Background

The AfricaLics network was founded in 2012 due to a growing recognition of the need for more support for academic ‘research on innovation’ that has relevance to the contextual environments of African countries. There was acknowledgement that the huge focus on ‘research in innovation’ (i.e., research and development of specific inventions that can help solve practical problems) would be undermined if the enabling environment for such inventions to be developed and commercialized through innovation was not conducive. The concept of ‘research on innovation’ focuses on innovation processes, what fosters innovation and on what may help new solutions get accepted and adopted. It is particularly interested in understanding the impact on the social and economic development of African countries. It considers these issues at the level of firms, networks, and collaborations as well as at the national, continental, and global levels. As such the work of scholars in the AfricaLics network is multi-disciplinary being at the intersection of the established academic fields of innovation studies and development studies (innovation and development (I &D) studies). However, the network also includes those from other more disciplinary fields such as engineering, economics and political science. The network’s vision is to facilitate the production and use of high-quality research at this intersection of innovation and development to promote inclusive and sustainable development in African countries.

Over the last 10 years the network has solidified its activities across three areas:

1. Capacity building through holding of residential or online two week-long PhD training academies; a one-year visiting fellowship programme with a five-month stay at Aalborg University in Denmark and dedicated mentorship to enhance paper writing for conferences and journal
2. Research strengthening via seed funding to multi-partner consortiums to fill identified research gaps; regular research conferences and support to build research training at post-graduate level including PhD supervisor training and model postgraduate curriculum development.
3. Network building through formalization of the network as a non-incorporated voluntary association with a dedicated Secretariat, Scientific Board (ASB), interim constitution and membership database; development of a network website and social media accounts to keep members engaged and a series of webinars, policy engagement events and other opportunities.

A recent external evaluation in 2021 noted that AfricaLics has successfully created a unique and multi-disciplinary network of scholars working with innovation and development (I &D) issues on the continent. 

AfricaLics wants to strengthen its portfolio by recruiting a policy consultant to assist in I & D policy and outreach-oriented activities. In this regard, the African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS), as the host of the AfricaLics Secretariat and the administrator of the Sida funded RCB project is requesting for applications to fill up this position. 

I & D Policy and outreach consultant

The consultant will provide policy and outreach support to the AfricaLics Network on a part time basis for an agreed time-period and with defined tasks.

The scope of the work

The current funding available provides for 35 days of consultant time within a period of 9 months. The work to be undertaken comprise of and not limited to the following tasks:

1. Work closely with the secretariat to identify, engage and negotiate memorandum of agreements (MOAs) with research, academic and policy stakeholders within Africa on innovation and development matters.
2. Conduct a policy and outreach review for AfricaLics
3. Develop a strategy for policy and outreach for AfricaLics
4. Draft and design outreach materials, including print and web content.
5. Develop at least 5 policy briefs within the contract period.
6. Support in the organisation of AfricaLics conference 2022 and coordination of policy and outreach-oriented session during the conference. The latter involves identification of relevant panelists and organisation of the session.

Depending on the COVID-19 situation, where possible, the consultancy will be expected to operate from ACTS offices when on duty.  However, if COVID-19 working restrictions are imposed, the consultant will work virtually but participate fully in AfricaLics affairs either via phone, email and online meeting platforms.

Deliverables

These will be fine-tuned during the discussion on the scope of work but are provisionally expected to include:

1. At a minimum 2 MOUs signed between AfricaLics/ACTS and relevant institution.
2. One policy and stakeholders outreach event organised back-to-back with the AfricaLics conference in Nov 2022.
3. At least 5 reviewed pieces of outreach materials including print and web content.
4. At least 2 policy briefs within the contract period.

All the above activities and deliverables will be outlined in a workplan to be approved at the signing of the Contract by the consultant.

Duration of the assignment

The successful consultants will be given a 9-month consultancy contract (estimated to start in late April).

Management

This consultancy will be administered by ACTS under the AfricaLics RCB project funded by Sida, with supervision of Dr. Ann Kingiri.

Contract value and payment

The consultancy contract attracts moderate value which will be inclusive of taxes.  The work will be done for a maximum of 35 days between April – November 2022.

Payment will be conditional upon completion of all work as per the approved work plan and sign off of deliverables. Since this is Nationally recruited position, the contract will be subject to 5% withholding tax on all invoices.  

Qualifications of the applicants

• A Master’s degree in a relevant subject, for example STI policy, development studies, innovation management or any other policy science field. A PhD in a relevant thematic area will be an added advantage. The candidate must have both content knowledge in I & D and some policy outreach experience.
• Must be based in Kenya
• Background in policy outreach experience targeting donor-funded programs and policy makers at National and Regional level.

In addition, candidates should also outline their competencies in the following areas:

• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work on context specific needs/topics. 
• Flexible when it comes to change and open to receive and integrate feedback.

Application instructions

Qualified applicants are invited to apply and submit:

1. A proposal indicating how they meet the specifications for this consultancy (no more than two (2) pages).
2. Curriculum vitae of the individual indicating their previous experience in similar work.
3. Submit at least one example material from a previous work assignment that is similar in nature to this one.

Call for applications will close on 1^st July 2022.

If you have queries or questions about the call for applications, please contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and a copy to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with ‘AfricaLics policy consultant’ in the subject heading.