1. About African Centre for Technology Studies
The African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) is a pioneering development research think tank that focuses on harnessing applications of science, technology and innovation policies for sustainable development in Africa. ACTS is an Intergovernmental organization founded in 1988 to pursue policy-oriented research towards strengthening the capacity of African countries and institutions to harness science and technology for sustainable development. ACTS envisions a sustainable economic, social and environmental future for Africa through science technology and innovation. The successful candidate will work under the Climate Resilient Economies (CRE) programme lead.
2. About The Climate Resilience Economies Programme (CRE)
The CRE programme is the climate change focused program at ACTS aiming to bring into discussions the climate change agenda in Africa including aspects of sustainability, managing future emissions, and climate justice. The programme aligns with international discourses to pursue green technology, fostering technical and financial support for climate action and offering demand driven capacity enhancement. Aligned with the Africa Agenda 2063, and various national development blueprints in Africa, the programme has a mission to provide policy choices that support the generation, uptake and harnessing of climate change-related STI for sustainable and diversified livelihoods, socio-economic development and biodiversity conservation in Africa
2.1 Purpose of this Role
ACTS aims to establish a roster of experienced resources mobilization experts, who could be engaged on short-term contracts for the preparation of proposals or concept notes, either in response to donors’ calls for proposals/expressions of interest or on an ad-hoc basis, for the programme and the Blue Empowerment SACCOs.
Consultants should have expertise in at least one of the following areas relevant to BE Project work:
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Building on these, ACTS and the BE Project is seeking independent consultants to:
- Identify and target development partners/ donors/ investors.
- Design compelling and high quality proposals or concept notes in response to calls for proposal and obtain funding.
- Develop theories of change, log frames and budgets of the proposed projects.
Note that experts may specialize in more than one of the desired fields. It is therefore requested that candidates self-identify both their field(s) and tier(s) of expertise as well as their language proficiencies upon submission of their application.
3. Requirements
- Advanced University degree and/or relevant experience in one of the following fields: social sciences, gender studies, nutrition, public health, agronomy, or other related disciplines. Experience in proposal development for national and international donors is an added advantage
- At least five years of experience in grants writing, unsolicited or in response to calls for proposals from major funding agencies such as IDRC, FCDO, BMGF etc. Experience of proposal writing on health & nutrition, food security, climate change adaptation and gender-related issues is a strong asset.
- Proven ability to articulate ideas in a clear and concise style and develop log frame, theory of change and budgets for projects
- Previous experience with research institutions, United Nations Agencies, NGOs or funding agencies in project development and implementation will be an added advantage.
- At least USD 200,000 raised in resource mobilization.
- A proven track record of successful proposals submitted particularly for development programming.
- Excellent written and spoken English.
- Grant writing experience with other institutional donor agencies will be considered an asset
4. Competencies
- In-depth knowledge of the international research and development arena, with a focus on food/nutrition security, water security, livelihoods and/or resilience to climate change;
- Ability to research, analyze and synthesize information related to complex development issues;
- Familiarity with the requirements of key development donors;
- Team player with the skills to coordinate proposal development exercises;
- Self-motivated and detail-oriented with the ability to work under pressure.
5. Remuneration
ACTS will pay a collective graduated success fees based on contracted and paid staff costs of assignments as below:
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- Collective 3% for staff costs assignments worth upto USD 50,000
- Collective 5% for staff costs assignments worth between USD 50,000 and USD 100,000
- Collective 7% for staff costs assignments worth USD 100,000.
In the case that assignments are secured as part of a consortium, the graduated success fees will be based on the actual percentage of staff costs for ACTS (and individual BE SACCOs) involvement in the consortium. The collective percentages are shared among the consultants that deliver on the fundraising venture together. The share percentage among the fundraising consultant(s) – where a team is involved, will be decided on by the leading consultant in the fundraising venture, based on input provided
6. Application Procedure
Interested individuals are invited to submit their expressions of interest (Updated Curriculum Vitae, Sample of Original writing, Three reference) to Joel Onyango through j.onyango@acts-net.org and cc’ Human Resources Officer through hr@acts-net.org. We will accept and review applications on a rolling basis. Applicants should provide detailed information on their qualifications, experience, and area of expertise. Eligible consultants will be included in ACTS roster for the period of 2025 and may be contacted for submission of detailed technical and financial proposals as per ACTS and Individual SACCO requirements. ACTS consultant selection process is based on the qualifications and competence of the applicants.
