International Consultant to Support the Continental Stocktaking Consultation

Purpose of the Consultancy: The overall purpose of the consultancy is to provide technical and analytical support to AU-CIDO and IOM SLO in conducting a comprehensive continental stocktaking of the implementation of the 2012 GADS Declaration and Programme of Action, and to support the preparation and documentation of the Continental Stocktaking Consultation. The consultancy will generate an evidence-based assessment of progress, gaps, experiences, good practices and lessons learned and contribute to the development of preliminary outcomes and a forward-looking roadmap for sustained continental dialogue and action on diaspora engagement.

Objectives: 

The specific objectives of the consultancy are to:

• Take stock of implementation progress of the 2012 GADS Declaration across AU Member States.
• Identify key achievements, experiences, good practices and innovative approaches in implementing the Declaration.
• Document challenges, gaps and lessons learned from Member States’ experiences.
• Gather and analyze relevant information through desk review and consultations with Member States and other relevant stakeholders.
• Prepare a continental stocktaking report presenting the findings and key messages for discussion during the consultation.
• With guidance from AU-CIDO Facilitate the virtual Continental Stocktaking Consultation.
• Incorporate feedback and inputs received during the consultation and finalize the stocktaking and workshop reports.

Expected Outcome of the Consultancy: The consultancy is expected to result in a concise, evidence-based continental stocktaking of the implementation of the 2012 GADS Declaration, highlighting progress, good practices, challenges and lessons learned across Member States. The findings will provide a basis for dialogue among AU Member States and other stakeholders during the Continental Stocktaking Consultation and contribute to identifying practical recommendations and priorities for strengthening the implementation of the GADS Declaration and future continental diaspora engagement efforts.

6. Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing: International Organization for Migration, Special Liaison Office, Addis Ababa, under the project of “The Streamlining Diaspora Engagement to Catalyze Private Investments and Entrepreneurship for Enhanced Resilience (SDE4R).” Budget code TK0049. The consultant will work under the overall guidance of AU-CIDO and IOM SLO and will maintain regular communication with the designated focal points from both organizations. The consultant will:

• Submit deliverables to the designated AU-CIDO/IOM focal points for review and feedback.
• Participate in regular coordination meetings, as required.
• Ensure that all outputs are developed in close consultation with AU-CIDO and IOM.
• Take into account comments and feedback provided by both organizations and incorporate them into the relevant deliverables.

   

7. Category B Consultants: Tasks to be performed under this contract

Scope of Work and Key Tasks

Under the overall guidance of AU-CIDO and IOM SLO, the consultant will undertake the following tasks. The assignment will be implemented primarily following the virtual Continental Stocktaking Consultation, with limited preparatory engagement prior to the event. The pre-consultation phase will focus on introducing the exercise to Member State focal points, while the substantive stocktaking, analysis, report preparation and follow-up activities will be undertaken after the Consultation.

A. Preliminary Engagement and Inception

• Conduct preliminary virtual introductory meetings with the designated focal points of AU Member States to brief them on the objectives, scope and intended approach of the stocktaking exercise, as well as the purpose and expected outcomes of the upcoming virtual Continental Stocktaking Consultation.
• Explain the anticipated role of Member State focal points in facilitating the subsequent information-gathering process and contributing to the stocktaking exercise.
• Review relevant documentation relating to the 2012 Global African Diaspora Summit (GADS) Declaration and Programme of Action, including relevant AU frameworks, policies, reports and other available documentation, as necessary to prepare for the subsequent phases of the assignment.
• Document the preliminary engagement with Member State focal points by submitting a brief summary of the introductory meetings conducted, including the Member States and focal points engaged, dates of meetings, key information communicated, and any initial feedback or considerations raised.

   

  B. Support to the Virtual Continental Stocktaking Consultation

• With guidance from AU-CIDO, facilitate the virtual Continental Stocktaking Consultation, including the development of introductory presentations, discussion questions and other relevant materials, in coordination with AU-CIDO and IOM SLO.
  • Support the presentation of the objectives, scope and proposed approach of the stocktaking exercise during the Consultation, as appropriate.
  • Facilitate discussions to capture Member States’ and stakeholders’ perspectives on the implementation of the 2012 GADS Declaration and Programme of Action, including key achievements, challenges, lessons learned, and priorities for future action, to be further substantiated through comprehensive information gathering and validation phase, following the consultation.
  • Document the key discussions, recommendations and proposed follow-up actions emerging from the Consultation to inform the subsequent information-gathering, analysis and preparation of the stocktaking report.

     

    C. Information Gathering and Consultations

Following the virtual Continental Stocktaking Consultation, the consultant will:

• Conduct a thorough desk review of available information on the implementation of the 2012 GADS Declaration and Programme of Action.
  • Gather and validate information from AU Member States through questionnaires, virtual interviews, targeted consultations and other appropriate means, building on the preliminary engagement with Member State focal points and inputs received during the Consultation.
  • Consult relevant AU institutions, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), diaspora-related institutions and other stakeholders, as appropriate.
  • Identify and document achievements, institutional and policy developments, good practices, innovative approaches, implementation challenges, gaps and lessons learned.
  • Consolidate and analyse the information collected to assess implementation progress across the Declaration’s political, economic and social dimensions, as well as areas requiring further attention and action.

D. Preparation of the Continental Stocktaking Report and Forward-Looking Recommendations

• Prepare a draft Continental Stocktaking Report outlining progress in implementing the 2012 GADS Declaration and Programme of Action, key achievements, institutional and policy developments, good practices, challenges and gaps, and lessons learned.
• Develop practical, forward-looking recommendations identifying strategic priorities, opportunities for strengthened continental and national collaboration, and potential entry points for translating the stocktaking findings into future policies, initiatives and programming.
• Identify outstanding commitments and areas requiring follow-up, including possible actions by AU-CIDO, AU Member States, RECs and other relevant stakeholders.
• Present the draft findings and recommendations to AU-CIDO and IOM SLO for review and validation, and revise the report based on feedback received.

   

E. Finalization and Reporting

• Incorporate the feedback and inputs received during the Consultation, as well as findings from the subsequent information-gathering and analysis, into the Continental Stocktaking Report.
• Finalize the Continental Stocktaking Report, ensuring that it provides both a consolidated account of implementation progress and actionable recommendations to inform future policy development, programming and follow-up initiatives.
• Prepare a concise Workshop/Consultation Report capturing the objectives, proceedings, key discussions, stakeholder perspectives, recommendations and proposed follow-up actions.
• Submit the final revised Continental Stocktaking Report and the final Workshop/Consultation Report to AU-CIDO and IOM SLO for review and approval.
• Undertake any other closely related tasks necessary to complete the assignment, as agreed with AU-CIDO and IOM SLO.

   

F. Key Deliverables: The consultant will be expected to deliver the following:

No.	Deliverable	Indicative Timeline
1.	Preliminary Engagement with Member State Focal Points: Conduct introductory virtual meetings with designated focal points of AU Member States to brief them on the objectives and scope of the stocktaking exercise, the purpose of the upcoming Consultation, and their anticipated role in the subsequent information-gathering process. Review relevant background documentation to prepare for the Consultation. Document the preliminary engagement with Member State focal points by submitting a brief summary of the introductory meetings conducted, including the Member States and focal points engaged, dates of meetings, key information communicated, and any initial feedback or considerations raised.	Before the Consultation; approximately 1  week prior to the confirmed date, depending on MS’ availability for the introductory call, within one week time  (Indicative: November 16-20, 2026).
2.	Facilitation of the Virtual Continental Stocktaking Consultation: Prepare introductory presentations, discussion questions and facilitation materials, and with guidance from AU-CIDO facilitate discussions to capture Member States’ and stakeholders’ perspectives on implementation progress, achievements, challenges, lessons learned and priorities for future action.	On the confirmed date of the Consultation  (November 23 to 25, 2026).
3.	Draft Consultation/Workshop Report: Prepare a concise report documenting the Consultation’s proceedings, key discussions, stakeholder perspectives, preliminary findings, recommendations and proposed follow-up actions.	Within one week after the Consultation (indicative date: Submission by December 01, 2026).
4.	Draft Continental Stocktaking Report and Forward-Looking Recommendations: Undertake a comprehensive desk review and post-Consultation information-gathering and validation exercise with Member States and relevant stakeholders. Analyze implementation progress, achievements, good practices, challenges and lessons learned, and develop actionable recommendations to inform future policy development, programming and follow-up initiatives. Submit the draft report to AU-CIDO and IOM SLO for review.	Within 5-6 weeks following the Consultation, (Indicative date by December 29, 2026 – January 05, 2027).
5.	Final Continental Stocktaking Report and Final Consultation/Workshop Report: Incorporate feedback from AU-CIDO, IOM SLO, Member States and relevant stakeholders, as appropriate, and submit the final revised Continental Stocktaking Report and final Consultation/Workshop Report.	Within 7 weeks following submission of the draft report (by February 23, 2027).

The exact timing of deliverables may be adjusted, depending on the timing of the Continental Stocktaking Consultation.

8. Category B Consultants: Tangible and measurable outputs of the work assignment 

The all-inclusive consultancy fee due to the Consultant under this contract shall be within the range of USD 15,000 (Fifteen thousand USD.), [RT1] [IOM SLO 2] depending on the candidate’s qualifications, experience and proposed level of effort, and subject to the availability of funds and applicable IOM procurement procedures.  The agreed fee shall cover all costs. The fee shall be paid upon completion of all the tasks under this contract to the bank account indicated by the consultant.  The payment will be made no later than 10 working days after the submission and approval of deliverables as indicated in the TOR. The modality of payment will be in two instalments:

1. First Deliverable: 1st instalment (40%) Upon satisfactory completion of the preliminary engagement with Member State focal points and facilitation of the virtual Continental Stocktaking Consultation, including the submission of the draft Consultation/Workshop Report and the draft Continental Stocktaking Report, in accordance with the agreed deliverable schedule.
2. Second Deliverable: 2^nd/final instalment (60%) Upon satisfactory submission of the final revised Continental Stocktaking Report, incorporating feedback from AU-CIDO and IOM SLO, as well as the final Consultation/Workshop Report, incorporating any comments received, in accordance with the agreed deliverable schedule.

    

3. Deliverable	Timeline	Installment Amount
   First Deliverable (40%)	Indicative date by January 30, 2027.	USD 6000
   Second Deliverable (60%)	Indicative date by February 28, 2027.	USD 9000

9. Performance Indicators for the Evaluation of Results

The performance of the consultant will be assessed based on the quality, timeliness and relevance of the deliverables and the extent to which the consultancy objectives are achieved. The following indicators will be used to evaluate the results:

1. Timely submission of deliverables: All agreed deliverables are submitted within the specified timelines and in accordance with the agreed workplan.
2. Quality of the stocktaking methodology: The proposed methodology and data collection tools are clear, practical and appropriate for assessing implementation of the 2012 GADS Declaration and Programme of Action.
3. Coverage and quality of information gathered: Relevant and sufficient information is collected from AU Member States and other key stakeholders to support a meaningful continental stocktaking.
4. Quality of analysis: Information collected is appropriately analyzed and synthesized to provide a clear assessment of implementation progress, gaps, challenges, good practices and lessons learned.
5. Quality of the stocktaking report: The report is evidence-based, well-structured, concise and provides clear findings and practical recommendations relevant to the objectives of the Consultation.
6. Effective presentation and facilitation: The consultant effectively presents the stocktaking findings and supports the facilitation of the virtual Continental Stocktaking Consultation, encouraging meaningful participation and capturing key inputs.
7. Responsiveness to feedback: Feedback and inputs from AU-CIDO, IOM, Member States and other relevant stakeholders are appropriately reflected in the revised and final deliverables.
8. Quality of the final outputs: The final stocktaking and consultation/workshop reports accurately capture the key findings, good practices, lessons learned, recommendations and preliminary roadmap/action points emerging from the Consultation.
9. Collaboration and communication: The consultant maintains effective and timely communication with AU-CIDO and IOM throughout the assignment and demonstrates flexibility in responding to emerging requirements.

10. Education, Experience and/or skills required

The consultant should have:

• Master’s in social sciences, development studies, international relations, migration studies, public policy, African studies, or a related field, from an accredited academic institution with at least five years of relevant professional experience; or
• Bachelor’s degree in the above fields with seven years of relevant professional experience.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting stocktaking exercises, assessments, reviews, research or similar analytical assignments.
• Experience in conducting consultations and gathering information from government institutions and other stakeholders, preferably across multiple African countries.
• Strong analytical and report-writing skills, with demonstrated ability to synthesize information from diverse sources into clear and concise reports.
• Experience in facilitating workshops, consultations or multi-stakeholder meetings.
• Knowledge and understanding of African Union structures, policies and frameworks, particularly those relating to diaspora engagement, migration and development, would be an advantage.
• Familiarity with the 2012 Global African Diaspora Summit and/or the GADS Declaration and the Migration Policy Framework and Action Plan would be an advantage.
• Experience working with the African Union, Regional Economic Communities, Member States, UN agencies or other regional/international organizations would be desirable.
• Expertise and/or professional experience in the African context, preferably with experience engaging African governments and diaspora institutions, is strongly desirable.

   

11. Travel required

The assignment will primarily be conducted remotely, and the consultation will take place virtually. However, subject to the availability of resources and the relevance and added value of in-person engagement, the possibility of bringing the consultant in person either before or after the Consultation may be explored, in consultation with AU-CIDO and IOM SLO.

12. Competencies

Values

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
• Integrity and transparency: maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
• Professionalism: demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent, and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
• Courage: demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
• Empathy: shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected, and fairly treated.

 

Core Competencies-behavioral indicators

• Strong research and analytical skills;
• Excellent report-writing and communication skills;
• Strong stakeholder consultation and facilitation skills;
• Ability to synthesize information from multiple sources;
• Ability to work independently and deliver within tight timelines;
• Good interpersonal and diplomatic skills;
• Ability to work effectively with AU, IOM and Member State counterparts; and
• Good understanding of the African institutional and policy context, particularly in relation to diaspora engagement and the roles of the AU, Member States and regional institutions.

 

CLICK HERE TO APPLY>>>