TERMS OF REFERENCE: CONSULTANCY FOR CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT OF APHRC BOARD OF DIRECTORS

1. Introduction and Background

The African Population and Health Research Center is a premier research-to-policy institution, generating evidence, strengthening research and related capacity in the African research and development ecosystem, and engaging policy to inform action on health and development. The Center is Africa-based and African-led, with its headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, and a West Africa Regional Office (WARO) in Dakar, Senegal. APHRC seeks to drive change by developing strong African research leadership and promoting evidence-informed decision making (EIDM) across sub-Saharan Africa.

The Board of Directors of APHRC (hereinafter referred to as “the Board”) is responsible for the long term success of the Center. The Board currently comprises twelve non-executive Directors with the Center’s Executive Director serving as an ex-officio member. The Board members serve in their personal capacity, are drawn from different geographical locations and have varied professional qualifications and experiences. The Board’s role covers oversight, strategic and fiduciary responsibilities.

APHRC recognizes that for the Board to be effective in discharging its mandate, there is need for proper induction of new members and continuous Board development on current and emerging issues in the governance space. In addition, the Board and governance assessment that was undertaken in 2020 recommended comprehensive board induction and continuous skills development for the Board. The assessment also recommended that the Board undertake periodic competency needs assessments which should result in the development of a skills development plan to address any identified gaps.

2. Objectives of the Consultancy

As part of the Center’s Board capacity development strategy, APHRC seeks the services of an experienced consultant/ consulting firm to facilitate a one-day comprehensive Board induction session. This will enhance the Board’s effectiveness by providing clarity and understanding of the governance framework and operations of APHRC, Board’s oversight role and responsibilities, and specific supportive duties of individual board members. The consultant will also assist the Board to identify development needs and develop a Board development plan. The specific objectives are thus;

a) To conduct a comprehensive board induction;
b) To undertake a board competence needs assessment;
c) To develop a board development plan.

3. Scope of Consultancy

The training will cover all Board Directors, Board Committee Members and the Executive Leadership Team (ELT). The delivery method will be in-person for one day between November 18, 2024 and November 20, 2024 during the regular Board session. The training will be delivered in English and will address the following topics among others; the governance system of APHRC as an international not-for-profit organization, board responsibilities and roles vis-à-vis management responsibilities/roles, individual board member roles and responsibilities, and characteristics of healthy boards.

4. Roles and Responsibilities
APHRC will:

● Provide the consultant with background documents and reports (e.g., 2022-2026 Strategic Plan, Bylaws, Policies and Guidelines)
● Review and provide input in the consultant’s deliverables
● Review the capacity development program
● Provide the list of potential participants and their professional background
● Review the draft report and provide the consultant with feedback

The consultant will:
1. Develop the induction and orientation module outlining clear topics to be covered during the session and the proposed mode of delivery
2. Conduct a one-day Board induction session for the Board of Directors, Board Committee members and members of the ELT of APHRC
3. Capacity-build the Board with knowledge and skills on best practices in the governance of not-for-profit international organizations
4. Within two weeks after the end of the session, provide annexes including all manuals and material used during the session
5. Undertake an assessment of the competency requirements and development needs for members of the Board
6. Upon conclusion of the session, prepare an activity report detailing the approach used, proceedings during the session and recommendations to enhance future induction and orientation programs.
7. Submit a report with identified competence and development needs for the Board and propose the most effective way to address the identified needs/gaps. This should be submitted within two weeks of conclusion of the session
8. Propose a comprehensive Board development plan based on the preceding board induction session and competency assessment
9. Be available for any follow-up comments or questions

5. Reporting and Supervision
The successful consultant (or team of consultants) will work under the supervision of the Board Secretary, but with close consultations with the Executive Director and the Executive Assistant.

6. Qualifications and Experience
APHRC is seeking a consulting firm or individual with demonstrated experience in conducting board capacity development, especially for not-for-profit international organizations. The consultant or, in the case of a firm, the lead should be highly skilled and experienced with the following:

● At least 10 years demonstrated experience in institutional governance matters including board training/development for boards of not-for-profit organizations
● Strong planning, management, facilitation, interpersonal and communications skills
● Currently or previously holding a senior leadership position that requires interacting with boards would be an added advantage
● Excellent verbal and written communication in English is required

7. Confidentiality and data protection
In bidding for the assignment (for all bidders) and also in undertaking the assessment (for the successful bidder), due regard must be had to confidentiality of the process/information and data protection laws as are applicable to the bidders, including and not limited to the Data Protection Act, Kenya and Regulations applicable thereunder.

8. Submission of Proposals
Interested parties are asked to submit a capability statement and CVs of the consultant(s), cover letter, evidence of similar work, and references from previous clients for similar assignments (where possible). Materials should be submitted to consultancies@aphrc.org with a copy to Ivy Nyarango at inyarango@aphrc.org  and Sheila Mwero at smwero@aphrc.org  by August 31, 2024. The cover letter should clearly detail how the consultant’s experience fits the specifications.

The application documents should also include an outline of the methodology to be used, a work plan, the proposed topics to be covered, and a financial proposal.

APHRC is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the protection of vulnerable persons