Initial 12 months, renewable for another 24 months
Issue Date:
Monday, September 16, 2024
Submission Deadline:
Tuesday, October 01, 2024
1. The Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) is the apex organization coordinating agricultural research for development (AR4D) in Africa. It serves as the technical arm of the African Union and leads initiatives that support agricultural transformation at continental and sub-continental levels. FARA’s mandate is to enhance food and nutrition security and sustainable agriculture across Africa. Food and nutrition security and sustainable agriculture (FNSSA) are policy priorities for many African countries and are integral to the AU/EU international development agenda. Under the AU-EU High-Level Policy-Dialogue in 2016, a Research and Innovation (R&I) Partnership was established to promote sustainable food systems. Through EU Horizon Europe funding, FARA is implementing two key projects:
StEPPFoS: Strengthening Policy Analysis and Partnerships for Food Systems.
CEA-FIRST: Consortium Europe Africa on Research and Innovation for Food Systems Transformation.
Both projects aim to support FNSSA’s roadmap and create enabling environments that integrate R&I with food systems transformation efforts.
FARA is seeking a Programme Officer for Results Measurement and Learning to design and implement a comprehensive monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) framework for the StePPFoS and CEA-FIRST projects. This role will ensure that project activities align with key performance indicators (KPIs) and track progress to enhance project impact.
2. This request for expression of interest aims at engaging a candidate to carry out the following functions:
Developing Results Measurement & Learning frameworks for the StePPFoS and CEA-FIRST projects
Designing and implementing data collection systems and supporting baseline development
Conducting regular monitoring and data analysis to assess project progress.
Preparing and submitting periodic reports, including quarterly, mid-term, and final reports
Providing recommendations to improve project execution.
Supporting FARA-wide M&E initiatives and contributing to future project proposals
3. If you are passionate about Africa’s agri-food systems transformation, have a good grasp of emerging trends and approaches to results measurement/monitoring and evaluation, a persuasive communicator (both oral and written), a good presenter and a learning mindset, we would like to interact further with you.
4. The ideal candidate should have:
An advanced degree in a relevant field (e.g., M&E, statistics, economics, social sciences); Proven experience in designing and managing M&E systems, preferably in agriculture and research & development settings; Strong analytical and report-writing skills; Familiarity with data analysis tools (SPSS, Excel, STATA, SAS); and Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
5. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their Expression of Interest, including a detailed CV and a cover letter explaining how they meet the requirements.
Please download the Terms of Reference below, for further information on this opportunity.
6. Applications should be submitted electronically to [[email protected]] and addressed to Dr. Aggrey Agumya, Executive Director of FARA, No 7 Flower Avenue, New Achimota, Mile 7, Accra, Ghana, no later than Tuesday, October 01, 2024, at 16h00 GMT. Tel: +233 302 772823/744888.
7. FARA Affirmative Action Statement on Recruitment: there is no discrimination based on gender race, religion, ethnic orientation, disability, or health status.
The Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) is an umbrella organization bringing together and forming coalitions of major stakeholders in agricultural research and development in Africa. FARA complements the innovative activities of national, international and sub-regional research institutions to deliver more responsive and effective services to its stakeholders. It plays advocacy and coordination roles for agricultural research for development, while the national agricultural research systems (NARS), advanced research institutions (ARIs) and international agricultural research centres (IARCs) develop and promote the adoption of improved technologies and policies along the research-to-development continuum in their respective countries and jurisdictions. Since it was established in 2002, FARA has been able to develop several African-wide initiatives through consultation with stakeholders with recent and ongoing initiatives including the Agriculture Research and Innovation for Africa (ARIFA), the Common Africa Agro Parks (CAAPs), the Soils Initiative for Africa (SIA), the Pan Africa Network of Analysis of Policies (PANAP), the AU-EU International Research Consortium (IRC), the Knowledge Management for Agricultural Development in Africa (KM4AgD), amongst others. These initiatives are helping shape and transform agriculture in Africa and contributing to the achievement of the targets of the CAADP Malabo 2025 and the SDGs 2030.
The technical delivery of FARA’s work is structured into four Clusters, namely, Innovation to Impact Partnerships and Systems (2IPS), Research Policy and Investments (RPIn) Knowledge Management, Digitalization and Learning (KMDL) and Institutional Capacity & Future Scenarios (ICF). These clusters are also host to several donor funded projects and initiatives.
2 Objectives of the assignment:
This is a long-term assignment to engage an individual as Graphics Designer and Visualization Expert to support the organization to deliver quality knowledge, information and communication products in line with FARA’s value proposition. He/she shall be guided by the FARA branding guidelines and in compliance with relevant graphics design policies and guidelines.
Reporting to the Communication Expert the successful candidate shall be guided by the following terms of reference:
3 Scope of work
Generating designs from concept stage to final delivery for print, electronic, web-based content and social media.
Create visually appealing and informative graphics such as charts, graphs, infographics, and dashboards.
Use design principles to make data easily understandable. This includes design of infoparks (one pagers, trifolds, etc) of FARA’s projects and initiatives.
Support the designs and layout of publication mechanisms at FARA including Research Reports, Dissemination Notes, Policy Briefs, etc. for publication in the FARA library.
Design and layout annual reports and other relevant reports
Work closely with the social media officer to ensure that contents shared are of quality and consistent.
Layout and design of reports and other information and communication materials (banners, posters, booklets, leaflets, book chapters, calendars, brochures, newsletter, bulletins, flyers, cards) for printing and
electronic distribution
Support the required designs and visibility for major FARA events and workshops
Provide support and troubleshooting for visualization tools and software
Design visualizations with the FARA end-user in mind, ensuring ease of use and accessibility
Conduct user testing and gather feedback to improve visualizations using the various FARA channels including Dgroups, social media, websites
Implement the graphic guidelines in all FARA communication products.
Each assignment shall be accompanied by detailed specifications for each individual assignment to be delivered.
4 Required
The successful individual is required to meet the following criteria:
Must be a graphic designer with at least 5 years’ experience in designing and layout of information and communication materials
A degree in graphic design or related field.
Show a clear and mature style of design, demonstrating an understanding of the communication requirements of FARA.
Proven experience of graphic production from start to published/printed product with knowledge of printing processes (offset and digital) and colour management.
Good understanding of new and evolving technologies and digital platforms.
Additional experience with videography and photography is preferred.
Technical Skills
Proficiency in data classification and visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
Knowledge of graphic design software (e.g., Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop)
Understanding of data analysis techniques and tools (e.g., SQL, Python, R)
Additional experience in videography and photography
Design Skills
Strong understanding of design principles, color theory, and typography
Ability to create clean, engaging, and user-friendly designs
Analytical Skills
Ability to interpret and analyze complex data sets
Critical thinking to identify key insights and trends
5 Deliverables
Quality design for various assignments completed in line with FARA communication and branding requirements and within specified deadlines.
6 Duration
The contract will be for an initial year (1) year period with an option to extend to a specified period of time subject to satisfactory performance by the service provider and the continued need for the service.
7 Location
The successful candidates shall be based at the FARA Secretariat in Accra.
8 Applications
Qualified candidates are invited to submit via email comprehensive Curriculum Vitae together with a cover letter and names/contact details of three referees. The application should include capability statement with brief explanation of the understanding of the assignment describing the qualifications and experience, including copies of catalogue or samples of design work previously done (minimum of 10 samples and links). List of clients that the individual has served in the past. The application should be sent to: Dr. Aggrey Agumya, Executive Director, FARA, PMB CT 173, Cantonments, Accra, Ghana, Email: [[email protected]].
Applications will be assessed against the required skills, experience and aptitudes set out above. Applications will be accepted up to Friday, 19th July 2024. Due to anticipated high volume of applicants, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
9 FARA Affirmative Action Statement on Employment:
There is no discrimination on the basis of gender race, religion, ethnic orientation, disability or health status.
NB: Please quote in your application the reference code “DESIGN AND VISUALIZATION EXPERT’ in the subject line.
FARA is the continental apex body for agricultural research and innovation in Africa and a technical organisation of the African Union Commission and the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD on matters concerning agricultural research and innovation. Its mission is to contribute to generating high, broad-based and sustainable agricultural growth by catalyzing improvements to the productivity and competiveness of the sector through increased and effective application of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI). FARA executes its mission by performing the following functions: (i) advocacy for increased and more effective deployment of STI in agriculture which is a necessary condition for achieving national and continental development goals; (ii) facilitating partnerships among research, innovation and agribusiness actors within Africa as well as between Africa and external regional or national entities to enhance the generation and scaling of technologies; (iii) convening stakeholders; (iv) facilitating the development and implementation of continental initiatives and programmes that respond to the continent’s priorities; (v) strengthening the institutional and systemic capacities for agricultural innovation; and (vi) facilitating the exchange of information, knowledge and learning in STI for agriculture. The Secretariat of FARA is based in Accra, Ghana.
The effectiveness of FARA in executing its mission strongly relies on the communication function. FARA is seeking an innovative, dynamic, multi-skilled and experienced Communication Expert.
2 Purpose
The primary responsibility of the communication expert is to coordinate actions aimed at enhancing understanding of organisation’s mission as well as its impact, visibility and voice by providing technical leadership of the update and implementation of the organization’s communication and visibility strategy.
Reporting in the interim to the Executive Director, the successful candidate shall inter-alia perform the following duties and responsibilities:
3 Duties and Responsibilities
Strategy update and implementation
Conduct an assessment of FARA’s communication needs and use the findings to update its communication, visibility and social media strategy to ensure it responds to FARA’s mission and objectives and includes a clear dissemination, exploitation and communication (DEC) plan.
Develop branding guidelines
Identify key messaging and communication channels to effectively reach the intended stakeholders.
Coordinate the implementation of the DEC plan to ensure consistent and timely delivery of messages.
Monitor performance of the communication function and make the necessary adjustments to the communication plan.
Content Creation, Management and Quality Assurance
Create engaging and informative content for various communication channels, including website, social media, newsletters, roller stands, posters, reports and presentations.
Conduct research and gather relevant information to develop accurate and compelling content. Translate research and reports into visual materials
Contribute to visual and digital communications, including photo gathering and editing, graphic creation and presentation, and other multi-media editing, including video and audio.
Serve as editor of FARA’s website and social media channels, providing quality assurance, tone, and consistency of online materials, core messaging, and web-enabled stakeholder engagement.
Manage and update corporate (e.g. annual report) and project communication materials, ensuring consistency and adherence to branding guidelines.
Oversee quality assurance for all editorial output and content creation of all communication materials of FARA intended for publication.
Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Building
Build and maintain relationships with media outlets, partners, and key stakeholders.
Coordinate publicity campaigns for major events convened by FARA. This may include the mobilization and training of social media reporters.
Engage with stakeholders to gather feedback, address inquiries, and ensure effective communication flow.
Any other duties within the scope of communication and media relations as assigned by Management.
4 Education and Experience
At least a master’s degree in applied communication, journalism, public relations, or related field and experience.
Proven experience in conducting corporate communication audits/ assessments and crafting communication and branding strategies and plans
A good knowledge and understanding of African Agricultural development issues.
A minimum of five years’ experience in a related communications, marketing or journalist role and/or science writing and editing.
Demonstrable experience of representing an organisation in public or/and media relations, advocacy or marketing campaigns and excellent public-speaking skills.
Hands-on experience in writing speeches, resolutions, bulletins, reports, scientific papers and presentations. Proven writing and editing skills in English.
Knowledge and applied work experience in social media, specifically in the design and execution of plans for assuring that online communication and audience engagement tools and channels are fully leveraged. Strong ICT skills are essential.
Knowledge and experience in the monitoring and evaluation of the communication function.
Experience with TV/video production, including scriptwriting and/or camera work is an advantage.
5 Languages
Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is an advantage.
6 Duration of Assignment
This assignment is for an initial period of one year and is renewable upon availability of funds and effective delivery of outputs.
7 Location of the Assignment
The consultant will work physically from the office of FARA, located at 7 Flower Avenue, Achimota Mile 7, Accra, Ghana.
8 Application
Candidates that meet the requirements are invited to submit via email their comprehensive Curriculum Vitae together with a motivation letter and names/contact details of three referees to: Dr. Aggrey Agumya, Executive Director, FARA, PMB CT 173, Cantonments, Accra, Ghana.
Email: [[email protected]] Applications will be accepted up to Friday, 19th July 2024. Please use the job title and reference in the subject line of your email.
Due to anticipated high volume of applicants, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applications which do not meet the stated criteria will be rejected.
FARA Affirmative Action Statement on Employment
There is no discrimination based on gender race, religion, ethnic orientation, disability or health status.
Support the establishment of the Postharvest Incubation Program and Agribusiness Accelerator aimed at promoting technologies and innovations in postharvest management of indigenous fruits and vegetables under the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Horticulture project.
Name of Project: Lead Institution: Partner Institutions
Enhancing the production and consumption of African Indigenous Fruits and Vegetables to improve diets in Ghana and Mali (Eco-Inveg) the University of Ghana Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa; the University of Science, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTT-B); Council for Scientific and Industrial Research – Food Research Institute (FRI)
Procurement Ref:
FARA/UG/FeedTheFutureInnovLABS/CS/QCBS/2024/01
Issue Date:
Tuesday, July 03, 2024
Submission Deadline:
Wednesday, July 17, 2024
The Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Horticulture is funding a collaborative project in Ghana and Mali involving academia, research institutions and the private sector from the two countries. The collaboration involves the University of Ghana, Université des Sciences, des Techniques et des Technologies de Bamako (USTT-B), Food Research Institute of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Ghana, Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) and Young Professionals for Agricultural Development (YPARD).
The overall goal of the project is to increase the production and access to nutrient-dense indigenous fruits and vegetables in Ghana and Mali through diet diversification by valorizing indigenous fruits and vegetables and promoting their consumption. To ensure effective implementation, monitoring and evaluation, the project has been organized into five (5) work packages, which include:
Work Package 1 – Profiling of four Indigenous fruits and vegetables
Work package 2 – Value chain analysis
Work package 3: Improving postharvest handling and preservation of indigenous fruits and vegetables.
Work Package 4 – Creation of an Innovation Centre or Incubator
Work Package 5 – Dissemination of technologies, methods, and processes
This assignment is with reference to sub-theme 4.
The objective of the incubation program is to establish an incubator/innovation hub for women and youth entrepreneurs and key stakeholders in all 16 regions of Ghana to connect, increase knowledge sharing, and co-create solutions to spur innovations and business opportunities for selected indigenous fruits and vegetables.
To achieve the above, FARA and the University of Ghana propose engaging a suitable firm to support the process.
3. This request for proposals aims at engaging a consulting firm (hereafter referred to as Consultant) to carry out the following functions:
The Consultant shall liaise with the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for the Horticulture team for the necessary assistance and clarifications to undertake this assignment.
The consultant shall coordinate activities and engage with all relevant stakeholders to conduct interviews and schedule training using appropriate training materials.
The Consultant shall present the initial strategy and advise the team on the strategy for the incubation program before the launch of the call for applications.
The Consultant shall be responsible for the Screening of applications (establishing selection criteria)
The Consultant shall be responsible for coordinating the development of training manuals for participants (competency-based)
The Consultant shall recruit trainers and facilitators for the training
The Consultant shall be responsible for scheduling all training sessions, seminars, workshops and mentorship sessions of pre-selected participants
The Consultant shall conduct pre and post-training evaluations to assess the impact of the training.
The Consultant shall provide quarterly monthly reports and timely feedback on the progress of the incubation program and recommend strategies for continuous improvement.
The Consultant shall be responsible for coaching finalists in managing their enterprises after the award of grants.
The Consultant shall be responsible for monitoring and Evaluation of the Incubation Program.
The Executive Director of FARA invites interested firms to express interest in carrying out this assignment.
Your proposal, including a technical and financial proposal based on the Terms of Reference outlined above, must be submitted. The proposal must outline your firm’s proposed methodologies, references related to the execution of similar contracts, experience in similar areas, evidence of knowledge and a proposed timeline. The proposals must also include the CVs of the proposed team.
The anticipated period of performance for this consultancy is 18 months.
The firm shall be selected based on the Quality and Cost-Based Selection (QCBS) procedures defined in the FARA procurement Guidelines.
Interested firms may obtain further information from the Project Lead,[[email protected]]; [[email protected]] and copy the Procurement Expert, FARA, [[email protected]] during the following hours: 9h00 to 16h00 GMT.
Please download the Terms of Reference below for further information on this opportunity.
Proposals should be submitted electronically to [[email protected]] and addressed to Dr. Aggrey Agumya, Executive Director of FARA, No 7 Flower Avenue, New Achimota, Mile 7, Accra, Ghana, no later than Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at 16h00 GMT. Tel: +233 302 772823/744888.
FARA-UG Affirmative Action Statement on Recruitment: there is no discrimination based on gender race, religion, ethnic orientation, disability, or health status.
Recruitment of an External Audit firm to audit FARA Secretariat for the financial years 2024-2026
Procurement Ref:
FARA/EXT-AUDIT/CS/LCS/2024/01
Issue Date:
Friday, March 15, 2024
Submission Deadline:
Friday, March 29, 2024
Established in 2002 by Sub-regional Agricultural Research Organizations, the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) serves as the African Union Commission’s technical agency for agricultural research and development. It implements CAADP Pillar IV and the Science Agenda for Africa Agriculture (S3A), collaborating with organizations like ASARECA, CCARDESA, CORAF, and AFAAS. FARA advocates for Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) application in agriculture, facilitates knowledge exchange, and fosters partnerships. Independent audits ensure fund accountability. FARA seeks an Auditing Firm to audit implementation program accounts, promoting transparency and responsible financial management.
This request for expression of interest aims at engaging a consultant to carry out the following functions:
Funds are diligently utilized according to specified conditions and agreements, ensuring economic efficiency. Counterpart funds are used as stipulated, and procurement follows guidelines. Thorough documentation is maintained, establishing clear links between records and financial reports. Designated Accounts adhere to relevant conditions. Financial statements reflect accepted accounting principles, providing a true representation of the institution’s financial position. A review assesses compliance with financial covenants and release conditions for tranches.
The Executive Director of FARA invites interested consultants to express interest in carrying out this assignment.
Consultants interested in the call must submit a concise Expression of Interest (10 pages max) detailing firm information, references, experience, knowledge evidence, and a proposed timeline.
The consultant shall be selected in accordance with the “Least-Cost Selection” method set out in the procedures defined in the Procurement Guidelines of FARA.
Please download the Terms of Reference in the link below, for further information on this opportunity.
Expressions of Interest should be submitted electronically to [[email protected]] and addressed to Dr. Aggrey Agumya, Executive Director of FARA, No 7 Flower Avenue, New Achimota, Mile 7, Accra, Ghana, no later than Friday, March 29, 2024, at 16h00 GMT. Tel: +233 302 772823/744888.
This Request for Expression of Interest (REOI) follows the General Procurement Notice for this Project that appeared on the African Development Bank Group’s Internet Website(www.afdb.org) 12th August 2022.
The International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has received financing from the African Development Fund toward the cost of the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) Phase II and intends to apply part of the agreed amount for this grant to payments under the contract for TAAT CDTO Compact Accountant who will be based in Accra, Ghana.
The Consultant will be a member of the CDTO Compact Team shall oversee the preparation and maintenance of timely and accurate financial statements and reports per the bank regulations and accounting principles; maintain complete record of all-important project documents and coordinate with project leaders to ensure adherence to the financial implementation aspects of the project agreement, clarify financial issues, answer queries, and give updates on the financial status of the project; monitor funds utilization of projects and schedule of instalments to ensure readily available up to date funding status information necessary for management decision-making; in collaboration with the project Coordinator, draw up quarterly, semi-annual or annual budgets in line with the overall project activities, operational and procurement plans as per grant’s requirements and monitor expenditure to avoid over-expenditure of allocations; participate in the annual budgeting and planning process; handle accounting treatment and financial transaction with respect to disbursements to project collaborators and partners, as needed; review and verify adherence to budgetary requirements of expenditure of projects and ensure proper recording of valid transactions during the month-end and year-end closing of books; produce reports, statements and schedules for audit purposes; in close collaboration with the TAAT CDTO Coordinator, manage cash-flow and prepare cash-flow forecasts in line with the workplan; provide bank reconciliation status as required; maintain advances and asset registers related to the project; analyse the variances against approved budgets monthly and determine the main reasons for major variations and discuss corrective steps with the Budget-holder and Finance Manager; document project procurement of goods and services and management of property and equipment in keeping with donor rules and procedures; prepare, to the satisfaction of the donor, initial advance to the Special Account and subsequent replenishments and justification for expenditure from special account required for the smooth implementation of the project; facilitate collection of financial and technical supporting documents during audit and respond to queries in relation to financial documents; liaise with Contracts and Grants Unit on donor report deadlines and submission; responsible for the Risk Management of area of activities; develop and maintain a system for evaluating/ monitoring contracts and ensure strict compliance with AfDB financial contractual obligations; coordinate the transfer of funds per established agreements and schedules; perform any other duties which may be assigned from time to time by the immediate supervisor.
The selected candidate will report to the Coordinator TAAT CDTO Compact and the assignment shall be for an initial period of One (1) year and subject to renewal with satisfactory performance.
The consultant is expected to commence work on 1st November 2023.
The selected candidate should possess a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in accounting or related fields; full Professional accounting qualification i.e. CPA, ACCA or CA; 5 Years of working experience on AfDB or a related multilateral development project and donor project financial management; familiarity with the AfDB funding mechanisms; international development and current issues in international aid and finance mechanisms; excellent knowledge of fund accounting, including reporting requirements of development partners; demonstrable skills in the development, monitoring and evaluation of finance and accounting policies and procedures; excellent organizational and communication skills.; demonstrable experience in planning and strategic thinking with strong analytical and problem-solving skills; highly professional in outlook and approach, tenacious and results focused with a commitment to and passion for quality and integrity; experience in multi-cultural environment with proficiency in English and/or French with a working understanding of the other; good knowledge of agricultural research for development in Africa is desirable.
FARA now invites eligible individual candidates to indicate their interest in providing these services. Interested consultants must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services (including their detailed CV and letter of motivation detailing past related experience similar to this assignment.).
