Political Affairs, Peace and Security: Consultancy: training needs analysis

 

Background
One of the recommendations for the realignment of the structures of the Union, which resulted in the Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (DPAPS) was the need for a re-evaluation of the structures “to ensure that they have the right size and capabilities to deliver on the agreed priority areas”.

As part of the efforts at implementing the mandate of the newly established department, the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security (CPAPS) articulated a set of strategic priorities to support the scaling up of the Department’s efforts for impact.

Capacity development and applied knowledge was identified as one of the critical elements to increase and build the necessary competencies for DPAPS to implement its mandate. A focus on different training and learning modalities therefore needs to take centre stage, with the department both a beneficiary and provider of training. The Department regularly benefits from training provided by Partners. In addition, customized training material and workshops are developed internally to enhance staff and other stakeholders’ capacity.

In spite of the value added by the mentioned trainings, the effectiveness of training activities designed to enhance the capacity of staff remains an ongoing challenge. This points to the lack of a systematic and structured approach to training for organizational staff and the harmonization of training activities through a coordinated departmentwide training management cycle.

Drawing on its experience as a capacity support partner, the Training for Peace Programme (TfP) submitted a Note to the Commissioner on the role of Training in implementing the Priority Action Plan of the DPAPS. As a first step to developing a department-wide training management cycle, a training needs analysis (TNA) has been identified as an imperative. This will facilitate a harmonized and coordinated approach to training that is premised on empirically identified organisational needs, welldesigned training packages, and an iterative training structure that follows the logic of organizational and personnel needs and aligns with and support the organisational strategy.

In response to the submission of the TfP programme, the Commissioner appointed a Training and Capacity Development Focal Person to among others, coordinate training and capacity development efforts and implement the recommendation for the development of a Training and Capacity Development policy and strategy.

Consequently, DPAPS with support from the TfP programme proposes to undertake a comprehensive department-wide training needs analysis (TNA).

Objectives of the Training Needs Analysis

1.  The overall objective of the TNA is to identify the training needs of the PAPS department at the organizational, directorate, divisional and individual levels.

Specific objectives

• Design and undertake a comprehensive department-wide training needs analysis; and,
• Identify the types and levels of training relevant to specific training audiences.

Scope of work

Under the general supervision of the Focal Person for Training and Capacity Development, the consultant shall analyse the training needs within the DPAPS and identify the types of training required to address the gaps. The Consultant shall undertake the following key activities and deliverables to achieve the objective:

1. Design a comprehensive framework for a department-wide training needs assessment
2. Collect and analyse data for the needs analysis and present a comprehensive training needs analysis report; and,
3.  Identify and propose the types and levels of training and the training audience.

The TfP and Focal Person for Training and Capacity Development will support the consultant in meeting the overall objectives of the consultancy including a review of the TNA design instruments; assisting with travel arrangements, running a virtual platform for consultations (where necessary), and access to the DPAPS and relevant documents respectively.

Deliverables

1. Inception Report to outline understanding of assignment, methodology, workplan
2. Training Needs Analysis report with proposed types and levels of training and training audience
3. Presentation to Senior Management of Findings

Expected Schedule of Work

17 Jan 2022 – Anticipated starting date of assignment

Contract Duration

The contract shall commence on 17th January 2022 and end on 8 April 2022, unless terminated at an earlier date.

Qualification and Competencies

• Minimum of five years’ experience as a senior level trainer, specifically in the fields of conflict management, peace and security, political, programmatic and administration leadership
• Command thorough theoretical and practical knowledge of broader security, governance and development processes;
• Proven ability to conceptualise complex issues and
• Proven track record of conducting complex evaluations, reviews or training needs assessments (Attach one sample of previous work)
• Excellent interpersonal skills to engage at all levels of management and staff.
• Experience conducting online in-depth interviews and focus groups
• Language Competence - Excellent written and spoken English; Working knowledge in at least one other AU language highly desirable

Education Requirements:

• Advanced University degree or equivalent experience in political sciences, international relations, development studies, law, social sciences or related issues.
• Language requirements: Fluency in English that is informed and guided by excellent empirical drafting capabilities.

Contract Management and Reporting

The consultancy will be contracted and administratively managed by the TfP, and in terms of substantive work, by the D-PAPS. The Consultant will report on his or her activities to the Focal Person for Training and Capacity Development.

Remuneration

The consultant shall work for a total of 40 consultancy days. at a rate of 300 USD per day (US$300 x 40 days = US$ 12000). If there is travel: The Consultant will need to travel to Addis Ababa:

• The first travel will be to conduct the Needs Analysis interviews and questions in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in the AUC headquarters with AUC staff.
• The second trip to Addis Ababa will be to present a comprehensive department-wide training needs analysis to D-PAPS
• TfP will cover the costs of the economy flight tickets for travel from the nearest airport of the consultant’s residence, to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and organize and pay for accommodation, meals and ground travel in Ethiopia. TfP will further provide an allowance for dinner and lunch on the basis of prevailing AU DSA rates.
• If travel is not possible: The Consultant will engage virtually: Engagements with interlocutors at the AUC will be facilitated by the Focal Person for Training and Capacity Building. The TfP will provide IT support to host virtual meetings. An allowance for data will be provided.

Deadline for Technical and Financial Proposals

Qualified applications are invited for the above assignment. The deadline is 7th January 2022.

Please direct your submission to: training4peace@gmail.com copied to Dr. Rhuks Ako, email: AkoR@africa-union.org and DarkwaL@africa-union.org.

 

Download the Terms of Reference here: Terms of Reference for consultancy for the conduct of a Training Needs Analysis for the AU Department of Political Affairs