THEMATIC EVALUATION OF ACBF CAPACITY BUILDING SUPPORT FOR POLICY CENTERS AND THINK TANKS IN SUB SAHARAN AFRICA

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST TO UNDERTAKE A THEMATICEVALUATION OF ACBF CAPACITY BUILDING SUPPORT FOR POLICY CENTERS AND THINK TANKS IN SUB SAHARAN AFRICA

Country: Africa

Name of Project: ACBF Regional Capacity Building Project, Africa

Consulting Services: thematic evaluation of ACBF capacity building support for Policy Centers and Think Tanks in Sub Saharan Africa

Project ID No.: P122478, Grant No.: 6470-3A

Expression of Interest: ACBF/EOI/041/12/RIDA

1.0 Introduction

This request for expressions of interest follows the General Procurement Notice for this project that appeared in UN Development Business online on 1 June 2011

The African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) was established on 9 February 1991 as the outcome of a partnership between African governments and the international donor community. The major donors to the Foundation include African countries, non-African countries, the African Development Bank (AfDB), the United Nations DevelopmentProgramme (UNDP) and the World Bank. Since its establishment, the Foundation has evolved through five distinct phases: an initial phase (1992 1995); an institutionalization phase (1996 1999); the phase involving the integration and implementation of the Partnership for Capacity Building in Africa (PACT) (2000 2001); the first Strategic Medium Term Plan (SMTP I), 2002-2006; and the SMTPII, 2007-2011.

The African Capacity Building Foundation has received a grant from the World Bank towards the cost of the ACBF Regional Capacity Building Project and intends toapply part of the proceeds of this funding towards Consultancy Services to undertake a thematic evaluation of ACBF capacity building support for Policy Centers and Think Tanks in Sub Saharan Africa.

2.0 Objectives and Scope of the Assignment

The purpose ofthe thematic evaluation is to provide an independent assessment of (i) the relevance of the ACBF model of support for economic policy analysis and management, (ii) the extent to which the intended objectives have been achieved (iii) the level of effectiveness of Policy Centers and Think Tanks in supporting the policy process (iv) the level of influence of Policy Centers in targeted countries. Focusing on systematic and objective assessment, the evaluation is intended to (a) identify unique success stories and innovations as well as challenges encountered; (b) tease out lessons; and (c) recommend ways by which the Foundation can leverage these lessons to improve its support for Policy Centers and Think Tanks in Africa. The evaluation of Policy Centers and Think Tanks will assess in a systematic and objective manner the relevance, effectiveness, efficiency and impact of ACBF's support for economic policy analysis and management from 1992 to 2012. The study will evaluate the design, process of implementation and the level of realizationof the strategic objectives.

Detailed terms of reference may be obtained from ACBF or downloaded from ACBF website www. acbf-pact.org. The consultancy is expected to beundertaken within a period of three (3) calendar months which may be spread over 4 months

3.0 Request for Expression of Interest

ACBF now invites eligible Consulting Firms to indicate their interest in providing the services.Interested consultants must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services (description of similar assignments, evidence of familiarity with Project Evaluations on a large scale, experience in similar conditions, evidence and familiarity with international organisations, Managerial and Technical capability, etc.).

4.0 Qualifications of Consultants

Consulting Companies must have a proven record of experience in conducting thematic evaluations and must be experienced in building capacity for economic policy analysis and management, as well as Africa's development challenges and development cooperation practices. The firm must have at least 5 years experience in conducting complex and large program evaluations. The consultant team shall comprise a Team Leader and no more than three (3) team members with complementary and/or appropriate skills. Consultants may associate to enhance their qualifications.

5.0 Selection of Consultants

A consultant will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in the World Bank's Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants by World Bank Borrowers (May 2004, revised October 2006 and May 2010). Expression of Interest clearly marked "Expression of to undertake a thematic evaluation of ACBF capacity building support for Policy Centers and ThinkTanks in Sub Saharan Africa" can be submitted at the address below on or before 17:00 hours local time on the 5th of September, 2012.

The closing date has been extended from 17th August 2012.

The Executive Secretary

Or through email using the following address; [email protected] .