Consultant - Southern Africa Regional Integration Paper 2020-2026 Completion Report
AFDB1JP00001613
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Not Applied
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Posted On
2026-10-14
Period
2026-11-01 to 2026-12-31
Job Type
Temporary Full Time
Location
Abidjan 01CIV
Category
Business Professional
Description
The African Development Bank hereby invites suitably qualified Individual Consultants to indicate their interest in the following assignment: “Support to the preparation of Southern Africa Regional Integration Paper 2020-2026 Completion Report”.
Application Close Date
2026-10-22
Engagement Type
Individual Consultant
Job Family
13.Economics, Statistics and Data Management
A. Background Objectives
The Bank’s current approach to regional integration is stipulated in the Regional Integration Strategy Framework (RISF 2018-2025), which is further implemented via the Regional Integration Strategy Papers (RISPs) for each of the Bank’s regions. The Regional Integration Strategy Paper for Southern Africa 2020-2026 (SA-RISP 2020-2026) was approved by the Boards of Executive Directors in July 2020. It is anchored on two priority areas namely: (i) infrastructure connectivity and (ii) (ii) Market Integration and Industrialization. The Mid-term Review (MTR) of the RISP was approved in April 2024 and confirmed the relevance of the RISP and its areas of focus for the remainder of RISP period, recognizing that development challenges of the Region had remained unchanged. However, since approval of the SA-RISP in July 2020, several key developments have taken place in Southern Africa, which will have a bearing on the regional integration agenda. These include: COVID-19 Pandemic, Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), geopolitical tensions, and Increased climate change and debt vulnerabilities, among others. The SA-RISP 2020-2026 will be concluded on the 31st of December, which necessitates the preparation of the new SA-RISP 2027-2032. As of 12 October 2026, the Bank’s total commitment to Southern Africa stood at UA 11.5 billion (US$15.6 billion). This represented 22% of the Bank’s total commitments to Regional Member Countries (RMCs). The energy sector remained dominant, accounting for 34% of portfolio, followed by transport (22%) and finance (18%). Total approvals for the region from January to 30 September 2026 amounted to UA 1.495 billion (US$1.5 billion). Significant allocations went to finance initiatives (48%), power (24%), and transport (16%). Notable operations approved included the Zambia Partial Credit Guarantee to Support the Mobilisation of Financing for Zambia, valued at UA 437 million (US$594 million), and the South Africa Standard Bank Bond (FLAC), valued at UA 234 million (US$318million). Other approvals included a loan to South Africa Mpumalanga Municipal Utility Reform Program UA 299 million (US$406.6 million), and the Multinational project Lobito Transport Corridor Development Project, valued at UA 186 million (US$252.9 million). In the context of the preparation of the new SA RISP 2027-2032, the Bank’s Regional Integration Coordination Office (RDRI) is recruiting an individual consultant to support the team in the finalizing the Bank’s SA-RISP 2020-2026 Completion Report (CR) which will inform preparation of the new SA-RISP 2027-2032. The main objective of the assignment is to support finalization of the SA RISP 2020-2026 CR. More specifically, the CR : (i) reviews key political, economic, social, and sector/thematic developments since the approval of the RISP in 2020; (ii) assesses implementation progress of the RISP and the extent to which the objectives and expected results of the strategy have been achieved at completion; (iii) draws lessons from the implementation of the RISP; and (iv) analyses key development opportunities and challenges to inform the priority areas and sector for Bank support under the new SA-RISP 2027-2032.
B. Scope of work
Under (i) the general guidance of the Director of RDRI, and (ii) supervision by the Team in charge of the SA-RISP 2020-2026 CR, the Consultant shall carry out the following Tasks/Activities: Review the 2026 SA Regional Diagnostic Note, the Mid-Term Review of SA-RISP 2020-2026, and other relevant documents, the various sector/thematic briefs prepared by sector experts in the region, undertake stock taking of the different regional knowledge products from various sources; and based on these finalize the SA-RISP 2020-2026 CR, prepare the PowerPoint Presentation (PPP); Matrices of Comments; Management Briefs; etc., related to the SA-RISP 2020-2026 CR. Draft, for discussion, the SA-RISP 2020-2026 CR based on the Bank’s Regional Integration Strategy Framework (RISF) and annotated formats and guidelines for the preparation of Country Strategy Papers (CSPs) and RISPs (Annex 2), as well as existing best practice RISPs/CSPs, to be used by the Consultant as guidance. The SA-RISP 2020-2026 CR is based on existing analytical work as well as sector/thematic analytical work (also known as “sector/thematic Briefs”) to be prepared by the Banks sector departments. The SA-RISP 2020-2026 CR discusses in detail the regional integration strengths, opportunities, weaknesses and challenges, inclusive growth and green integration dimensions, and areas of maximum potential impact of Bank’s intervention in line with the Ten-Year Strategy (TYS, 2024-2033) and Four Cardinal Points (4CPs). Identify and bridge any data gaps using reliable sources (AfDB, World Bank, IMF, and EU, among others), for finalization of the SA-RISP 2020-2026 CR. Extract relevant information from the sector/ thematic briefs to inform the SA-RISP 2020-2026 CR, and in cases where such briefs are not available, fill any information gaps using desktop research. Document the results achieved from Bank support to the Southern Africa region under SA-RISP 2020-2026, in line with the envisaged outputs and outcomes as captured in the results measurement framework of the SA-RISP 2020-2026. Furthermore, ensure that the SA-RISP 2020-2026 CR aligns with the priority reforms identified in relevant national development plans and strategic development plans for Regional Economic Communities in Southern Africa, with a focus on the reforms needed to achieve the Bank’s TYS and 4CPs. Undertake timely revisions of the SA-RISP 2020-2026 CR as and when comments are received from the core team, peer reviewers, and RDGS, RDRI, and ECCE Management, as well as the Public Sector Review Committee (PSRC). At each review stage, the revised SA-RISP 2020-2026 CR will be accompanied by a comment matrix indicating where and how the comments have been addressed. The consultant will submit reports to the Bank in MS word format.
C. Deliverables Expected
As part of her/his assignment, the consultant will provide the following deliverables: o First draft of the SA-RISP 2020-2026 CR acceptable to the Bank to be submitted one (1) month after contract signature. o Revised draft of the final SA-RISP 2020-2026 CR, which incorporates the comments made by the peer reviewers and SA-RISP 2020-2026 CR core team acceptable to the Bank, to be submitted seven (7) days after receipt of the Bank’s comments. o Final draft of the SA-RISP 2020-2026 CR, which incorporates comments from the PSRC, RDGS, and ECCE, to be submitted seven (7) days after receipt of the Bank’s comments. o All revised drafts of the SA-RISP 2020-2026 CR will be accompanied by a comment’s matrix indicating where and how the comments have been addressed. The consultant will submit reports to the Bank in MS word format. o The consultant will strictly adhere to the Bank’s Regional Integration Strategy Framework (RISF) and annotated formats and guidelines for the preparation of Country Strategy Papers (CSPs) and RISPs (Annex 2).
D. Duration and Timetable for the Assignment
The service, under this assignment, will involve consultancy services for a two (2) months period, starting 1 November 2026 to 31 December 2026. Remuneration will be in accordance with Bank rates and the qualification and experience of the consultant. The contract is expected to commence on 01 November 2026 and end on 31 December 2026.
E. Bank Contribution and Institutional Arrangement
The Bank will provide access to relevant documentation, data, and internal systems necessary for the execution of the assignment. Administrative and logistical support will be provided in accordance with Bank rules and procedures.
F. Duty Station
The consultant’s Place of assignment is South Africa. The Bank will cover full costs of any required trip/missions if needed and provide per-diem in accordance with rules governing consultant mission travel.
G. Essential Specialized Skills/Knowledge/Competencies
The consultant must be fluent in English and should have the following qualifications: • A minimum of a Master's degree, or its equivalent in Macroeconomics, Development Economics, International Trade and Finance, Development or Public Policy related field; A PhD is an added advantage. • A minimum of fifteen (15) years of research, consultancy or advisory services on economic policies including preparation of diagnostics noted, strategy and policy papers, investment climate assessments, trade policy and trade facilitation in African countries, preferably in Southern Africa; • Substantial work experience with/in government and/or an international development institution in the relevant focus areas stated in the Terms of Reference; • Strong analytical skills, communication and self-organizing skills, as well as timely delivery of assignments; • Strong understanding of the macro and microeconomic issues, assessment of general and sector level productivity issues, undertaking strategic documents and background papers; • Excellent verbal and writing skills in English. Knowledge of French is an added advantage. • Previous experience in the preparation of a RISP or its completion report and similar products will be an advantage
H. Supervisor
The Consultant will report to the RDRI Delegated Task Manager and work closely with designated RDRI team members, with overall guidance from the Manager of Regional Integration Coordination Office (RDRI).
Consultancy Input Days
44.00
Qualifications
Qualification
Assessment
Regular Consultant
Less than 32 years old at the time of signing the contract and during contract execution
