Consultancy for Developing an AI Regional Framework and Strategy for IGAD

Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD)-Djibouti

Request for Expression of Interest

(Consulting Services – Firms Selection)

Name of project: FOOD SYSTEMS RESILIENCE PROGRAM FOR EASTERN AND SOUTHERN AFRICA

Project No.: (P178566)

Grant No: IDA-E 0820

Assignment Title: Consultancy for Developing an AI Regional Framework and Strategy for IGAD

Reference/Contract No.: DJ-IGAD-492870-CS-QCBS

• The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has received financing from the World Bank towards the cost of the Food Systems Resilience Program for Eastern and Southern Africa and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.

• The consulting services (“the Services”)

Building on the outcome of the virtual multi-consultations held in October 2024 and with the support of the World Bank through the Food System Resilience Program to develop a Regional AI Strategy that reflects the aspirations of IGAD Region and stakeholders as well as addressing and Mitigating AI Risks and Fostering the Ethical Governance of AI in the region; IGAD seeks to develop a regional framework and strategy for the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across various sectors.

• . The assignment is expected to take six (6) calendar months from the date of contract commencement.

• The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be found at the following website: https://igad.int/consultancies or can be obtained at the address given below.

• The The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) now invites eligible consulting firms (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services.

The shortlisting criteria:

• A minimum of 10 years of experience in providing advisory services in technology policy, AI governance, digital transformation, or related fields.

• – Proven experience in developing national or regional digital or AI strategies for multi-country or multilateral organizations.

• – Demonstrated capacity to conduct large-scale stakeholder consultations, including across government and private sectors.

• – Experience in capacity building and policy advisory work in diverse cultural and institutional contexts.

• Availability of the required team skills including:

(1)- Team Leader / Lead AI Policy Expert

• Minimum 8 years of experience in digital policy, AI strategy, or technology governance.

• Proven record of leading the development of national or regional AI or digital strategies.

• Advanced degree (Master’s or higher) in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Law, or related field.

• Strong facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills.

(2) – AI Technical Specialist

• Minimum 7 years of experience in AI systems, emerging technologies, data governance, or digital infrastructure.

• Experience advising on AI application in government, industry, or public services.

• Advanced Degree (Master’s or higher) in Computer Science, Data Science, or Engineering (Master’s preferred).

(3)- Legal and Ethics Advisor

• Minimum 7 years of experience in AI ethics, digital rights, or technology law.

-Knowledge of international AI governance frameworks (e.g., OECD, UNESCO, EU AI Act).

• Law degree or equivalent, with specialization in technology law preferred.

N.B. While the Key Experts will not be evaluated at the shortlisting stage, however,the firm shall demonstrate as having the requisite technical capacity to undertake the assignment in the submitted company profile. They should possess the necessary resources to undertake services of such nature including equipment and software required to execute the assignment. At later stage, the firm shall propose a core team comprising of at minimum (i)- Team Leader / Lead AI Policy Expert, (ii) – AI Technical Specialist (iii) Legal and Ethics Advisor. At the proposal stage the consulting firm must provide a staffing plan with names, roles, and CVs for the core project team as part of the proposal

• The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” First Published July 2016 and revised Fifth Edition September 2023 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

• Consultants may associate with other firms to enhance their qualifications but should indicate clearly whether the association is in the form of a joint venture and/or a sub-consultancy. In the case of a joint venture, all the partners in the joint venture shall be jointly and severally liable for the entire contract, if selected.

• A Consulting firm will be selected in accordance with the Quality And Cost-Based Selection (QCBS) method set out in the Procurement Regulations.

• Further information can be obtained at the address below during the following office hours 0900 and 1600 hours from Monday to Friday excluding lunch hour (1300 to 1400hours East African Time (EAT) and public holidays.

Expression of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below by 16/July/2025 at 1100hours EAT. – using one of the following modalities: (i) deposit in the IGAD Office in the address below or (ii) send by e-mail to: [email protected] with copy to [email protected] and quote the Assignment title and Reference/Contract No (Consultancy for Developing an AI Regional Framework and Strategy for IGAD Reference/Contract No.: DJ-IGAD-492870-CS-QCBS) in the subject row. For expressions of interest that will be deposited at IGAD Office in Uganda, the packages should be clearly marked with assignment title and reference/contract No. as mentioned above.

Address:

IGAD Mission to the Republic of Uganda

Plot 4, Upper Hill Road Naguru,

Kampala/ Republic of Uganda