CONSULTANCY SERVICE FOR DEVELOPING A MULTI-YEAR STRATEGY FOR THE MEDIATION AND DIALOGUE DIVISION (MDD), POLITICAL AFFAIRS, PEACE AND SECURITY (PAPS), AFRICAN UNION COMMISSION

The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) is seeking a qualified consultant(s) to develop a multi-year strategy for the AU’s Mediation and Dialogue Division (MDD) within the Political Affairs Peace and Security (PAPS) Department for the period 2026-2030.

The strategy will provide a framework for meeting the MDD’s core objectives as it works to strengthen and institutionalise the AU’s preventive diplomacy and mediation efforts.

 

Background

The MDD was established in 2021 to enhance the AU’s preventive diplomacy and mediation efforts. The division is mandated to spearhead the design and implementation of preventive diplomacy, mediation and dialogue strategies and operational plans for the AU Commission. The MDD’s four priorities are: preventive diplomacy, mediation, dialogue and reconciliation.

 

Objective of the assignment

This consultancy will develop a strategy that outlines the mission, vision, goals and strategic priorities of the MDD for 2026–2030. The strategy will provide a framework for the MDD to effectively carry out its mandate and contribute to the AU’s conflict prevention, resolution and mediation goals.

 

Scope of work

• Review current mediation and preventive diplomacy processes in Africa
• Analyse the peace, security and governance context to inform the strategy’s focus
• Engage with stakeholders on the MDD’s strategic direction and institutional priorities
• Develop a draft strategy that includes vision, mission, strategic goals and implementation framework
• Identify key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure progress
• Facilitate workshops and consultations to gather feedback, validate and finalise the strategy

Deliverables

• Inception report outlining the methodology and work plan
• Draft multi-year strategy
• Co-facilitation of two workshops for feedback and validation
• Final strategy document incorporating all revisions
• Organised dataset of primary data collected

Qualifications and experience

• Advanced degree (PhD preferred) in political science, international relations or a related field
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in mediation, preventive diplomacy or related areas
• Experience in developing strategic frameworks, especially for international organisations
• In-depth knowledge of AU mediation mechanisms and peace processe
• Excellent writing, analytical and communication skills

Application process

Applicants should submit:

• Cover letter expressing interest and summarising relevant experience
• Technical proposal outlining the approach, methodology and work plan
• Financial proposal indicating the daily consultancy rate
• CV with references

Consultancy fee

The consultant will be paid for 40 working days.

 

Submission deadline

Please submit your application no later than 4 December 2024 to Yared Merid at: ymerid@issafrica.org with the subject line ‘MDD strategy consultancy’.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

 

Click here for the detailed terms of reference.