Background

The African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) 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 Center’s current Strategic Plan (2022–2026) is coming to an end, and a new plan for 2027–2031 will be developed for Board approval in November 2026, with implementation commencing in January 2027. APHRC invites qualified consultancy firms with proven institutional capacity and experience in strategic planning to lead a structured and consultative process for the development of the 2027–2031 Strategic Plan. The assignment will run from the 3rd week of May 2026 until 18 December 2026.

Objectives  

The objective of this consultancy is to propose and facilitate a suitable and sequential design for a strategic planning process that is inclusive, and solicits and integrates input from key stakeholders.

Specific tasks and deliverables will include:

• Proposing a clear and structured process for the development of the Strategic Plan.
• Facilitating planned physical, virtual, and retreat sessions with key stakeholders, including staff, senior management, and Board members.
• Documenting and synthesizing outcomes from all consultation meetings.
• Proposing an appropriate overarching framework for the Strategic Plan.
• Preparing a draft Strategic Plan and supporting documents outlining key elements for the subsequent operational plan, resource mobilization strategy, and organizational structure.
• Supporting the preparation and delivery of presentations to the Board and senior management.
• Incorporating feedback and finalizing the Strategic Plan and accompanying report.
• Supporting the design of the accompanying Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) plan.

Qualifications and Competencies

• Minimum of a Master’s degree in International Development, Humanitarian Action, Economics, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• At least 10 years of demonstrated experience in conducting organizational reviews and/or strategic planning assignments.
• Proven experience working with research institutions, think tanks, or policy canters.
• Demonstrated experience in aligning Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) frameworks with organizational strategic plans and theories of change.
• Expertise in MEL system design, indicator development, and results-based management.
• Strong analytical, facilitation, and report-writing skills.
• Familiarity with African research and policy contexts, as well as the evolving global health landscape.
• Experience in developing strategic planning and performance management frameworks.
• Proficiency in both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.
• Working knowledge of French will be an added advantage.

Oversight

The assignment will be overseen by the Executive Director, with direct supervision provided by the Chief of Staff and the Head of the MEL Unit. The MEL Unit will also facilitate access to relevant internal data, coordinate stakeholder consultations, and support logistical arrangements as required.

Ethical Considerations

All facilitated, consultative and document review activities must adhere to APHRC’s ethical standards and data protection policies, including informed consent, confidentiality, and responsible data management.

Submission 

Application process 

Applications should be submitted via email to consultancies@aphrc.org, copying procurement@aphrc.org with the email subject “APHRC 2027-2031 SP Development.” The deadline for submission of applications is May 12th, 2026.

Application documents should include:

• A cover letter outlining their eligibility for the assignment and understanding of the Terms of Reference (TOR).
• A technical proposal detailing the proposed approach, methodology, work plan, and any relevant organizational development frameworks to be applied.
• A financial proposal, including an itemized budget.
• Detailed curricula vitae (CVs) of key personnel proposed for the assignment.
• A company profile, including a reverse chronological list of similar projects/assignments and contact details (name, email address, and phone number) of supervisors/clients.
• Three professional references.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.  For more information about APHRC, visit our website: www.aphrc.org.

Special Notice

APHRC is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All employment decisions are made based on qualifications and organizational needs. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. Applicants are not required to make any payments to anyone during any stage of the recruitment process.