategy for Priority Africa2014-2021, on and to ensure a coordinated and result-oriented approach to enable the Commission to track progress. The consultancy will address these issues, involving a through mapping of the work in the continent, mapping the way forward and to have a coordinated knowledge management platform of all stakeholders involved. Furthermore, given that it is almost 4 years since adoption of STISA, it is critical to do a midterm review of the implementation and propose new actions and or improve current programmes for the next phase of five years until 2024, with the common understanding that the overall successes will depend on seamless integration of activities/projects/programmes across national, regional and continental levels. Tasks and responsibilities STISA-2024 articulates the specific strategic actions required to develop STI capabilities and the supporting instruments that are critical for responding to Africa s transformative agenda.
The consultant /consultancy firm or institution will be expected to come up with a : 1. Inception report with clear methodological approach by the consultant (2 weeks after awarding the contract) 2. A Five-Year Science, Technology and Innovation Programme ( 2019-2023) 3. Africa s science, technology and innovation implementation Report 2014 2018 4. Propose Strategic Interventions paper for UNESCO engagement to contribute to the implementation of Agenda 2063, in particular STISA within its Programme and Budget for 2018-2021 (39 C/5). Methodology The consultant /consultancy firm or institution is expected to undertake desktop study and also interview with relevant stakeholders including (AUC, NEPAD, UNESCO, members of the RCM cluster on STI, AAS, AAU, PAU, selected MS like South Africa, Egypt, Senegal, Nigeria, partners etc ) The proposed Five Year Science, Technology and Innovation Programme will broadly focus on the following: Work Stream 1: Policy and institutional interventions Identify key policy or institutional interventions that have to be undertaken under STISA-2024 to promote the conduct and generation of STI in the continent. This may include policy reviews and formulation for Member States and the RECs to mainstreaming STI and creation of enabling environment; Capacity building for policy advisors for Member States, strengthening IP regimes and regulatory systems (creation of PAIPO); technology acquisition, research output uptake; innovation and entrepreneurship development policies/framework; and fostering the participation of the private sector and civil society; Promote development of Africa's scientific infrastructure There are number of various platforms that are promoting dialogue in science, technology and innovation in the continent such as Senior Exports Dialogue (SED) Championed by UNECA, the STI Forum by AfDB, and Africa Innovation Summit among others should be more streamlined to feed into our collective efforts in the implementation of STISA-2024. Increase the public participation in science the private sector and civil society; the committee of Ten heads of state in advocating for STISA Promote cooperation and science diplomacy Work Stream 2: Research and Innovation STISA-2024 outlines key priorities socio-economic challenges that have to be address by research and innovation in response to the broader goals of Agenda 2063 and SGDs and to further accelerate the transition of African countries to innovation-led, knowledge-based economies. Establishment and operationalization of the African Scientific Technical and Research Innovation Council (ASRIC) to engage African scientists, researchers and relevant stakeholders in African research policy nexus, programming and implementation of STISA- 2024 Programmes may include the expansion and boosting funding for the current African Union Research Grant Programme as a competitive instrument for financing R&I, collaboration
with regional STI intuitions to promote scientific publication/ Africa s STI Journal; science awards for excellence; engaging the African scientists in the development and implementation of flagship programmes around STISA-2024 priority areas. The propose programmes should promote value chain partnerships with Universities, industry and the private sector, to foster development of critical mass of researchers, innovation and entrepreneurship development. There is a need to consult other strategies such as the CAADP, PIDA; Action Plan for Accelerated Industrial Development of Africa (AIDA) and Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Plan for Africa among others to have a broader view for the deployment of science, technology and innovation. Work Stream 3: Promoting STI Investment Investment in science, technology and innovation remains elusive in the continent especially the absence of an African dedicated financing instrument: There is a need to at regional and continental level to develop a strategy to mobilize domestic and alternative financial resources for science, technology and innovation. Programme/policy that encourages countries to take concrete actions to allocate at least 1% of GDP to R&D to minimise reliance on external support and boost ownership of the STI programmes by Member States Work Stream 4: STI Communication and Outreach Provide a mapping, Communication & Reporting Resources/tool for STI mobilized in Africa for transparency Provide a report and suggestions for visibility of the work d on STISA-2024, (communication strategy, STISA Webpage) Draft and publish the annual STISA report Draft policy brief STISA Newsletter Tracking what is on-going on the ground at field level Flyers/Road shows/social media/branding Reporting mechanism Work Stream 5: Monitoring and evaluation and Midterm Review For this work stream, AOSTI in collaboration with partners are working on M&E framework, and Indicators and Statistics of STI. Consultation with AOSTI on M&E Midterm Implementation Review of STISA-2024 Final evaluation 2024, to move on to the next strategy Expected deliverables 1. Inception Report setting out the objectives, approach, methodology etc 2. Five Year Science, Technology and Innovation Programme 3. Africa s science, technology and innovation implementation Report 2014 2018 4. Strategy document for UNESCO to Agenda 2063, in relation to 39 C/5
At the end of the consultancy, there will be a validation workshop of the papers above, involving various stakeholders on STI. Qualifications, Education and skills A minimum of advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in science area is or science, technology and innovation policy of the individual of team required Additional qualifications and experience in the fields of social sciences, information and knowledge management, strategy development would be an asset. The incumbent requires a multi-sectoral and multidisciplinary understanding of STI issues, including the environmental, socio-economic, organizational, legal, institutional and political aspects. Leadership and diplomatic skills are required. Excellent communication skills (oral, and in writing), including the capacity to involve and communicate with stakeholders from different professional and cultural backgrounds are required. Work experience The consultant /consultancy firm or institution has a minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience in the field of the Science, Technology and Innovation assessment and management. Working experience at international level will be an asset especially with the African Union, UNESCO and other related organizations, and STI institutions in Africa for more than 5 years. The consultant is familiar with the institutional structures in, regional organizations, academic and research institutes and non-governmental organizations in this area for the region. Languages For the advertised position fluency in either English or French is required, both oral and written. How to apply To apply, please send summary of Expression of Interest (EOI), cover letter with testimonies on a particular work experience related to the tasks and responsibilities outlined above in the various work streams, and a financial proposal (including travel cost if foreseen) up to 21 000 USD max with the cost estimation of each deliverables, in English by email to: aa.consultancy@unesco.org. Please label the subject line of email as: Individual consultant contract - STISA Closing Date/deadline: Midnight Ethiopian time, 5 September, 2018 Please note that only selected candidates will be contacted. Thank you for your interest in working with UNESCO. i https://au.int/sites/default/files/newsevents/workingdocuments/33178-wd-stisa-english_- _final.pdf