Individual Consultant (IC) to Develop Guidelines for Phone Observatory Surveys in Africa
Request for Expressions of Interest (Consulting Services – Individual Consultant) under the Eastern Africa Regional Statistics Program-for-Results (EARSPforR), Grant No. P176371, Reference No. TN-STATAFRIC-AUC-546834-CS-INDV.
Background: Demand for timely, high-frequency, and cost-effective data has led African countries to explore innovative data collection methods. Advances in mobile phone penetration and digital technologies have created opportunities for Phone Observatory Surveys (POS) as a complementary data collection mechanism. There remains a significant gap in continent-specific, harmonised guidelines, so the African Union (STATAFRIC) seeks a qualified consultant to develop comprehensive, practical Guidelines for Phone Observatory Surveys in Africa.
Objectives: Develop harmonised, standardised, Africa-specific guidelines for the design and implementation of phone surveys; review existing international/continental/regional guidelines; assess the current landscape and identify gaps; develop step-by-step guidelines covering all survey phases (design, sampling, technology, data collection, quality assurance, analysis, dissemination); propose harmonised core indicators; and provide recommendations for institutionalising phone observatories within national statistical systems.
Duration: The consultant is expected to produce a guideline document within 90 days (three months) from contract signing, working remotely with STATAFRIC staff. Deliverables include a methodological report, assessment report, draft guidelines, stakeholder validation report, presentation report, and final guidelines.
Required Qualifications: At least a master's degree in statistics, demography, economics, social sciences, or a related field with at least 15 years of professional experience; a minimum of 10 years in survey methodology, statistical data collection, or National Statistical System development; demonstrated experience designing/implementing phone-based or high-frequency surveys, preferably in Africa; experience with CATI systems and digital data collection tools; and language proficiency in at least one AU language (Arabic, English, French, or Portuguese).
Selection follows the Individual Consultant selection method per the World Bank's Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers (July 2016, revised November 2020).
HOW TO APPLY:
Expressions of interest must be delivered in written form following the shortlisting criteria to the African Union Commission (Attn: Head, Supply Chain Management Division - Operations Support Services Directorate, Building C, 3rd Floor, P.O Box 3243, Roosevelt Street, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia) in person or by mail before 06th August 2026 at 15:00 Hours Local Time, Addis Ababa. Only EoIs mentioning reference number "TN-STATAFRIC-AUC-546834-CS-INDV" in the subject field of the email will be considered. Email: tender@africanunion.org
https://au.int/en/bid/individual-consultant-ic-perform-consultancy-services-develop-guidelines-phone-observatory