Call for proposals: for a study analysing ECOWAS agricultural policies and programmes

Posted January 25, 2025

Terms of Reference (ToR)

Title of the assignment: recruitment of a consultant for a study analysing the process of adoption of (agricultural) policies and programmes by ECOWAS.

Context

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) plays a central role in coordinating and harmonising regional policies in various areas, including agriculture and sustainable development. On pesticides, fertilisers and seeds, for example, there are regional decisions that impact on both socio-economic and environmental stakeholders. However, the mechanisms for adopting these policies often remain complex, making it difficult to strategically engage stakeholders, particularly civil society, in the consultative and decision-making processes.

Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) play an essential role in promoting inclusive and equitable policies, particularly in areas such as agriculture, the environment and human rights. However, their effectiveness depends on their in-depth understanding of the mechanisms by which policies and programmes are adopted by national, regional and international institutions. These processes, which are often complex and influenced by multiple actors, determine the opportunities for intervention and the strategies to be adopted to influence decisions. Moreover, these processes are sometimes beyond the knowledge, control and ownership of civil society organisations.

In the ECOWAS framework, for example, agricultural or environmental policies follow specific stages, involving various decision-making bodies, institutional procedures and interactions with stakeholders such as UEMOA, Member States, CILSS or CSOs. Without a clear understanding of these dynamics, CSOs risk acting outside the relevant channels or missing strategic opportunities to make their voices heard and contribute to the development of inclusive documents.

Understanding these mechanisms not only makes it possible to target key decision-makers effectively, but also to propose solutions that are aligned with institutional priorities, thereby strengthening the credibility and impact of advocacy. Furthermore, this understanding is crucial for building alliances with other actors, strengthening citizen participation and ensuring that the policies adopted truly reflect the needs of the communities concerned. It is with this in mind that CSOs need to be trained and equipped.

To effectively promote agroecology as a resilient and sustainable approach to agriculture and food security, it is essential, among other things, to integrate it into national and regional agricultural policies. If agroecology is to be taken into account in policies, a detailed understanding of ECOWAS’s institutional processes is required. This study will help to identify the entry points for effective advocacy in favour of agroecology.

Mission objectives

General objective

To analyse the processes by which ECOWAS formulates and adopts policies and programmes and to provide recommendations to CSOs for the development of regional advocacy strategies in favour of agroecology.

Specific objectives

To contribute to a better understanding of the processes and mechanisms for formulating and adopting regional policies and programmes… through :

Mapping of the relevant ECOWAS decision-making bodies and their decision-making procedures;
Analysis of the political links between ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS ;
Documenting the frequency of meetings of governance bodies and the ways in which they interact with civil society, both upstream and downstream.
Evaluating the effectiveness of mechanisms for involving civil society in the processes of drawing up, adopting and evaluating regional policies and programmes.

To formulate recommendations on strategic entry points for effective regional advocacy of agroecology and better positioning in decision-making processes.

Expected results

Institutional mapping: A detailed report identifying the decision-making bodies, their composition and their decision-making processes.
Analysis of interactions : An assessment of the modalities of interaction between ECOWAS and civil society.
Strategic recommendations: A series of practical recommendations to maximise the effectiveness of advocacy for agroecology within ECOWAS.

Consultant’s mandate

The consultant will be responsible for the following tasks

Documentary analysis: Examine the legislative texts, protocols and regulations governing ECOWAS decision-making processes.
Targeted interviews: Conduct interviews with representatives of ECOWAS bodies, civil society organisations (CSOs) and other key stakeholders.
Institutional mapping: Identify the key bodies (e.g. Council of Ministers, specialised technical committees, Assembly of Heads of State, etc.), their composition and their roles.
Process evaluation: Describe the procedures for adopting policies, including the arrangements for involving civil society.
Recommendations: Propose strategies to strengthen advocacy for agroecology at different levels of regional governance.

Proposed methodology

Documentary research: Analysis of institutional documents and relevant reports.
Interviews: Structured discussions with ECOWAS officials, CSOs and agricultural policy experts.
Participatory analysis: Validation of conclusions and recommendations by the client.
Presentation of results: present the results (Power Point) of the study to CSOs at a face-to-face event in an ECOWAS country (at the sponsor’s expense).

Deliverables

Inception report: if your bid is successful, after the contract is signed, the consultant submits an inception report (1-2 pages) which describes the initial plan, approach and methodology to be used in the study and serves as a roadmap for implementation. It is presented to the sponsor to confirm a common understanding of the project. It serves as a basis for discussion and alignment before any major work begins.
Interim report: At mid-term, submit a preliminary document that provides an update or summary of the findings, progress or results at an intermediate stage of the study for review and validation by the sponsor.
Final report: This is the complete and conclusive document produced at the end of the study. It provides a detailed account of the work carried out, the results obtained and the conclusions drawn, including additional documentation in the appendices.
Presentation of results: present the results (Power Point) of the study
- To the sponsor (online)
- CSOs at a face-to-face event in an ECOWAS country (at the sponsor’s expense)

Consultant profile

Qualifications and experience

Advanced degree in political science, international relations, sustainable development or related disciplines.
Proven expertise in public policy analysis, regional governance or advocacy.
Good knowledge of ECOWAS institutions and decision-making mechanisms.
Experience in supporting CSOs or in advocacy on agricultural or environmental issues, particularly agro-ecology.

Skills

Excellent analytical and writing skills.
Ability to conduct interviews and summarise complex information.
Fluency in French and/or English (written and spoken).
Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.

Mission budget

The budget for this assignment must not be less than €7,000.

Duration of the assignment

The assignment will cover a period of 07 weeks, including research, analysis and (online) Power Point presentation of the results to the client.

Terms and conditions of submission

Interested candidates must submit the following documents:

A covering letter describing their understanding of the terms of reference and their methodology.
A detailed CV demonstrating their qualifications and relevant experience.
A financial proposal specifying the fees.

Submission deadline: 15 February 2025
Submission addresses