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The global paradigm is rapidly changing towards a knowledge-based economy requiring capacities for research and innovation. The current global COVID-19 pandemic is also a wake-up call to advance science technology and innovation in relation to challenges and needs.

An accord on common global norms and standards (2017 RS|SR) provides a benchmarking tool and a framework within which to consider how science will be changing, and how people concerned for the advancement of science can be mobilized to help certain steps occur in Tanzania. It offers for example a monitoring framework.[1] Using this framework and a number of other internationally recognized tools and measurements, Tanzania is initiating a process focused on advancing science and improving the conditions to cultivate a strong research community and innovation culture, which over time will bring greater focus policies, strategies and other initiatives, to create a strong impact.

The Government is initiating this project. The project starts in March 2021 by mobilizing some key institutions (including the science community, public private academic institutions and others) to assess needs, and then proceed to an action plan and actions that will be tailored and selected for attaining specific goals in advancing science. Up to date methodologies will be applied, and UNESCO’s collaboration with the Government -- made possible by the Swedish International Aid Agency – will ensure that internationally recognized metrics and tools will be applied, and a strong support team will assist the analysis. The aim is removing barriers and finding the best ways to build an even stronger science community from today.

The present Terms of reference is intended to engage a locally recruited  consultant(s) for carrying out certain essential tasks to help ensure the smooth implementation of the project, in close relation to the establishment and functioning of a high-level pluralist and independent Consultative Group (CG), the chief technical body for the project.[2] The consultant will work under direction and guidance of the CG’s executive and in close relation to the CG members, although this person will also be accountable to and compensated under contract to UNESCO.

[1] Used well over time the data that will be collected for it can be turned toward refining policies and strategies so as to have impacts toward advancing science.

[2] The CG is responsible to deliberate and conclude a preliminary assessment and benchmarking of the Tanzanian research and innovation against the standards defined by the 2017 RS|SR in ten key areas, within the next three months, then to proceed with identifying actions.

4.1: Provide  technical support to the  drafting of the national monitoring report on the 2017 RS|SR, by mobilizing policy-makers, research entities and other key stakeholders to work together and to; ensure by all  means that all  the documentation and materials are timely reported, make accessible including online, and uploaded to the GO-SPIN profile; tracking any areas that come to light later in the project and were not previously investigated, and ensuring the follow up to keep the collection up to  date including:

1. Devise/revise policies and systems to apply the 2017 RS|SR (with a focus on the needs and priorities defined in 3 above.
2. Apply revised methodology for “research and innovation profiles” in line with the 2017 RS|SR;

4.2: Collect data on progress towards implementation of the 2017 RS|SR and related information relevant for the 2020 UNESCO Science Report and

4.3: Prepare a comparative report on the question of academic freedom, offering in-depth analysis of the systemic conditions that enable scientists to contribute to the public good in line with the normative thrust of the 2017 RS|SR

4.4:  Carry out other tasks as a focal point to ensure that GC and Government is enabled and helped to take control in a way that brings value to and supports the sustainability and the continuous improvement of this collection you created, as well as ensuring the setting out of guidelines and policies to facilitate the use of the collection

The assignment will be carried out for six months (6) working 9 days per month from the month of starting the assignment. The assignments will be carried out through conducting mission visits to Parliament’s library or other institutions, conducting interviews, desk review of relevant documents, consultation with relevant authorities, partners and stakeholders, participation in GC meetings. Uploading to the GO-SPIN platform will be carried out in close collaboration with the Government’s appointee, who holds authority and responsibility for the materials entered. Other follow up will always prioritize follow up in key areas of least coverage.

This is an individual consultancy assignment where the Consultant should have at least

Education: At least Master’s degree from an accredited university in a relevant field involving Basic or Engineering Sciences, Public Policy Research such as Capacity Development; Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), or Innovation Management;

Experience: Minimum Ten (10) Years work experience with Government of Tanzania on STI policy systems, academic freedom, gender equality, worker conditions, climate change or closely related-field or experience working in Development/Public Policy with good knowledge of how law and policy affects in practice research and innovation in any domain or field of science/medicine/engineering, as well as familiarity with the Sustainable Development Goals and Africa Agenda 2063.

Skills: Strong computer skills and understanding of online platforms and report writing skills

Languages: a strong command of Swahili and good command of English;

Women meeting these requirements are highly encouraged to apply.  Experience working with and understanding of STI monitoring tools of any kind, including national statistics, will add more credit.

The first assignment and the uploading to an online site for the GC constitute the first deliverable

1

Draft national monitoring method on the status of implementation of the 10 Key areas of the 2017 RS|SR

4.1; a, b

2

Report on data in progress towards implementation of the 2017 RS|SR and related information relevant for the 2020 UNESCO Science Report

4.2

3

Report on the question of academic freedom, offering in-depth analysis of the systemic conditions that enable scientists to contribute to the public good in line with the normative thrust of the 2017 RS|SR

4.3

4

Facilitation of the capacity building trainings to the CG

4.4

The consultant will report on a monthly basis in short progress reports and end the project with a handover report.

The payments schedule shall be implemented in relation to progress on tasks as demonstrated by the key deliverables and a final report. The payment will be implemented on monthly basis after submission of the progress reports under each task; the dates for payment will be determined by the deliverables and the assignment will be carried out for 9 days per month for six months from the date of starting the assignment.

Interested and qualified individual consultants should submit their CVs indicating experience in similar roles and qualifications along with the technical proposal on how the assignment will be accomplished.  All documents to be sent to UNESCO (Electronic copies only) via email to dar-es-salaam@unesco.org not later than 16:30hrs on 10th May, 2021.

The Application Should be titled: “Provision of Consultancy Services – Supporting Tanzania Government to Report on the implementation of the 2017 RS|SR”