Consulting Services to undertake a continental diagnostic study on the state of decentralisation and local governance in Africa

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (CONSULTING SERVICES – FIRM SELECTION) Country: Ethiopia Name of Project: The Building Institutions and Systems to Harness and Realize Agenda (BIASHARA) 2063 Project Grant No : P180117 Assignment Title: Consulting Services to Undertake a Continental Diagnostic Study on the State of Decentralisation and Local Governance in Africa Reference No . ET-AUC-555556-CS-QCBS The African Union Commission has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of The Building Institutions and Systems to Harness and Realize Agenda (BIASHARA) 2063 Project and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services. The consulting services (“the Services”) include to undertaking a continental diagnostic study on the state of decentralisation and local governance in Africa in order to generate evidence-based knowledge that supports governance reforms and strengthens decentralized governance systems across AU Member States. The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment are attached to this Request for Expressions of Interest. The African Union Commission now invites eligible consulting firms (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services. The shortlisting criteria are: At least 10–15 years of experience in governance research, decentralisation policy, or public sector reform Proven experience conducting multi-country comparative governance studies Experience working / conducting studies with / for multilateral institutions or regional organisations Demonstrated expertise in local governance, decentralisation policy, institutional diagnostics, and public administration reform Key Experts will not be evaluated at the shortlisting stage. The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “P