Consultancy: Gap Analysis on Status of Handling Confidential Business Information in EAC Partner States 199 views1 applications


1. Background and Context

1.1 About the Task

AATF is seeking the services of an individual consultant to conduct a gap analysis on the status of handling of Confidential Business Information (CBI) and identify state of preparedness by the East African Community (EAC) partner states to establish mechanisms for handling the same in reference to conventional and bio pesticides as well as bio control agents.

1.2 Brief Description of AATF

AATF is a not-for-profit organisation that embraces a mission of making available, to smallholder farmers, agricultural technologies that were previously not accessible to them. Founded on the premise of tackling poverty and food insecurity through technological interventions, AATF empowers farmers to transform their livelihoods by equipping them with better tools and inputs that would, without the organisation’s intervention, take a much longer time to reach them and cost a lot more. These efforts, combined with optimal agricultural practices and product value addition, will contribute to agricultural transformation in Africa leading food security and poverty reduction in sub Saharan Africa.

1.3 Background on the Process of Regional Harmonization of Regulations for the Registration and Testing of Pesticides and Bio-Control Agents in the EAC region

The East African Community recently embarked on a process of developing harmonized regulations and guidelines for the registration and testing of conventional and Bio-pesticides and Bio control agents, mainly with the support from USDA-FAS. The process culminated into the adoption of regulatory instruments (i.e. Guidelines on efficacy trials, guidelines on residue trials and Pesticide Registration Requirements) at the EAC secretariat. The 11th Sectoral Council on Agriculture and Food Security (SCAFs) held in June 2018 adopted the three sets of guidelines on efficacy trials, residue trials and registration requirements for conventional pesticides. The SCAFs urged Partner States to pilot implementation of the pesticide efficacy guidelines for the first three years in order to pave way for operationalization of full mutual recognition. At the time, the 11th SCAFs also noted with concern that the Fall Army Worm (FAW) is a formidable threat to food security in the continent and encouraged the Secretariat and Partner States to support joint testing of pesticides and to share information on products that can control the FAW. The 38th Extra-Ordinary Council of Ministers held in January 2019 adopted the guidelines and directed Partner States to domesticate them by 30th May 2020.

Much earlier in 2018, the process of establishing harmonized guidelines for the testing and registration of harmonized guidelines for bio-pesticides and bio-control agents had commenced. These efforts led to the establishment of three sets of guidelines: The EAC guidelines on data requirements for the registration of Bio-Pesticides and Bio control agents for plant protection; EAC guidelines for designating testing centers for pest control products and EAC guidelines for confidential business information (CBI) protection.

The three sets of guidelines were adopted during the 13th meeting of the Sectoral Council on Agriculture and Food Security (SCAFS) held in Arusha on 23-27 September 2019 and are ready for implementation. As the EAC partner states set the path towards full domestication and implementation of these guidelines, they must go through a preparatory phase. Particularly it will be critical for each partner state to set up a mechanism to ensure the protection of Confidential business information (CBI). This will foster the confidence of private companies who submit sensitive business information in their dossiers as they apply for the registration of their pest control products.

2. Purpose and Objectives of the Consultancy

The general objective of the current task is to conduct a Gap analysis on the handling of Confidential Business Information (CBI) during processing of application dossier for registration of pest control products within the East African Community.

Specifically, the task aims at:

(i) Identifying and documenting the existing mechanisms/ practices for handling CBI in all the EAC partner states.

(ii) Conducting a needs assessment and identifying any specific requirements for establishing a system to safeguard CBI for conventional pesticides, Bio-pesticides and Bio-Control agents in each EAC partner state.

(iii) Analyze the needs and existing mechanisms to identify any gaps in the existing mechanisms/ practices in each EAC partner state.

(iv) Propose a country-specific model for establishing a system for protecting CBI in each EAC partner state.

3. Deliverables

Deliverables should include the following:

a) An inception report including planned timeline, methodology / approach, planned stakeholders to be consulted and data collection and analysis tools, qualitative and quantitative protocols for data collection and analysis.

b) Presentation of findings to AATF and stakeholders for comments before preparing a draft report.

c) Submission of the draft report to AATF for written comments before presenting the findings during dissemination workshop and thereafter finalizing the report, to minimize the chance of inaccuracies and to maximize ownership of the findings.

d) Submission of a final report that is jargon free, clear and simply written to AATF. The main body of the report should not exceed 30 pages and should include an executive summary, brief project background and recommendations. Technical information should be included in appendices only. Recommendations should be specific and include relevant details for how they might be implemented. The structure of the report should cover the following:

· Executive summary (approximately 10% of the final report).

· Brief project background (approximately 5%).

· Methodology (approximately 5%).

· Main findings relating to the evaluation questions (At least 40%).

· Recommendations for future action (At least 40%)

· In addition, the final report should contain at least the following annexes:

o Terms of Reference for final evaluation

o List of meetings attended.

o List of persons interviewed

o List of documents reviewed

o Any other relevant material, including data collection tools

4. Indicative Schedule of Activities

The task is expected to be undertaken within two months.

5. Contract and Reporting Details

Type of contract: The consultant will be offered a fixed-price contract to include all the activities and deliverables listed above.

Reporting. The consultant will report to the Senior Manager, Regulatory and Policy Affairs ([email protected] ) for all issues related to the program and fieldwork, including in-country logistics.

6. Qualifications, Experience and Skills.

Preference will be given to applicants with the following:

i. At least a master’s degree, in Agriculture, Crop protection, Agricultural Economics or any other agricultural discipline

ii. Proven experience in handling pesticide registration dossiers.

iii. Demonstrated understanding of the pesticide regulatory environment.

iv. Good understanding of the agricultural context within the East African region.

v. Experience in qualitative and quantitative data collection, conducting of Key Informant Interviews and analysis using statistical software.

vi. High degree of independence, flexibility and ability to meet strict deadlines

7. Remuneration and other benefits

A lump sum consultancy fees shall be paid to suitable candidate for task described. No additional benefits or per diems will be paid to the consultant. The Consultant will also be responsible for his/her own health insurance and accommodation costs.

8. Terms of Payment

The consultants will be in installment as follows:

· 25% at the start of the assignment

· 40% on submission of draft reports and

· 35% after successful completion of the task and submission of all the necessary final reports and documents.

9. Application Criteria

Interested consultants should submit detailed technical and financial proposals (not more than 8 pages) covering:

i. Short overview of how the candidate meets the qualifications, experience and skills requirements (no more than one page)

ii. Demonstrated understanding of the terms of reference

iii. Description of the proposed approach

iv. A detailed work plan (time and activity schedule)

v. Detailed budget

vi. Profile of the consultant and Curriculum Vitae.

vii. Samples of two most recent related works (and/or references for the same with contact details of the referees.

10. Evaluation and Award of the Consultancy

AATF will evaluate the proposals and award the assignment based on technical and financial feasibility. AATF reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal received without giving reasons and is not bound to accept the lowest or the highest bidder. Full project details will be given to selected/shortlisted candidates.

How to apply:
  1. Deadline for submission of technical and financial proposals: 28th February 2020.

The Expressions of interest must be received by email at the address: [email protected] no later than 28th February 2020 at 17:00 Hrs., East African Time. Clearly indicate EAC Consultancy on CBI on the subject line of the email.

More Information

  • Job City Kenya
  • This job has expired!
Share this job


In Sub-Saharan Africa, the resource-poor smallholder farmer battles against weeds, diseases and adverse weather conditions leading to poor harvests. Their counterparts in Asia, Latin America and elsewhere in the developing world enjoy improved crop yields through the aid of modern agricultural technologies. Working with the resource-poor smallholder farmer in mind, the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) is a not-for-profit foundation, managed and led by Africans to foster public-private partnerships for the access and delivery of appropriate technologies for improved agricultural productivity. AATF was incorporated in the United Kingdom in January 2003 and registered in Kenya, its host country, in April 2003. AATF is also registered as a charity under the laws of England and Wales. The Nairobi-based AATF's vision is prosperous farmers and a food secure Africa, enabled through AATF's catalytic role in bringing innovative technologies to smallholder farmers. The structure and operations of AATF draw upon the best practices and resources of both the public and private sectors. In line with its mission the AATF:Links the needs of resource-poor farmers with potential technological solutions Acquires technologies from technology owners through royalty-free licenses or agreements along with associated materials and knowhow for use on behalf of Africa's resource-poor farmers Establishes partnerships with existing institutions to adapt agricultural technology for use by farmers in Africa Ensures compliance with all laws associated with the use of these technologies Promotes the wide distribution of the technologies as appropriate By linking food security, poverty reduction, market development and economic growth, AATF aims to change the widespread conventional approaches employed by African producers engaged in agri-business to make these activities sustainable over time.What makes AATF unique?Apart from AATF's progressive and pragmatic approach at tackling food security and poverty reduction in Sub-Saharan Africa, AATF is unique in that:The model for AATF was developed through consultation with African, North American and European stakeholders, giving the foundation a well-rounded perspective. It provides a ‘one-stop-shop' for structuring and accessing agricultural technologies, materials and know-how. It works along the complete product value chain, from product creation, through distribution, to creation of markets for the product. The AATF serves as a catalyst for reforms and the creation of agricultural markets. The AATF, in its partnerships and sub-licensing functions, seeks to assist existing institutions to self-organise efficiently and to effectively absorb new technological concepts and adopt them for productive use.

Connect with us
0 USD Kenya CF 3201 Abc road Consultancy , 40 hours per week African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF)

1. Background and Context

1.1 About the Task

AATF is seeking the services of an individual consultant to conduct a gap analysis on the status of handling of Confidential Business Information (CBI) and identify state of preparedness by the East African Community (EAC) partner states to establish mechanisms for handling the same in reference to conventional and bio pesticides as well as bio control agents.

1.2 Brief Description of AATF

AATF is a not-for-profit organisation that embraces a mission of making available, to smallholder farmers, agricultural technologies that were previously not accessible to them. Founded on the premise of tackling poverty and food insecurity through technological interventions, AATF empowers farmers to transform their livelihoods by equipping them with better tools and inputs that would, without the organisation’s intervention, take a much longer time to reach them and cost a lot more. These efforts, combined with optimal agricultural practices and product value addition, will contribute to agricultural transformation in Africa leading food security and poverty reduction in sub Saharan Africa.

1.3 Background on the Process of Regional Harmonization of Regulations for the Registration and Testing of Pesticides and Bio-Control Agents in the EAC region

The East African Community recently embarked on a process of developing harmonized regulations and guidelines for the registration and testing of conventional and Bio-pesticides and Bio control agents, mainly with the support from USDA-FAS. The process culminated into the adoption of regulatory instruments (i.e. Guidelines on efficacy trials, guidelines on residue trials and Pesticide Registration Requirements) at the EAC secretariat. The 11th Sectoral Council on Agriculture and Food Security (SCAFs) held in June 2018 adopted the three sets of guidelines on efficacy trials, residue trials and registration requirements for conventional pesticides. The SCAFs urged Partner States to pilot implementation of the pesticide efficacy guidelines for the first three years in order to pave way for operationalization of full mutual recognition. At the time, the 11th SCAFs also noted with concern that the Fall Army Worm (FAW) is a formidable threat to food security in the continent and encouraged the Secretariat and Partner States to support joint testing of pesticides and to share information on products that can control the FAW. The 38th Extra-Ordinary Council of Ministers held in January 2019 adopted the guidelines and directed Partner States to domesticate them by 30th May 2020.

Much earlier in 2018, the process of establishing harmonized guidelines for the testing and registration of harmonized guidelines for bio-pesticides and bio-control agents had commenced. These efforts led to the establishment of three sets of guidelines: The EAC guidelines on data requirements for the registration of Bio-Pesticides and Bio control agents for plant protection; EAC guidelines for designating testing centers for pest control products and EAC guidelines for confidential business information (CBI) protection.

The three sets of guidelines were adopted during the 13th meeting of the Sectoral Council on Agriculture and Food Security (SCAFS) held in Arusha on 23-27 September 2019 and are ready for implementation. As the EAC partner states set the path towards full domestication and implementation of these guidelines, they must go through a preparatory phase. Particularly it will be critical for each partner state to set up a mechanism to ensure the protection of Confidential business information (CBI). This will foster the confidence of private companies who submit sensitive business information in their dossiers as they apply for the registration of their pest control products.

2. Purpose and Objectives of the Consultancy

The general objective of the current task is to conduct a Gap analysis on the handling of Confidential Business Information (CBI) during processing of application dossier for registration of pest control products within the East African Community.

Specifically, the task aims at:

(i) Identifying and documenting the existing mechanisms/ practices for handling CBI in all the EAC partner states.

(ii) Conducting a needs assessment and identifying any specific requirements for establishing a system to safeguard CBI for conventional pesticides, Bio-pesticides and Bio-Control agents in each EAC partner state.

(iii) Analyze the needs and existing mechanisms to identify any gaps in the existing mechanisms/ practices in each EAC partner state.

(iv) Propose a country-specific model for establishing a system for protecting CBI in each EAC partner state.

3. Deliverables

Deliverables should include the following:

a) An inception report including planned timeline, methodology / approach, planned stakeholders to be consulted and data collection and analysis tools, qualitative and quantitative protocols for data collection and analysis.

b) Presentation of findings to AATF and stakeholders for comments before preparing a draft report.

c) Submission of the draft report to AATF for written comments before presenting the findings during dissemination workshop and thereafter finalizing the report, to minimize the chance of inaccuracies and to maximize ownership of the findings.

d) Submission of a final report that is jargon free, clear and simply written to AATF. The main body of the report should not exceed 30 pages and should include an executive summary, brief project background and recommendations. Technical information should be included in appendices only. Recommendations should be specific and include relevant details for how they might be implemented. The structure of the report should cover the following:

· Executive summary (approximately 10% of the final report).

· Brief project background (approximately 5%).

· Methodology (approximately 5%).

· Main findings relating to the evaluation questions (At least 40%).

· Recommendations for future action (At least 40%)

· In addition, the final report should contain at least the following annexes:

o Terms of Reference for final evaluation

o List of meetings attended.

o List of persons interviewed

o List of documents reviewed

o Any other relevant material, including data collection tools

4. Indicative Schedule of Activities

The task is expected to be undertaken within two months.

5. Contract and Reporting Details

Type of contract: The consultant will be offered a fixed-price contract to include all the activities and deliverables listed above.

Reporting. The consultant will report to the Senior Manager, Regulatory and Policy Affairs ([email protected] ) for all issues related to the program and fieldwork, including in-country logistics.

6. Qualifications, Experience and Skills.

Preference will be given to applicants with the following:

i. At least a master’s degree, in Agriculture, Crop protection, Agricultural Economics or any other agricultural discipline

ii. Proven experience in handling pesticide registration dossiers.

iii. Demonstrated understanding of the pesticide regulatory environment.

iv. Good understanding of the agricultural context within the East African region.

v. Experience in qualitative and quantitative data collection, conducting of Key Informant Interviews and analysis using statistical software.

vi. High degree of independence, flexibility and ability to meet strict deadlines

7. Remuneration and other benefits

A lump sum consultancy fees shall be paid to suitable candidate for task described. No additional benefits or per diems will be paid to the consultant. The Consultant will also be responsible for his/her own health insurance and accommodation costs.

8. Terms of Payment

The consultants will be in installment as follows:

· 25% at the start of the assignment

· 40% on submission of draft reports and

· 35% after successful completion of the task and submission of all the necessary final reports and documents.

9. Application Criteria

Interested consultants should submit detailed technical and financial proposals (not more than 8 pages) covering:

i. Short overview of how the candidate meets the qualifications, experience and skills requirements (no more than one page)

ii. Demonstrated understanding of the terms of reference

iii. Description of the proposed approach

iv. A detailed work plan (time and activity schedule)

v. Detailed budget

vi. Profile of the consultant and Curriculum Vitae.

vii. Samples of two most recent related works (and/or references for the same with contact details of the referees.

10. Evaluation and Award of the Consultancy

AATF will evaluate the proposals and award the assignment based on technical and financial feasibility. AATF reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal received without giving reasons and is not bound to accept the lowest or the highest bidder. Full project details will be given to selected/shortlisted candidates.

How to apply:
  1. Deadline for submission of technical and financial proposals: 28th February 2020.

The Expressions of interest must be received by email at the address: [email protected] no later than 28th February 2020 at 17:00 Hrs., East African Time. Clearly indicate EAC Consultancy on CBI on the subject line of the email.

2020-02-29

NGO Jobs in Africa | NGO Jobs

Ngojobsinafrica.com is Africa’s largest Job site that focuses only on Non-Government Organization job Opportunities across Africa. We publish latest jobs and career information for Africans who intends to build a career in the NGO Sector. We ensure that we provide you with all Non-governmental Jobs in Africa on a consistent basis. We aggregate all NGO Jobs in Africa and ensure authenticity of all jobs available on our site. We are your one stop site for all NGO Jobs in Africa. Stay with us for authenticity & consistency.

Stay up to date

Subscribe for email updates

March 2024
MTWTFSS
« Jan  
 123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
25262728293031
RSS Feed by country: