1) Background:
The African Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (AFAAS) is mandated by the African Union Commission to promote lesson learning, knowledge exchange, and innovation in Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services (AEAS) across Africa. As a continental network, AFAAS plays a key role as a convener and intermediary organization, linking research, policy, extension, and practice.
The Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme EX Pillar 4 (CAADP-XP4) Project under the DeSIRA program is financed by the European Union and managed by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). The project supports a science and innovation-led and climate-relevant agricultural transformation in Africa, by strengthening the capacities of the five organizations (AFAAS, ASARECA, CCARDESA, CORAF, and FARA) to deliver on their Agricultural Research for Development (AR4D) mandate and to collectively support African countries implement relevant Programmes of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP).
Among the project outputs is Output 4, that focusses on Knowledge Management for advocacy and decision support and Communication. Over the past years, AFAAS, through the CAADP-XP4 project, has implemented a wide range of projects and programmes that have generated a rich collection of reports, case studies, lessons, and knowledge outputs. However, many of these materials remain in draft form, unpublished, or under-utilized, limiting their visibility, accessibility, and uptake by stakeholders. To fully leverage the knowledge generated, and address an objective under the CAADP-XP 4 project to coordinate the development of climate-relevant knowledge products and tools for dissemination to the last mile; AFAAS seeks to systematically package and disseminate these materials into user-friendly, visually appealing, and impactful communication products that highlight AFAAS’ coordination power and contributions to strengthening AEAS in Africa.
It is within this context that AFAAS intends to engage a Knowledge Management and Communication Consultancy firm for a four -month assignment (December 2025 – March 2026) to compile, synthesize, and convert existing data and materials into knowledge products, success stories, and communication outputs, including videos, for dissemination through the AFAAS website, social media, other digital platforms, including partner platforms.
2) Objectives of the Consultancy:
The overall objective is to strengthen AFAAS’ knowledge management and communication function by transforming existing reports and outputs into accessible and impactful knowledge products that can inform stakeholders, partners, and the wider AEAS community.
Specific objectives are to:
a) Conduct an inventory and review of available reports, project deliverables, and draft materials.
b) Re-package technical content into concise and visually engaging knowledge products.
c) Showcase AFAAS’ achievements and convening/coordination power through success stories and multimedia products.
d) Enhance AFAAS’ visibility and positioning through professional communication outputs tailored for web and dissemination platforms.
3) Duration of the Assignment
The assignment shall be implemented in a period of four months (December 2025 – March 2026), with the key milestones to be agreed upon in consultation with AFAAS.
4) Eligibility, Technical Expertise, Experience and Team Qualifications
The eligibility requirements stated below shall form the basis for selection of the consultancy firm at the preliminary stage. A firm that fails to submit the eligibility documents shall be eliminated at this stage.
A. Eligibility
The eligibility of the firm will be assessed on the following criteria:
a) Business Registration and Legal Status: The firm must be legally registered and authorized to operate in the relevant jurisdiction, with all necessary business and tax registrations.
b) Financial Stability: Demonstrated financial capacity to undertake and complete the assignment (e.g., through audited financial statements, current bank statement, letter of comfort from financial institution etc).
B. Technical Experience and Competencies
The following set of criteria on technical expertise, experience and team qualifications shall form the basis for selection of the firm for provision of knowledge management, documentation, editorial production, communications, and multimedia development to the AFAAS Secretariat.
a) Minimum 5 years’ experience in delivering knowledge management, documentation, capitalisation, or communication services for regional or continental programmes.
b) Demonstrated experience working with large-scale, multi-country projects, preferably funded by IFAD, EU, World Bank, USAID, or similar institutions.
c) Proven capacity to produce professional publications, including policy briefs, knowledge notes, synthesis reports, infographics and annual reports.
d) Experience in undertaking field-level data collection, stakeholder consultations, conducting interviews and holding validation workshops for international organisations.
e) Technical expertise in producing professional multimedia outputs, including high-quality short videos documenting success stories, milestones, and project outcomes.
f) A robust internal quality assurance process, editorial oversight, and adherence to branding guidelines.
g) Strong digital capabilities, ensuring that all materials are website-ready and aligned with AFAAS corporate visibility standards.
C. Team Composition and Key Personnel
The firm shall be required to field a multidisciplinary team consisting of the following key personnel:
1) Team Leader / Senior Knowledge Management Specialist
Qualifications & Experience
a) A minimum of a Master’s degree in Agricultural Extension, Knowledge Management, Communication and or Journalism, Information Science, Development studies or a related field. A bachelor’s degree in the relevant field is must.
b) Minimum of 5 years’ proven professional experience in knowledge management, communication, and documentation within agriculture, development, within a regional, international, or donor-funded organization;
c) Proven experience in using digital communication platforms, data/content management systems, web administration, managing branding, and producing publications.
d) Proven track record in leading multidisciplinary teams in knowledge synthesis, stakeholder consultations, and development of high-level reports;
e) Familiarity with CAADP-XP4, agricultural extension systems, and continental coordination mechanisms;
f) Proficiency in using relevant software/tools for content creation and knowledge management systems;
g) Strong analytical and data management skills and ability to synthesize complex information;
h) Excellent written and visual and oral communication skills;
i) Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Key Roles
a) Lead the assignment, methodology, and quality control.
b) Coordinate the team and report to the AFAAS Secretariat.
c) Oversee development of all knowledge products.
d) Lead preparation of the CAADP-XP4 Project Completion Report.
2) Documentation & Research Analysts (2 Specialists)
Qualifications & Experience
a) A minimum of University Degree in Agriculture, Rural Development, Economics, Development Studies, or a related field.
b) Minimum 5 years’ experience synthesizing data, reviewing project documents, and conducting consultations.
c) Experience with field-level interviews and analysis in multi-country contexts.
Key Roles
a) Collect and catalogue AFAAS documents and project materials.
b) Extract data through consultations with Country Fora, partners, implementers, and beneficiaries.
c) Review and consolidate case studies, annual reports, and project deliverables.
3) Senior Writer / Knowledge Product Developer
Qualifications & Experience
a) A minimum of Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, engineering, industrial design or a related discipline.
b) A Minimum 5 years’ experience synthesizing available reports, data, information and developing a wide range of knowledge products e.g. policy briefs, technical notes and practice guides, case studies and success stories, toolkits and manuals, infographics, videos, and digital content knowledge notes, and fact sheets.
c) Strong expertise in development communication, storytelling and knowledge translation.
Key Roles
a) Transform raw data, reports, and technical documents into user-friendly knowledge products.
b) Draft compelling success stories and highlight AFAAS achievements.
4) Graphic Designer & Visual Communication Specialist
Qualifications & Experience
a) A Minimum of bachelor’s degree in graphic design, visual communications, fine arts, or a related field
b) A minimum of 2 years’ professional experience designing infographics, fact sheets, corporate publications and a range of high-quality design work (both print and digital);
c) Expertise in conducting layout design using Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop).
Key Roles
a) Design and layout of all knowledge products.
b) Produce visually appealing infographics and communication materials.
c) Ensure branding compliance with AFAAS standards.
5) Videographer / Multimedia Production Team
Qualifications & Experience
a) A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in film production, media production, broadcasting, communications, or a related field. Relevant vocational qualifications or certifications in specific software is an added advantage.
b) A minimum of 3 years’ experience in documentary-style video production and multimedia presentations
c) experience in scripting, filming, editing, motion graphics and audio enhancement.
Key Roles
a) Produce short videos highlighting AFAAS milestones, achievements, and success stories.
b) Collect footage from field locations if required.
6) Communications & Dissemination Specialist
Qualifications & Experience
a) A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, journalism, or a related field
b) A minimum of 7 years of experience in developing and implementing communications strategies; developing communications and or visibility materials, and holding stakeholder engagements preferably for international agricultural extension projects in Africa;
c) Familiarity with dissemination through websites, newsletters and social platforms.
Key Roles
a) Prepare dissemination plans.
b) Ensure all materials are optimized for digital channels.
7) M&E and Reporting Expert (Desirable)
Qualifications & Experience
a) A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in statistics, Economics, Development Studies, social science, or a related field.
b) A minimum of 3-5 years of relevant experience designing and implementing M&E frameworks and systems, results reporting, and completion report development.
c) Familiarity with IFAD/EU reporting templates.
Key Roles
a) Support development of CAADP-XP4 Project Completion Report.
b) Ensure alignment with output indicators and log frame requirements.
Interested consultancy firms must provide information verifying that they are qualified to perform the assignment and meet the minimum required experience criteria above. The information to be submitted shall include: (i) Cover Letter for EOI; (ii) Technical and Financial Proposal detailing understanding of the assignment, approach and methodology, timeline (Workplan) and Proposed budget breakdown aligned with the deliverables (iii) CVs in English; and (iv) References (Recommendation Letters) for work done. Expressions of interest must be delivered to the address below not later than 28th November, 2025, at 10.00 a.m. at the address below or electronically on email: secretariat@afaas-africa.org; or to address below:
The Consultant will be selected in accordance with the “Consultants Qualification Based Selection (CQS)” procurement method outlined in IFAD Procurement Handbook (approved in September, 2010).
Dr. Lilian Lihasi
Executive Director, AFAAS,
House No. 25; Kigobe Road; Minister’s Village
P.O BOX 34624 Kampala, Uganda
Telephone: +256-312313400.
Email: llihasi@afaas-africa.org;
Further information may be obtained from the Director Finance and Administration; Email: cmubiru@afaas-africa.org;
AFAAS Affirmative Action Statement on Employment: there is no discrimination based on gender race, religion, ethnic orientation, disability or health status.