TERMS OF REFERENCES
Consultancy: Legal Services and Registration of Eastern Africa Field School Support Hub
Deadline: Friday 11 September 2020, by 17:00 Hours EA Time
1. General Background
African Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (AFAAS) is a Continental body that brings National Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services (AEAS) under one umbrella. The AFAAS’ goal is “Enhanced utilization of improved knowledge and technologies by agricultural value chain actors to catalyze sustainable inclusive agricultural development to feed and create prosperity for Africa”. AFAAS is currently hosting the Eastern Africa Field School Support Hub (FS-Hub). The Hub enables: FS actors to have access to quality information on FS and are actively engaged in peer networking and knowledge sharing; Enhanced levels of institutionalization, in policy and practice of the FS approach in the region. The FS-Hub is rooted in the Field School (FS) approach. The FS approach provides a platform at community level for putting in practice client-driven and participatory advisory services linking technology innovation with indigenous knowledge to enhance food security of vulnerable communities. The last years have seen a rapid expansion of the FS approach (Farmer Field Schools, Pastoralist Field Schools and other adaptations) in the Eastern Africa sub-region accompanied with increasing demand for knowledge management, sharing and quality control. The FSH vision is to see “Farmers and Agro-pastoralists transforming their livelihoods’’. While the mission is to be a leading regional center of excellence for quality FS implementation” in the Eastern Africa Region. AFAAS with the support of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and other donors is facilitating FS networking and technical support to FS initiatives in 11 countries, namely; Burundi, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda. The envisaged support is targeted on enhancing quality assurance for FS implementation and knowledge sharing on FS good practices and innovations.
The FS-Hub hub is to be linked to regional and national research and development organizations for update information on new technologies and innovations of relevance to the FS community. AFAAS mandate is to establish the FS Hub as an independent entity with funding mechanisms that ensure long term sustainability embedded in AFAAS network. The independent FS Hub will be characterised by scheduled hub board meetings, constitution, transition plans, funding strategy and multi-faceted donor agreements. One of the key success factors for the Field Schools will be its legal status in the region and host which is currently Uganda also the host of AFAAS. AFAAS is therefore, seeking services of an experienced individual(s) to provide legal services to review the draft Constitution and Articles of Association, and lead in the registration of FS Support Hub as legal entity with Uganda Non- Governmental Organizations’ Board.
2. Objective of the Assignment
The main objective of the assignment is to provide legal services in revising and finalizing the FS Hub constitution and Articles of Association, lead in the registration process, and provide legal advice on incorporation of the FS in other Eastern Africa Countries.
3. Scope of Work
The consultant shall inter-alia, undertake the following tasks:
I- Review key documents of Field Schools support Hub including; draft Constitution, Articles of Association and guiding document, and make reference to FAO Uganda Statute, UN privileges documents
II- Analyze similar initiatives, NGOs, regional organisations in Agriculture and draw lessons to inform the legal status the Hub should take
III- Provide legal advice on the FS Hub future diplomatic status and privileges;
IV- Finalize the constitution aligned with the EA FS Support Hub Strategy and the prevailing context in the region;
V- Finalize the articles of association with clear structures to propel the hub
VI- Participate in FS Hub Steering committee meetings and provide legal advice legalization of the Hub in member countries.
4. Deliverables
a) Inception report within one week upon signing the contract, outlining the methodology and workplan,
b)Final Constitution and Articles of Association – signed by relevant authorities (soft and hard copies)
c) EA as legal entity with Registration Certificate / Certificate of incorporation
d) Final report of the assignment with recommendations for incorporation of EA FS SH other EA Countries
5. Reporting
The consultant shall report to the AFAAS Executive Director through AFAAS Partnership, Planning and Learning Specialist/ FSH Coordinator and work with FS Hub team.
6. Location
The consultant will execute the assignment at his/ her own premises, but open for a working station at the AFAAS Secretariat in Kampala, Uganda or elsewhere.
7. Duration of the Assignment
The assignment shall be undertaken in the period of 20 working days, spread in September- October 2020
8. Qualification Requirements and Experience
The consultant is expected to have:
I- At least 4 years of professional experience in provision of legal services with focus to constitutional reviews
II- Evidence / Experience in legal registration of similar entities in Uganda;
III- Knowledge and experience of Uganda and Eastern Africa Region regulatory frameworks;
IV- Relevant academic background, at least, a Degree in Law, and Post graduate in legal practice is an added advantage;
V- Track record that shows ability to develop legal documents (constitution, articles of Association, memoranda, strategies, plans and programmes, especially in the development sector;
VI- Excellent writing, presentation and communication skills;
VII- Flexibility and availability of a team to support the process within a limited time period.
9. Applications
The Consultant/ expert to send an updated CV and summary technical and financial proposal (maximum 2 pages, aerial narrow font, single spacing) to AFAAS Executive Director.
Dr. Silim M. Nahdy
Executive Director, AFAAS,
Plot 22A, Nakasero Road, Box 34624 Kampala
Email secretariat@afaas-africa.org; Tel: +256-312313400.
Further information may be obtained from EA Field Schools Support Hub Coordinator/ Partnerships, Planning and Learning Specialist; AFAAS email: molupot@afaas-africa.org
10. Closing Date
The deadline for submission of applications with technical proposal will be Friday 11 September 2020, by 17:00 Hours EA Time. Only shortlisted applicants shall be contacted.
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