Call for applications: British Council sub-Saharan Africa consultant

The consultancy work is within the British Council SSA arts and culture portfolio. The key outcome of this consultancy is to develop an arts and culture strategy that illustrates a holistic approach to understanding of the cultural and creative industry (CCI) in sub-Saharan Africa with critical attention to:

• CCI landscape in Africa, particularly looking at SSA region drawing into the opportunities and challenges.
• Digital innovation opportunities in Africa as a leverage for SSA arts and culture strategy.
• Connecting and collaborating with Africa diaspora as a key driver and contributor to CCI growth in Africa.
• Opportunities for taking a mutually beneficial cultural relations approach with Africa and UK sector to support and strengthen inclusive and prosperous CCIs in Africa.
• Collaboration and working through others as a driver for innovation, impact and resource mobilisation.
• Deep understanding of responding to young people as key enablers and leaders in Africa.
• Knowledge of existing bilateral, regional and international conventions of the cultural and creative industries e.g. Cultural Charter for Africa, UNSECO, UNCTAD, WIPO, etc.

The work specification is for the period starting 1 August to 31 July 2024. The consultant(s) should have experience in strategy design, programme design thinking, knowledge and appreciation of cultural and creative industries and inclusive communities, and experience in research and effective communication design and implementation.

Countries included in strategy are Ethiopia, Ghana, Sudan, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Senegal, Nigeria, Cameron, South Africa and Zimbabwe. 

Estimated cost: £25 000 (excludes physical events and translation costs).

Outputs

New, tangible and actionable Africa arts and culture strategy which British Council and its stakeholders will use for programme design thinking, impact measurement, stakeholder engagement and business development.

Key outputs will include:

• Africa arts and culture strategy document.
• Digital output of the arts and culture strategy.
• Inclusion of British Council internal impact case studies/best practices to illustrate strategy and programme design thinking (where applicable).
• Translation of the final strategy document into French and Portuguese languages.
• A series of five co-curated external events to communicate and discuss the strategy with new and wider audiences. Location: South Africa, Rwanda, Nigeria, Ethiopia and United Kingdom (suggestions only).
• A series of three online events to communicate and discuss the strategy with new and wider audiences.
• Further recommendations for public launch of the strategy including online stakeholder sharing event(s).

Qualifications

The supplier shall demonstrate in the return response to this RFP that he/she has:

• Proven experience of designing and conducting strategy development for international cultural relations organisations in Africa or internationally.
• Proven working experience or knowledge of the cultural and creative industry in Africa and internationally.
• Proven experience of working with organisations/business units to create, capture and maintain value for sustainable competitive advantage.
• Proven experience in processing diverse business and industry information to diagnose strategic issues, evaluate strategic alternatives and formulate a coherent and actionable strategic plan.
• Capacity to deliver digital outputs with innovative methods across various digital channels.
• Has ability to use strategic management tools and frameworks as part of the strategy formulation process.
• Proven experience in facilitating multi-stakeholder events in various locations.
• Proven experience of delivering well-written analytical reports and presentations in a timely manner.
• Capacity to deliver within an agreed timeframe.
• Excellent communication and delivery skills.
• Ability to work with diverse stakeholders.

Interested applicants should read more using the links below:

• British Council values
• Equity Diversity Inclusion.
• New Narratives.
• Safeguarding.

The contract starts on 1 August 2023 and ends on 31 May 2024.

Applications should be submitted via email at Harry.Kesiena@ng.britishcouncil.org and Farai.Ncube@britishcouncil.org before 9 July. 

View the original call here.