Individual Consultant (IC) perform the consultancy services to develop Guidelines for phone observatory surveys. — 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 Guidelines for Phone Observatory Surveys in Africa. Reference No . TN-STATAFRIC-AUC-546834-CS-INDV. Background Demand for timely, high-frequency, and cost-effective data has led African countries to explore innovative ways of data collection and statistical production. Traditional face-to-face surveys, while essential, are often resource-intensive, time-consuming, and difficult to implement during emergencies, conflicts, pandemics, natural disasters, and other situations that restrict field operations. Recent advancements in mobile phone penetration, telecommunications infrastructure, digital technologies, and data science have created opportunities for conducting Phone Observatory Surveys (POS) as a complementary data collection mechanism. Phone surveys have proven effective in generating rapid information on socio-economic conditions, employment, food security, health, education, migration, business performance, agricultural activities, prices, and citizen perceptions. Despite the growing uptake of phone surveys across Africa, there remains a significant gap in continent-specific, harmonised guidelines that address the unique challenges of the continent. The absence of such guidelines results in fragmented approaches, inconsistent methodologies, and data that are difficult to compare. Therefore, there is need to develop continental guidelines that provide methodological, operational, institutional, and ethical standards for the design, implementation, analysis, and dissemination of Phone Observatory Surveys in Africa. The guidelines will support National Statistical Offices (NSOs), Central Banks, Ministries, Research Institutions, Regional Economic Communities, and Development Partners in producing reliable, timely, and internationally comparable data through phone-based data collection systems. It is against this background that Africa Union seeks to recruit a qualified consultant to develop comprehensive and practical Guidelines for Phone Observatory Surveys in Africa. Objectives of the assignment The objective of this assignment is to develop harmonised, standardised and Africa-specific guidelines for the design and implementation of Phone Observatory Surveys across the continent. The specific objectives are to: Review and assess the existing international, continental and regional guidelines, frameworks, standards, and best practices for phone-based surveys. Assess the landscape of phone observatory surveys currently being conducted across African countries, identifying gaps, challenges, and lessons learned. Develop comprehensive, step-by-step guidelines covering all phases of a phone observatory survey, from design and sampling through to data dissemination and archiving. Propose a harmonised set of core indicators and modules that can be adapted for use. Provide recommendations for institutionalising phone observatories within national statistical systems and for ensuring their sustainability. Duration and Timeline The Individual Consultant (IC) is expected to produce a guideline document within 90 days from the date of signing the consultancy services contract. Reporting and supervision The Individual Consultant (IC) will work remotely with STATAFRIC staff and will provide regular updates according to the agreed timeline. The contract is proposed under the following terms and conditions: The duration of this contract is three months . The consultant is expected to send an updated C.V and a methodological note about the understanding of the entire assignment. Timeframe Activity Deliverables/ Outputs Anticipated Duration (Days) Defining the consultant’s approach to delivering the guideline. Methodological report outlines the consultant’s approach to undertaking this consultancy. This should be after the submission of an inception report. 10 days Development of guidelines for Phone Observatory Surveys in Africa. Assessment report and outline of the guideline. 20 days Draft of the guideline. 30 days stakeholders’ consultations and validation report with feedback on the draft guideline. 10 days Report for in-person presentation of the updated guidelines to STATAFRIC and other stakeholders 10 days Finalized guideline. 10 days Required Qualifications and Experience The Individual Consultant (IC) should have at least a master’s degree in statistics, demography, economics, Social Sciences, or a related field with at least 15 years of professional experience. Experience: A minimum of 10 years of experience in survey methodology, statistical data collection, or National Statistical System development. Demonstrated experience in designing and/or implementing phone-based surveys or high-frequency surveys, preferably in Africa Experience with CATI systems, digital data collection tools and survey sampling methods. Experience working with National Statistical Offices, African Union institutions, Regional Economic Communities, or international statistical organisations. Prior experience developing guidelines, standards, or methodological frameworks for statistical purposes. Experience facilitating stakeholder consultations and technical workshops Demonstrated effective, oral, written communication skills and able to write concise and understandable reports; Language proficiency in at least one of the AU languages (Arabic, English, French or Portuguese). Evaluation Criteria The Candidate shall be evaluated based on the following criteria: Evaluation Criteria General experience: 10% Use the general experience indicated in the ToR Specific experience: 40% Use the Specific experience indicated in the ToR Qualifications: 25 % Use the qualification indicated in the ToR Methodological note: 15 % Understanding the stipulated tasks in the ToR and the entire assignment. Language: 10 % 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 06th August 2026 at 15:00 Hours Local Time, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Only submitted Expression of Interests (EoIs) mentioning the reference number “ TN-STATAFRIC-AUC-546834-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 Guidelines for Phone Observatory Surveys in Africa. Background Demand for timely, high-frequency, and cost-effective data has led African countries to explore innovative ways of data collection and statistical production. Traditional face-to-face surveys, while essential, are often resource-intensive, time-consuming, and difficult to implement during emergencies, conflicts, pandemics, natural disasters, and other situations that restrict field operations. Recent advancements in mobile phone penetration, telecommunications infrastructure, digital technologies, and data science have created opportunities for conducting Phone Observatory Surveys (POS) as a complementary data collection mechanism. Phone surveys have proven effective in generating rapid information on socio-economic conditions, employment, food security, health, education, migration, business performance, agricultural activities, prices, and citizen perceptions. Despite the growing uptake of phone surveys across Africa, there remains a significant gap in continent-specific, harmonised guidelines that address the unique challenges of the continent. The absence of such guidelines results in fragmented approaches, inconsistent methodologies, and data that are difficult to compare. Therefore, there is need to develop continental guidelines that provide methodological, operational, institutional, and ethical standards for the design, implementation, analysis, and dissemination of Phone Observatory Surveys in Africa. The guidelines will support National Statistical Offices (NSOs), Central Banks, Ministries, Research Institutions, Regional Economic Communities, and Development Partners in producing reliable, timely, and internationally comparable data through phone-based data collection systems. It is against this background that Africa Union seeks to recruit a qualified consultant to develop comprehensive and practical Guidelines for Phone Observatory Surveys in Africa. Objectives of the assignment The objective of this assignment is to develop harmonised, standardised and Africa-specific guidelines for the design and implementation of Phone Observatory Surveys across the continent. The specific objectives are to: Review and assess the existing international, continental and regional guidelines, frameworks, standards, and best practices for phone-based surveys; Assess the landscape of phone observatory surveys currently being conducted across African countries, identifying gaps, challenges, and lessons learned; Develop comprehensive, step-by-step guidelines covering all phases of a phone observatory survey, from design and sampling through to data dissemination and archiving; Propose a harmonised set of core indicators and modules that can be adapted for use Provide recommendations for institutionalising phone observatories within national statistical systems and for ensuring their sustainability Specific Tasks The consultant shall undertake the following tasks; Inception and Situational Analysis: Prepare and submit methodological and Inception Reports outlining the consultant's understanding of the assignment, a work plan, and a proposed structure for the guidelines. Review/assessment of the existing international, continental and regional guidelines, methodological frameworks and practices for phone observatory surveys and document their design, identify gaps, challenges and opportunities. Identify the key technical, operational, and institutional challenges specific to conducting phone surveys in Africa. Stakeholder Consultations: Conduct structured consultations (survey/census/meetings) with key stakeholders, including NSOs, RECs, development partners, mobile network operators, survey practitioners, and data users across African subregions. Develop a self-assessment checklist for NSOs to assess readiness for establishing a phone observatory. Development of the Guidelines: Develop comprehensive guidelines covering the following: Conceptual and Institutional Framework: Definitions and purpose of a Phone Observatory Survey, Typology of phone-based survey modes (CATI, IVR, SMS, mobile web), Legal, ethical, and data protection considerations, Institutional anchoring within the National Statistical System, Governance structures and coordination mechanisms. Survey Design and Planning: Thematic scope and selection of indicators, questionnaire design principles for phone-based surveys, adaptation of questionnaires for multilingual and low-literacy populations, survey length and respondent fatigue considerations. Sampling Methodology: Overview of sampling frames available in Africa, strategies for addressing coverage bias and phone ownership gaps, sample size determination and precision requirements, Weighting, and representativeness considerations. Technology and Infrastructure: Selection and configuration of CATI software platforms, Requirements for call center infrastructure (in-house vs. outsourced), data security and storage protocols, use of mobile-based platforms and open-source tools. Data Collection, Processing, and Quality Assurance: Field management and call scheduling, response rate monitoring and non-response analysis, data cleaning, editing, and imputation procedures, quality assurance frameworks and indicators. Data Analysis, Dissemination, and Use: Weighting and calibration procedures, Estimation and variance calculation methods, Reporting formats and dissemination platforms, Integration of phone survey data with other data sources. Validation and Finalisation: Undertake stakeholders’ validation and incorporate feedback received Submit the Final Guidelines Document Deliverables Methodological Report: A detailed report outlining the methodology to be used to undertake this consultancy and a stakeholder engagement strategy. This should be after submission of an inception report indicating the work plan with deliverables and timelines. Review/assessment Report: Summarizing findings from the assessment of existing practices and standards, and stakeholders’ consultations. Draft of the Guidelines: Including detailed recommendations for phone observatory surveys. Stakeholder validation Report: Summarizing feedback and input from stakeholders Report on presentation to STATAFRIC and wider stakeholders. Final Guidelines: Comprehensive and ready for adoption by relevant stakeholders. Duration and Timeline The Individual Consultant (IC) is expected to produce a guideline document within 90 days from the date of signing the consultancy contract. Reporting and supervision. The consultant will work remotely with STATAFRIC staff and will provide regular updates according to the agreed timeline. The contract is proposed under the following terms and conditions: The duration of this contract is three months . The Individual Consultant must send an updated C.V. and a methodological note on the understanding of the assignment. Timeframe Activity Deliverables/ Outputs Anticipated Duration (Days) Defining the consultant’s approach to delivering the guideline. Methodological report outlines the consultant’s approach to undertaking this consultancy. This should be after the submission of an inception report. 10 days Development of guidelines for Phone Observatory Surveys in Africa. Assessment report and outline of the guideline. 20 days Draft of the guideline. 30 days stakeholders’ consultations and validation report with feedback on the draft guideline. 10 days Report for in-person presentation of the updated guidelines to STATAFRIC and other stakeholders 10 days Finalized guideline. 10 days Required Qualifications and Experience The Individual Consultant (IC) should have at least a master’s degree in statistics, demography, economics, Social Sciences, or a related field with at least 15 years of professional experience. Experience: A minimum of 10 years of experience in survey methodology, statistical data collection, or National Statistical System development. Demonstrated experience in designing and/or implementing phone-based surveys or high-frequency surveys, preferably in Africa Experience with CATI systems, digital data collection tools and survey sampling methods. Experience working with National Statistical Offices, African Union institutions, Regional Economic Communities, or international statistical organisations. Prior experience developing guidelines, standards, or methodological frameworks for statistical purposes. Experience facilitating stakeholder consultations and technical workshops Demonstrated effective, oral, written communication skills and able to write concise and understandable reports; Language proficiency in at least one of the AU languages (Arabic, English, French or Portuguese). Evaluation Criteria The Candidate shall be evaluated based on the following criteria: Evaluation Criteria General experience: 10% Use the general experience indicated in the ToR Specific experience: 40% Use the Specific experience indicated in the ToR Qualifications: 25% Use the qualification indicated in the ToR Methodological note: 15% Understanding the stipulated tasks in the ToR and the entire assignment. Language: 10% Payment Terms and Milestones Payments will be made in installments based on the delivery and approval of the following milestones: No Activities and deliverables Remuneration Percentage Methodological report outlines the consultant’s approach to undertaking this consultancy. This should be after the submission of an inception report. 10% Assessment report and outline of the guideline. 10% Draft of the guideline. 40% Stakeholder’s consultations and validation report. 10% Report on presentations to STATAFRIC and other stakeholders 10% Finalized guideline. 20%