An Individual consultant to develop an integrated and digitalized information system with links at national, regional, and continental levels. — Eastern Africa Regional Statistics Program-for-Results

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (CONSULTING SERVICES – INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT) Name of Project: Eastern Africa Regional Statistics Program-for-Results (EARSPforR) Grant No : P176371 Assignment Title: Individual Consultant (IC) to perform the Consultancy services to Develop an Integrated and Digitalized Statistical Information System for STATAFRIC. Reference No .TN-STATAFRIC-AUC-481115-CS-INDV. Background The African Union (AU) is committed to strengthening African statistical systems across the continent to support evidence-based policy-making, regional integration, and sustainable development. African statistical systems encompass national statistical offices (NSOs), regional economic communities (RECs), and continental institutions. However, data management systems across these entities are frequently fragmented, heterogeneous, and insufficiently interoperable. These structural challenges constrain the efficient exchange, consolidation, and dissemination of reliable and timely statistics at the continental level Key challenges include: Lack of standardized data formats and metadata schemas across NSOs and RECs. Weak or absent automated data exchange mechanisms between national and continental systems. Limited data governance frameworks governing quality assurance and access management. Inadequate tools for real-time data visualization and dissemination to end-users. Insufficient technical capacity within STATAFRIC to manage and maintain digital platforms. To address these gaps, STATAFRIC intends to develop an integrated and digitalized statistical information system connecting national statistical systems, regional data platforms, and continental-level repositories. The system will support improved data collection, integration, analysis, and dissemination while ensuring interoperability and compliance with international statistical standards. STATAFRIC therefore seeks to recruit a qualified individual consultant to design, develop and implementation of this integrated digital statistical information system at STATAFRIC. Objectives of the assignment The consultancy specifically aims to: Conduct a structured diagnostic assessment of existing data management systems and information flows at STATAFRIC and within key partner institutions. Design a scalable, modular, and interoperable architecture for the integrated statistical information system. Develop and deploy a functional digital platform incorporating data ingestion, integration, governance, visualization, and dissemination capabilities. Establish secure and standards-compliant mechanisms for data exchange between NSOs, RECs, and STATAFRIC, developed in alignment and coordination with the parallel consultancy for the Continental Statistical Database (CSD), to ensure technical and data compatibility between the two systems. Define and implement data governance policies, metadata management standards, and quality assurance procedures. Build institutional capacity through structured training, technical documentation, and knowledge transfer. Expected Deliverables All deliverables must be submitted in English and/or French, as agreed with STATAFRIC. Deliverables are subject to review and approval by STATAFRIC management before payment of the corresponding instalment. # Deliverable Description and Minimum Content Number of Days D1 Methodological report and inception Report. Detailed methodology; work plan with milestones; stakeholder engagement strategy; risk register; tools and data sources to be used. 10 days D2 Diagnostic Assessment Report. Documented review of existing systems; data flow maps; gap analysis across infrastructure, interoperability, security, and governance; prioritized system requirements; stakeholder consultation summary. 20 days D3 System Architecture Design Document. Architecture diagrams (high-level and component-level); technology stack with justification; data model and entity-relationship diagrams; integration architecture; security architecture; hosting strategy. 30 days D4 Prototype / Operational Platform. Deployed and functional platform with all modules (see Section 3.3); UAT (User Acceptance Testing) report signed off by STATAFRIC; source code repository with documentation; deployment guide. 20 days D5 Data Exchange Framework & Interoperability Guidelines. Exchange protocols and standards documentation; API specifications and documentation; integration connectors for ≥3 priority systems; testing and validation results. 20 days D6 Training Materials & User Documentation. Training programme agenda; presentation materials and exercises; administrator manual; end-user manual; maintenance and sustainability plan. 10 days D7 Final Implementation Report. Summary of all activities and outputs; lessons learned; recommendations for Phase 2 enhancements; handover checklist. 10 days Required Qualifications and Experience Academic Qualifications An advanced university degree (Master's level minimum) in one of the following fields: Information Systems, Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, or a closely related discipline. Professional Experience The following experience is required: A minimum of ten (10) years of professional experience in the design, development, and implementation of large-scale information systems or data platforms. Demonstrated experience in statistical information systems, open data platforms, or national/regional data management initiatives. Proven experience in data interoperability, including the design of data exchange protocols, APIs, and automated pipelines. Practical knowledge of metadata standards (SDMX, DDI, or equivalent) and data governance frameworks. Experience conducting needs assessments and gap analyses in ICT or data management contexts. Experience in capacity building, including the design and delivery of technical training for institutional users. The following experience is an asset : Prior experience with African Union institutions, regional economic communities, or national statistical offices in Africa. Experience in cloud infrastructure management (AWS, Azure, GCP or equivalent). Familiarity with international statistical standards frameworks (IMF SDDS, UN SDG data architecture, etc.). Proficiency in both English and French. Technical Competencies Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in at least the following areas: Database design and management (PostgreSQL, MySQL, or equivalent relational/NoSQL systems). API development and web services (REST, SOAP). ETL pipeline design and data transformation tools. Data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, D3.js, or equivalent). Security best practices for web-based information systems. Version control and documentation (Git, Confluence, or equivalent). Evaluation Criteria Applications will be evaluated using the following evaluation criteria. Only candidates achieving a minimum technical score of 70 out of 100 will be considered. No. Evaluation Criterion Sub-criteria Max. Points Technical Approach & Methodology. Clarity, relevance, and feasibility of proposed approach; quality of work plan; understanding of assignment. 25 Relevant Professional Experience. Depth and quality of experience in large-scale information systems and statistical data platforms. 20 Demonstrated Technical Competencies. Evidence of skills in key technical areas (databases, APIs, ETL, visualization, security). 20 Experience with International/Regional Organizations. Prior work with AU, UN, RECs, NSOs, or equivalent bodies. 15 Qualifications. Academic qualifications and professional certifications relevant to the assignment. 10 Language Proficiency. Demonstrated proficiency in English and/or French (bilingual capacity an advantage). 10 Minimum passing score: 70/100 100 Application (Expression of Interest) EoI requirements: Interested candidates should submit the following documents: A technical proposal (maximum 15 pages) including: understanding of the assignment, proposed methodology, work plan, and relevant experience. An updated curriculum vitae (CV) highlighting relevant qualifications and experience, with at least three (3) professional references. At least two (2) samples of similar work previously undertaken (e.g., system architecture documents, diagnostic reports, or deployed platform documentation). Copies of relevant academic and professional certificates . The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment are attached to this request for expressions of interest. The African Union Commission now invites eligible individuals (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Individual Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services. 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” July 2016, revised November 2020 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest. A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Individual Consultant selection method set out in the Procurement Regulations. Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours i.e. 0900 to 1700 hours. Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form following the above shortlisting criteria to the address below (in person, or by mail) before 05th August 2026 at 15:00 Hours Local Time, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Only submitted Expression of Interests (EoIs) mentioning the reference number “ TN-STATAFRIC-AUC-481115-CS-INDV “ in the subject field of the e-mail, will be considered. African Union Commission, Attn: Head, Supply Chain Management Division - Operations Support Services Directorate Building C, 3rd Floor, P.O Box 3243, Roosevelt Street Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Tel: +251 (0) 11 551 7700 – Ext 4305 Fax: +251 (0) 11 551 0442; +251 11-551-0430 E-mails: tender@africanunion.org Terms of Reference Individual Consultant (IC) to perform the Consultancy Services to develop an Integrated and Digitalized Statistical Information System for STATAFRIC. Background and Context The African Union (AU) is committed to strengthening African statistical systems across the continent to support evidence-based policy-making, regional integration, and sustainable development. African statistical systems encompass national statistical offices (NSOs), regional economic communities (RECs), and continental institutions. However, data management systems across these entities are frequently fragmented, heterogeneous, and insufficiently interoperable. These structural challenges constrain the efficient exchange, consolidation, and dissemination of reliable and timely statistics at the continental level. Key challenges include: Lack of standardized data formats and metadata schemas across NSOs and RECs. Weak or absent automated data exchange mechanisms between national and continental systems. Limited data governance frameworks governing quality assurance and access management. Inadequate tools for real-time data visualization and dissemination to end-users. Insufficient technical capacity within STATAFRIC to manage and maintain digital platforms. To address these gaps, STATAFRIC intends to develop an integrated and digitalized statistical information system connecting national statistical systems, regional data platforms, and continental-level repositories. The system will support improved data collection, integration, analysis, and dissemination while ensuring interoperability and compliance with international statistical standards. STATAFRIC therefore seeks to recruit a qualified individual consultant to design, develop and implementation of this integrated digital statistical information system at STATAFRIC. Objectives of the Consultancy General Objectives: To design and implement an integrated and digitalized statistical information system for STATAFRIC that enables efficient, secure, and standards-compliant exchange, integration, and dissemination of official statistical data compiled and published by STATAFRIC from NSOs and RECs, across national, regional, and continental statistical systems. This assignment excludes internal administrative, accounting, logistics, or other non-statistical operational data used for STATAFRIC's day-to-day management. Specific Objectives The consultancy services specifically aim to: Conduct a structured diagnostic assessment of existing data management systems and information flows at STATAFRIC and within key partner institutions. Design a scalable, modular, and interoperable architecture for the integrated statistical information system. Develop and deploy a functional digital platform incorporating data ingestion, integration, governance, visualization, and dissemination capabilities. Establish secure and standards-compliant mechanisms for data exchange between NSOs, RECs, and STATAFRIC, developed in alignment and coordination with the parallel consultancy for the Continental Statistical Database (CSD), to ensure technical and data compatibility between the two systems. Define and implement data governance policies, metadata management standards, and quality assurance procedures. Build institutional capacity through structured training, technical documentation, and knowledge transfer. Scope of Work The consultant will carry out the following tasks: Diagnostic Assessment. The consultant will undertake a comprehensive assessment of the existing statistical information landscape, including: Review and document the current data management systems, databases, and digital tools in use at STATAFRIC and at a representative sample of NSOs and RECs. Map existing data flows including submission mechanisms, formats, frequencies, and governance arrangements (aligned with the work of Specialized Technical Groups (STGs)) between national, regional, and continental actors. Identify critical gaps in infrastructure, data interoperability, security protocols, and governance frameworks. Assess the technical readiness of STATAFRIC's ICT environment (servers, network infrastructure, software stack, connectivity). Map key stakeholders involved in the production, management, and dissemination of statistical data for a defined set of priority thematic areas and indicators (based on SHaSA 2) and as recommended by Specialized Technical Groups (STGs). Produce a prioritized list of system requirements, covering both software and hardware/infrastructure needs, informed by stakeholder consultations. System Architecture Design. Based on the diagnostic findings, the consultant will: Design comprehensive and modular architecture for the integrated statistical information system, specifying all major system components, both software/application components and underlying hardware/infrastructure components, and their interactions. Define technical specifications for each system component, including: Data ingestion mechanisms (automated feeds, manual submission portals, API connectors). Data integration and transformation services (ETL pipelines, harmonization rules). Metadata management tools aligned with SDMX or equivalent international standards. Data storage infrastructure (database design, cloud or hybrid hosting strategy). Analytical processing and data visualization modules, enabling STATAFRIC staff and authorized users to explore, analyze, and visualize statistical data. System monitoring, logging, and observability layer, to supervise system health, performance, and availability. User access and identity management layer. Ensure the architecture is compatible with international standards for statistical data exchange, including SDMX, DDI, and relevant AU/STATAFRIC frameworks, as well as full interoperability with the Continental Statistical Database (CSD) currently under development. Define a technology stack justification, specifying recommended open-source or proprietary tools with rationale. Include data flow diagrams, entity-relationship diagrams, and integration architecture diagrams. Development of the Digital Platform. The consultant will develop and deploy a functional operational platform including the following modules: Module Required Functionalities Data Submission & Validation Web-based submission portal; automated format validation; error flagging and feedback to data providers; support for batch uploads and API-based ingestion. Data Transformation & Integration Configurable ETL pipelines; data harmonization and unit standardization; conflict detection and resolution workflows; audit trail for all transformations. Metadata Management Metadata registry aligned with SDMX; variable-level documentation; versioning; linkage between datasets and their metadata. Access & Identity Management Role-based access control (RBAC); multi-factor authentication; user activity logging; tiered data access (public, institutional, restricted). Data Visualization & Dissemination Interactive dashboards with filtering and drill-down; exportable charts and tables; public-facing data portal; API for third-party data consumers. System Administration User and permission management interface; monitoring and alerting dashboard; backup and recovery management tools. The platform must be designed for scalability (capable of onboarding all 55 AU member states), high availability (target uptime ≥ 99.5%), and maintainability by STATAFRIC technical staff post-deployment. Interoperability and Data Exchange. Design and document secure data exchange protocols between NSOs, RECs, and STATAFRIC, specifying authentication mechanisms, encryption standards, and data transfer formats. Develop RESTful APIs or automated data pipelines for programmatic data transmission, including API documentation and sandbox testing environment. Ensure full compliance with international statistical data exchange standards (SDMX, JSON-stat, CSV-W or equivalent). Define and test integration connectors for at least three (3) priority NSO or RECs systems identified during the diagnostic phase, selecting a mix of high-performing and middle-performing NSOs to ensure connectors are validated against realistic field challenges and varying levels of statistical and technical capacity. Security and Data Governance. Develop a data security policy covering data classification, encryption at rest and in transit, vulnerability management, and incident response. Implement role-based access control (RBAC) and define user roles, permissions, and access tiers for all system modules. Design a data governance framework specifying data ownership, stewardship responsibilities, quality assurance procedures, and data lifecycle management. Ensure compliance with applicable data protection regulations and AU data sovereignty principles. Define and implement data quality indicators and automated quality checks within the platform. Capacity Building and Knowledge Transfer. Develop a structured training programme for STATAFRIC technical staff covering system administration, data management, and basic troubleshooting. Conduct hands-on training sessions (minimum two sessions) targeted at STATAFRIC technical staff and relevant technical stakeholders from NSOs and RECs who have the requisite IT/data management background to effectively absorb this technical training. Produce comprehensive technical documentation, including system architecture documents, installation and configuration guides, administrator manual, and end-user manual. Develop a system maintenance and sustainability plan, including recommended staffing profile, estimated annual maintenance costs, and upgrade roadmap for Years 2–3. Expected Deliverables All deliverables must be submitted in English and/or French, as agreed with STATAFRIC. Deliverables are subject to review and approval by STATAFRIC management before payment of the corresponding instalment. # Deliverable Description and Minimum Content Number of Days D1 Methodological report, this should be after the submission of an inception report. Detailed methodology; work plan with milestones; stakeholder engagement strategy; risk register; tools and data sources to be used. 10 days D2 Diagnostic Assessment Report. Documented review of existing systems; data flow maps; gap analysis across infrastructure, interoperability, security, and governance; prioritized system requirements; stakeholder consultation summary. 20 days D3 System Architecture Design Document. Architecture diagrams (high-level and component-level); technology stack with justification; data model and entity-relationship diagrams; integration architecture; security architecture; hosting strategy. 30 days D4 Prototype / Operational Platform. Deployed and functional platform with all modules (see Section 3.3); UAT (User Acceptance Testing) report signed off by STATAFRIC; source code repository with documentation; deployment guide. 20 days D5 Data Exchange Framework & Interoperability Guidelines. Exchange protocols and standards documentation; API specifications and documentation; integration connectors for ≥3 priority systems; testing and validation results. 20 days D6 Training Materials & User Documentation. Training programme agenda; presentation materials and exercises; administrator manual; end-user manual; maintenance and sustainability plan. 10 days D7 Final Implementation Report. Summary of all activities and outputs; lessons learned; recommendations for Phase 2 enhancements; handover checklist. 10 days Institutional Arrangements The consultant will be based in Tunis, Tunisia, and will work under the direct supervision of STATAFRIC World Bank project coordinator. Relocation costs are not covered for this assignment, however, STATAFRIC will provide for a return air-ticket in accordance with the AU travel rules. Day-to-day coordination will be managed through a designated STATAFRIC technical focal point, who will facilitate access to relevant staff, systems, and documentation. The consultant will collaborate closely with relevant departments of the African Union Commission (AUC) and with NSOs/RECs as required by the scope of work. Progress reviews will be conducted at the end of each month. The consultant will present key findings and outputs at designated review meetings. STATAFRIC will provide access to existing documentation, relevant infrastructure, and introductions to key stakeholder counterparts. Travel costs for field missions, if required, will be covered by STATAFRIC in accordance with AU travel rules, subject to prior written approval. Required Qualifications and Experience Academic Qualifications: An advanced university degree (Master's level minimum) in one of the following fields: Information Systems, Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, or a closely related discipline. Professional Experience: The following experience is required: A minimum of ten (10) years of professional experience in the design, development, and implementation of large-scale information systems or data platforms. Demonstrated experience in statistical information systems, open data platforms, or national/regional data management initiatives. Proven experience in data interoperability, including the design of data exchange protocols, APIs, and automated pipelines. Practical knowledge of metadata standards (SDMX, DDI, or equivalent) and data governance frameworks. Experience conducting needs assessments and gap analyses in ICT or data management contexts. Experience in capacity building, including the design and delivery of technical training for institutional users. The following experience is an asset: Prior experience with African Union institutions, regional economic communities, or national statistical offices in Africa. Experience in cloud infrastructure management (AWS, Azure, GCP or equivalent). Familiarity with international statistical standards frameworks (IMF SDDS, UN SDG data architecture, etc.). Proficiency in both English and French. Technical Competencies: Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in the following areas: Database design and management (PostgreSQL, MySQL, or equivalent relational/NoSQL systems). API development and web services (REST, SOAP). ETL pipeline design and data transformation tools. Data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, D3.js, or equivalent). Security best practices for web-based information systems. Version control and documentation (Git, Confluence, or equivalent). Evaluation Criteria Applications will be evaluated using the following evaluation criteria. Only candidates achieving a minimum technical score of 70 out of 100 will be considered. No. Evaluation Criterion Sub-criteria Max. Points Technical Approach & Methodology. Clarity, relevance, and feasibility of proposed approach; quality of work plan; understanding of assignment. 25 Relevant Professional Experience. Depth and quality of experience in large-scale information systems and statistical data platforms. 20 Demonstrated Technical Competencies. Evidence of skills in key technical areas (databases, APIs, ETL, visualization, security). 20 Experience with International/Regional Organizations. Prior work with AU, UN, RECs, NSOs, or equivalent bodies. 15 Qualifications. Academic qualifications and professional certifications relevant to the assignment. 10 Language Proficiency. Demonstrated proficiency in English and/or French (bilingual capacity an advantage). 10 Minimum passing score: 70/100 100 Application Requirements Interested individual consultants should submit the following documents as a single application package: A technical proposal (maximum 15 pages) including: understanding of the assignment, proposed methodology, work plan, and relevant experience. An updated curriculum vitae (CV) highlighting relevant qualifications and experience, with at least three (3) professional references. At least two (2) samples of similar work previously undertaken (e.g., system architecture documents, diagnostic reports, or deployed platform documentation). Copies of relevant academic and professional certificates . Terms of Payment Payments will be made in several instalments depending on the completion and STATAFRIC’s approvals of the deliverables: # Deliverables Description and Minimum Content Remuneration Percentage (%) D1 Methodological report , this should be after the submission of an inception report. Detailed methodology; work plan with milestones; stakeholder engagement strategy; risk register; tools and data sources to be used. 10% D2 Diagnostic Assessment Report. Documented review of existing systems; data flow maps; gap analysis across infrastructure, interoperability, security, and governance; prioritized system requirements; stakeholder consultation summary. 15% D3 System Architecture Design Document. Architecture diagrams (high-level and component-level); technology stack with justification; data model and entity-relationship diagrams; integration architecture; security architecture; hosting strategy. 25% D4 Prototype / Operational Platform. Deployed and functional platform with all modules (see Section 3.3); UAT (User Acceptance Testing) report signed off by STATAFRIC; source code repository with documentation; deployment guide. 15% D5 Data Exchange Framework & Interoperability Guidelines. Exchange protocols and standards documentation; API specifications and documentation; integration connectors for ≥3 priority systems; testing and validation results. 15% D6 Training Materials & User Documentation. Training programme agenda; presentation materials and exercises; administrator manual; end-user manual; maintenance and sustainability plan. 10% D7 Final Implementation Report. Summary of all activities and outputs; lessons learned; recommendations for Phase 2 enhancements; handover checklist. 10%