Individual Consultant: Development and Finalization of the African Union Framework for Women in Agrifood Systems

Job Description

Introduction

AGRA invites qualified individual consultants to submit proposals for a Consultancy to Support Development and Finalization of the African Union Framework for Women in Agrifood Systems. This document outlines the requirements and guidelines for the submission of proposals.

Background

AGRA is a not-for-profit organization working with African governments, other donors, NGOs, the private sector, and farmers to improve the productivity and incomes of resource-poor smallholder farmers in Africa. AGRA aims to catalyze an inclusive agricultural transformation in Africa by increasing incomes and improving food security for millions of smallholder farmers in Africa. For more information about AGRA, please visit www.agra.org.

The African Union Commission (AUC), through the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (DARBE), in collaboration with AGRA, UN Women and other technical partners, is leading the development of the African Union Framework for Women in Agrifood Systems. The Framework aims to provide strategic guidance to AU Member States and stakeholders on advancing gender-responsive and inclusive agricultural transformation across the continent.

Objectives

The main objective of the consultancy is to support AGRA and the AUC in:

• Reviewing, reworking and finalizing the African Union Framework for Women in Agrifood Systems; and,
• Ensuring technical quality, coherence and alignment with AU policy frameworks and gender commitments.
• Coordinate and bring together partners in events and workshops related to the framework.

Scope of Work

The consultant will:

• Review background materials, including:
• Baseline report
• Report from the Lusaka consultative workshop (December 2024)
• Relevant AU policy frameworks (e.g., CAADP, Malabo Declaration, AU Gender Strategy)
• Review the first draft of the Continental Framework, integrating inputs from the write shop, Task Force, and other stakeholders.
• Incorporate comments from the AUC and partners into an advanced version of the Framework, ready for validation.
• Provide technical inputs into the preparation of materials for validation sessions and policy submission to the AUC policy organs.

Location and Nature of Assignment

The assignment will primarily be undertaken virtually with close coordination and regular communication with the AUC-DARBE, AGRA and partner institutions. Therefore, the assignment may be carried out remotely, with the use of virtual tools for consultation, drafting, and review processes. Where physical presence is required, the consultant may be requested to undertake travel.

Duration

The Consultant will run for 8 months from the inception date.

Reporting, Communication and Coordination

The Consultant will work across Southern Africa and at the country level in the four specific focus countries of the assignment (Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia), with occasional travel outside the region.

Qualifications and Experience Academic qualifications

• PhD or master’s in agriculture, gender studies, rural development, or a related field.

Experience of the consultant in similar assignments

• At least 10 years of relevant professional experience in gender, agriculture, or food systems.

Consultant’s understanding of the assignment

The consultant should clearly show how they intend to deliver on the following:

• First draft of the African Union Framework for Women in Agrifood Systems.
• Revised draft of the Framework in corporating feedback from the different stakeholders;

and,

• Final technical brief summarising key recommendations and the development process.

Relevant experience in the region

• Define the required experience, language proficiency and local administrative knowledge.
• 5 years working experience in Africa, English Language.

All communications regarding the RFP should be directed to procurement@agra.org.

Bid Submission: Electronically via the AGRA Oracle SCM System

Deadline: November 7, 2025 5:00 pm

About the Organization

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