Biovision Africa Trust (BvAT) wishes to recruit a consultant to undertake the above assignment for the Ecological Organic Agriculture (EOA) Initiative. The EOA Initiative is an African Union–led continental undertaking implemented in several countries in Africa. It is implemented through programmes guided by the AU chaired Continental Steering Committee (CSC) to establish an African organic farming platform based on available best practices; and to develop sustainable organic farming systems and improve seed quality. Its overall goal is to contribute to mainstreaming of Ecological Organic Agriculture into national policies and programmes by 2025 to improve agricultural productivity, food security, access to markets and sustainable development in Africa.
Biovision Africa Trust (BvAT), a not–for–profit organization established in Kenya in 2009 by the Swiss–based Biovision Foundation for Ecological Development, is situated on the main campus of the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) in Kasarani, Nairobi. The Trust’s goal is to alleviate poverty and improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Kenya and other African countries, through the dissemination of information and knowledge on appropriate technology, to improve human, animal, plant, and environmental health. Through the Biovision Farmer Communication Programme (FCP), BvAT has farmer resource centres established in 11 counties in Kenya. The farmer resource centres implemented under the Farmer Communication Outreach Project are the outreach springboards, from where farmers are reached directly and trained on ecological sustainable agriculture (ESA). BvAT also oversees the implementation of the Ecological Organic Agriculture Initiative (EOA–I), and Knowledge Centre on Organic Agriculture (KCOA) as continental and regional initiatives respectively.
Objectives of the Ecological Organic Agriculture Initiative (EOA–I)
- To increase documentation of information and knowledge (evidence) on organic agricultural products along the complete value chain and support relevant actors to translate it into practices and wide application (scaling up).
- To systematically inform producers about the EOA approaches and good practices and motivate their uptake through strengthening access to advisory and support services.
- To substantially increase the share of quality organic products at the local, national, regional, and global markets.
- To strengthen inclusive stakeholder engagement in the development of organic commodity value chains by strengthening national, regional, and continental multi–stakeholder platforms to advocate for changes in public policy, plans and practices.
Purpose of the assignment
To engage dynamic and highly skilled experts to support in the proof reading, editing and design and layout of an assortment of Policy Briefs developed under the EOA–I at the regional and country levels for advocacy and policy influencing priorities for Ecological Organic Agriculture Initiative.
The following Policy Briefs will form this assignment:
- 5 regional policy briefs with 6 pages each.
- 5 country specific policy briefs with 4 pages each.
- A policy brief focussing on ‘return on agricultural investment’ with 5 pages.
Tasks for the Consultants
- Review existing study reports, noting relevant information, proofread and revise the 11 policy briefs. (Consultant will receive background materials).
- Propose and agree on the policy briefs structure and format with EOA–I team (content presentation, best use of case studies, style, visual elements, etc.)
- Draft, edit and finalize the policy briefs – including charts and graphs, as needed – of not more than 10 pages for each policy brief, ensuring accuracy and currency of all content.
- Adjust the layout and number of pages as necessary without reducing the font size.
- Work with the graphic designer to oversee the layout and design in readiness for publishing.
- Provide a final PDF (print and online version) and artwork.
Duration
The consultancy will be conducted between December 2021 and February 2022 with the submission of the final edited policy briefs ready to publish.
Qualifications and Competences
- Proven track record in graphic design;
- Excellent attention to detail;
- Creativity and innovation to produce high quality products;
- High proficiency in the use of design applications; Adobe Illustrator, InDesign; Photoshop;
- Strong interpersonal skills, able to communicate and work with diverse people.
Expected deliverables
The key deliverable for this assignment will be 11 proofread, edited, and designed policy briefs with print and online versions.
Additionally, the consultant will deliver the following during the period of the consultancy:
- Inception report and workplan.
- A meeting with EOA–I team to set off the task with consolidated ideas.
Reporting and coordination
The consultant will report to the BvAT Executive Director or his designee
How to apply
Interested candidates should submit the following:
- A Technical Proposal with concise understanding of the assignment, proposed methodology for conducting the assignment and workplan.
- A Financial Proposal showing the consultancy fee (including man days for each team member), and other costs associated to this assignment.
- At least 3 policy briefs showcasing similar assignments conducted in the past five years.
- Detailed curriculum vitae of the main consultant and proposed support team members to be involved in the assignment.
- Names and contacts of two referees (phone numbers and email), referral letters can also be included.
Electronic copies shall be sent to info@eoai–africa.org with the subject heading:
CONSULTANCY FOR PROOFREADING, EDITING & DESIGNING POLICY BRIEFS OF THE ECOLOGICAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE INITIATIVE IN AFRICA.
Application must be received by 16th December 2021.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
