Overall Objective

Support the EUD in Yaoundé to define a regional strategic approach, and select implementing partner(s), to implement the regional programme Safe Digital Boost for Africa in the cluster of countries identified in Central Africa. 

The expert is expected to assist the EUD in the selection process: i) defining objective evaluation criteria; ii) evaluating concept note proposal received; iii) assisting in the negotiation and with selected implementing partners; and iv) reviewing and providing a comprehensive feedback on the final draft of the description of the action, including budget, timeframe and logframe shared by the selected implementing partners.

Specific Objectives

• Draft concept note evaluation grid with objective criteria based on SDBA framework’s technical specifications and local priorities to guide the selection of the implementing partner(s) that will support in delivering the SDBA workplan and objectives.

• Evaluate concept notes based on the evaluation system developed and provide recommendations on actions and implementing partners 

• Assist the EUD in the negotiation and advise in the discussions on the description of the action of selected actions in targeted countries advising in the discussions on the description of the action, with regards to the SDBA focus areas of e-governance, eCommerce/ePayment, Cybersecurity. This could involve the organisation of a workshop with selected implementing partners and beneficiaries. It could include moderation of discussions, preparation of workshop agenda and invitation letters, logistic preparations. This will also include a workshop report designed to guide the drafting of SDBA implementing documents.

• Assist the EUD and implementing partners by reviewing and providing comprehensive feedback on the final draft of the description of the action with a robust performance framework, including realistic budget and timeframe as well as ambitious log-frame.

The consultant will report directly to the EUD to Cameroun, he will have to sign a declaration of impartiality and confidentiality and he is expected to provide best practices, recommendations based on own experience and knowledge of the field.

Activities and Reporting

• Desk research on:
  • Ongoing and planned activities in the cluster countries (Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo) and at regional level related to SDBA focus areas (eCommerce/ePayment, Cybersecurity, eGovernance)
  • Overview of the regional and cluster countries’ readiness on concerned topics
  • Opportunities of harmonization at regional level
• Frame a coherent and objective concept note evaluation system
• Evaluate potential implementing partners’ concept notes, and make recommendations based on the conceived evaluation system, to support the EUD’s selection
• Assist in the negotiation and advise in the discussions on the description of the action with selected implementing partners. This could imply the possible organisation and participation in a preparatory workshop:
  • Guide technical discussions
  • Gather key elements emerging from discussions
  • Support in logistics and organisation of the workshop
  • Moderation if needed
• Draft and finalize a report of the workshop’s outcomes, including best practices and recommendations for the formulation of the SDBA Description of the Action

·       Review SDBA-related draft documents and review the final Description of the Action, including logical framework, budget, etc.

The expert should ensure the SDBA programme is in alignment with the Africa’s Digital Transformation Strategy 2020-2030, and with the Continental Pillar of the SDBA being drafted by the African Union and its partners.

Deliverables

• An option paper with evaluation grid of the potential partners’ proposals based on the region’s needs/priorities, and evaluation criteria to be defined by the consultant.
• A report containing key elements that emerged from the discussions and recommendations for subsequent documents to be drafted by selected implemented partners.
• A report containing in annex the reviewed and finalized description of the Action, including a robust performance framework, including realistic budget and timeframe as well as ambitious log-frame, as well as recommendations on the set up of an M&E systems.