REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
(INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT)
| Consulting Services: | Development of an automated repository and analytical framework for data and information on African Agricultural Science, Technology, and Innovation – – Upgrade the FARADataInformS and implement Artificial Intelligence Support Systems (Phase 4) |
| Name of Project: | CAADP-XP4 |
| Activity Ref No: | FARA/DRI/KMLC/CAADP-XP4 4.1.3, 2.1.5 and 2.2.2 |
| Procurement Ref: | FARA/CAADP-XP4/IC/2023/05 |
| Issue Date: | Friday, December 29, 2023 |
| Submission Deadline: | Monday, January 15, 2024
Extended Deadline: Wednesday, February 7, 2024 |
- The Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) plays a pivotal role in agricultural research for development on the continent. After successfully implementing Medium Term Operational Plans (MTOP 1 and 2) by December 2018, FARA devised a new strategy to consolidate gains, with a key focus on developing and implementing the FARA Data and Information Systems. In response to challenges and opportunities in the agricultural sector, FARA’s ten-year strategy (2019-2028) and five-year business plan emphasize knowledge management as a strategic driver for sustainable agriculture. Africa’s global knowledge contribution is the lowest due to limited institutional and individual capacity. Recognizing the importance of science, technology, and innovation (STI), FARA collaborates with the CAADP-XP4 Consortium to establish FARA Data and Information System (FARADataInformS) as a repository for relevant STI metrics, contributing to informed decision-making in agriculture. Over the past five years, FARADataInformS has served as a central hub for accessible agricultural knowledge and information.
However, with the rapid advancement in technological applications, the need to integrate modern applications and the important role of artificial intelligence, it is good practice to upgrade the FARADataInformS to address the functions listed in section 3 below.
To achieve the foregoing; FARA proposes to engage a suitable Lead Consultant with his/her team of experts (a Web & Database Expert, and a User Interface Expert) to carry out this assignment with the needed professionalism and ethics.
- The primary objective of this consultancy is to improve the FARA Data and Information System (FARADataInformS), a knowledge hub that provides Science and Technology Indicators (STI) metrics at the country level. This upgrade aims to enhance functionality, usability, and effectiveness in disseminating information to stakeholders. It involves integrating databases, linking data sources, and introducing artificial intelligence features to strengthen the FARA Observatory on the Science Agenda and Africa AR4D.
- This request for expression of interest aims at engaging a consultant and his/her team of experts to carry out the following functions:
- Upgrade the current Drupal 7 to the latest version of Drupal or as appropriate.
- Align/Integrate existing databases in FARA to the overall functionality of the FARADataInformS.
- Develop relevant APIs to support the interoperability agenda of the CAADP-XP4 consortium.
- Develop new tools and services based on feedback from users and in line with best practice.
- Integrate FARA social media to the redesigned FARADataInformS to strengthen sharing, outreach, and engagement.
- Introduce recommender systems and artificial intelligence functionalities that delivers the right solutions and add value to users.
- Redesign the FARA Corporate website in alignment with the revised FARA 5-year business plan (2024-2028) of the 10 year strategy.
- Integrate the DSpace online library facility to provide relevant resources to users and experts within the FARADataInformS.
- The Executive Director of FARA invites interested consultants to express interest in carrying out this assignment.
- Consultants interested in this call must provide an Expression of Interest no longer than 10 pages, outlining proposed methodologies, references related to the execution of similar assignments, experience in similar areas, or evidence of knowledge and a proposed timeline. Brochures, CVs, and other supplementary materials submitted shall not be accounted for as part of the 10-page limit.
- The anticipated period of performance for this consultancy is 65 man-days spread over six months (February 2024 to July 2024).
- The individual consultant shall be selected based on procedures defined in the Procurement Guidelines of FARA.
- Interested consultants may obtain further information from the Knowledge Management, Learning and Communications Cluster Leader, Benjamin Abugri [[email protected]], and copy the Procurement Expert, Mr. Callistus Achaab [[email protected]], during the following hours: 9h00 to 16h00 GMT.
Please download the Terms of Reference 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 Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at 16h00 GMT. Tel: +233 302 772823/744888.
- FARA Affirmative Action Statement on Recruitment: there is no discrimination based on gender race, religion, ethnic orientation, disability, or health status.
Executive Director of FARA
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