Project background

World Vision Africa has since 2003 been on the journey of transforming the practice and image of World Vision from only focusing on development, relief and humanitarian assistance, to one that also challenges policy structures and processes. However, despite the fact that the Africa Advocacy Strategy has prioritised engaging with the Africa Union every year since 2003, WV Africa has not participated in any Africa Union regional events. One of the reasons for this has been limited regional advocacy capacity and limited understanding of the operations of the Africa Union including how policies are formed and implemented. This has been made even more difficult because of the lack of an established regional presence in Addis Ababa to focus on building relationships with the AU bodies and strategise advocacy.

On the other hand, WV partner offices in the North, such as WV UK, are poised to lobby their governments to deliver and demonstrate accountability to Africa on their promises through mechanisms such as the Africa Partnership Forum. WV realises that this South- North linked advocacy will only be effective if there is an active engagement of WV Africa with the regional institutions

Consequently, this AU advocacy strategy development project is meant to enable WV Africa to systematically build on the growing national office experience to the regional level, and hence enable the translation of regional aspirations of WV Africa and her partners, into action.

Key project outputs
A researcher’s report with a map of institutional opportunities for engagement by CSOs in general (from a SWOT analysis approach) and WV specifically, taking into account WV’s current engagements.

A catalogue of key advocacy issues where specific decisions need to be made by both international institutions and regional bodies, at least in the next two years

A WV Africa two-pronged strategy with a focus on the ECOSOC arm of the AU and the individual Commissions

A proposal for on how Northern-based institutions (including WV offices in the North) can support Africa by influencing their governments, the WB/IMF Africa Action Plan and the EU Africa Action Plan, for instance.

Research duration

The research project should take should take no longer than six months (beginning April 2006).

Research methodology

Desk review – including review of past research and publications on the Africa Union. Key information sources include but are not limited to

Peace & Development Platform, ACTION for Conflict Transformation, http://www.action-global.org/action/index.php?option=com_docman&task=cat_view&gid=38&Itemid=40+6

Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa (OSISA)

Oxfam Pan Africa Advocacy and Learning Programme Update for January 2006

Action Aid International

The Africa Union

NEPAD secretariat

Interviews - The researcher would also be expected to interview a number of key World Vision staff both in Africa and the UK. The researcher would also review the operations of the European Union which operates in a similar manner to the Africa Union with the objective of identifying how civil society organisations have influenced the EU and which organs are important advocacy targets. The researcher may need to interview Africa Union officials to verify or corroborate information.

Key activities and time scales (estimates)

Project milestones
Hire researcher as a consultant(s) End March to Mid-April 06

Conduct research Mid-April – May 06

First draft from consultant End May 06

Presentation of draft report including outline of WV AU strategy End May 06

Presentation of research results plus suggested strategy at WV Africa Development Forum June 06

Final Report July-August 06

Financial resources available

The Researcher (independent consultant) will receive a standard fee. In addition World Vision will cover the costs of travel to interview destinations including international travel. All air travel will be by economy airfare only.

Person specification – knowledge, skills and abilities
The Independent Consultant should adhere to the World Vision Child Protection Standards, Behaviour Protocols, and/or Policies in respect to any interaction with children that the Independent Consultant encounters during the course and scope of services.

A degree or master's degree or equivalent in development studies, international relations, development politics, or law.

Demonstrated experience or exceptional knowledge of influencing African policy institutions towards public accountability and participation.

Creative individual with strong sense of priorities and organisational skills. Excellent analytical, interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills.

Proven skills as a strategic thinker and creative writer
Able to develop and communicate advocacy strategies

Proven written skills

Excellent communication skills (written and oral) required.

Ability to travel at short notice.

Please send your CVs and expressions of interest to

Amboka Wameyo
Africa Regional Advocacy Advisor
World Vision Africa

Tel: +255 27 250 8850/4359/4479
Fax: +255 27 2508248
E-mail: [email][email protected]