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Terms of Reference (ToR) - Mentor/Advisor Engagement

Background 

The African Union Digital and Innovation Fellowship Program is a 12-month program focused on identifying bright data and tech talent (fellow) from across the African continent and embedding them within selected AU units to create technology solutions addressing the data management challenges in the units.  

The fellows’ primary task is to identify challenges within these systems and processes and propose innovative technological solutions to address them. By collaborating with unit members, the fellows will co-create and develop tailored tech products and processes to enhance the African Union’s mandate, particularly in the areas of good governance and citizen engagement.  

Throughout the fellowship, participants will be strategically assigned to different AU units and organs to analyze internal challenges, understand departmental mandates and administrative processes, and devise technology-driven solutions.  

AfriLabs is looking for a high-profile expert to serve as a Mentor/Advisor to fellows under the African Union Digital and Innovation Fellowship Program focused on building and adopting innovative and digital solutions that improves the internal processes of different organs of the Union. 

The Mentor will provide hands-on mentoring and coaching services to these fellows in areas identified based on the outcome of the needs assessment carried on fellows to identify their needs/gaps. Furthermore, the Mentor will advise and support the fellows throughout the remaining months of the fellowship program. 

Objectives of this service 

The primary objective of this engagement is engage high-profile experts to serve as Mentors for fellows participating in the African Union Digital and Innovation Fellowship Program. The objective of this role is to provide strategic guidance, hands-on mentoring, and coaching to fellows as they design and implement innovative digital solutions aimed at enhancing internal processes within various organs of the African Union. The Mentor will tailor support based on identified needs and skill gaps from a comprehensive needs assessment and will offer continuous advisory support throughout the duration of the fellowship program. 

Scope of Work 

Review needs assessment report 

  • Review and provide feedback on identified coaching needs or gaps of the fellows specific to their work in assigned units/organs. 

  • Advise on the methods of mentoring/coaching based on the gaps identified in the needs assessment report for each fellow.  

 

Provide technical guidance, training and support to fellows  

  • Provide coaching on the soft skills required for the fellow(s) to work effectively and successfully deploy and sustain their innovative solutions in their different units. 

  • Listen to the challenges faced by fellows in their assigned units/organs and point them in the right direction to address/solve the challenges. 

  • Advice, provide insights and constructive criticism to improve the chances of the fellow(s) succeeding as it relates to the implementation of their technology priority projects. 

  • Provide technical assistance as required.  

 

Develop mentoring plan and share resources 

  • Develop a detailed mentoring plan as well as logistics (structure, delivery methods, etc) for mentoring sessions that work best for both parties. 

  • Ensure that mentoring sessions with the fellow are held as agreed and that report templates/trackers for each session are completed.  

  • Provide fellow(s) with any hard or soft (web) resources they may need to support their work.  

  • Share practical experiences, including failures, victories, and lessons gained that are considered to be valuable to the fellow(s). 

 

 

Timelines 

Thematic Areas 

Deliverables  

Timelines 

Feedback Report on Fellows’ Coaching Needs 
 

A detailed report reviewing the coaching needs or gaps identified for each fellow, with specific references to their roles within assigned units/organs. 

June 9, 2025 

 

Customized Mentoring Strategy Document. 

 

Submit a recommended plan outlining suitable mentoring and coaching methods tailored to the unique gaps and needs identified in the fellows’ assessment reports. 

June 9, 2025 

 

 

Mentorship Session Reports 
 

Complete and submit reports for each session, capturing discussions, support provided, and next steps. 

June– October 2025  

 

Provide a document that captures reflection of the mentor’s practical experiences, including relevant case studies, stories of past successes and failures, and lessons learned, tailored to guide and inspire the fellows. 

October, 2025 

 

 

Key Requirements  

The expert must have vast experience and expertise in at least 6 of the following areas: 

  1. Public speaking and presentation 

  1. Effective verbal and written communication 

  1. Team playing and collaboration  

  1. Work-life balance  

  1. Productivity and performance tools for better efficiency 

  1. Time management and self-organization 

  1. Cultural sensitivity 

  1. Emotional intelligence, self-awareness and social skills 

  1. Change management and adaptability   

  1. Prioritization and decision making  

  1. Problem solving  

  1. African Union Commission (AUC) Mandate and Vision 

 

Key Qualifications: 

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification. 

  • Master’s degree is an advantage. 

  • Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in innovation, digital transformation, public sector reform, technology development, or organizational change. 

  • Demonstrated experience mentoring or coaching early to mid-career professionals, innovators, or tech-driven teams in public or private sector settings. 

  

Method of Application  

  • Fill Vendor Request form  

  • Send a Cover letter and recently updated CV stating your relevant experience  

  • Attach a means of identification (Passport, Driver’s License, National ID)  

  • Attach Quotation (This should be a breakdown and must be in Euros).  

  • Payment terms (please state if it is negotiable) 

  • Submission of reference (i.e. Name, designation, email and phone number of organization you have provided similar services), also proof of work done for them should be submitted  

 

Evaluation And Selection Criteria: 

The applicants must ensure that all requested information/documents above are included in the submission. Proposals will be evaluated as followed: 

  1. Complete Conformity to RFP Submission Requirement (Pass or Fail) 

  1. Price Reasonableness (Pass or Fail) 

  1. Past work done (Pass or Fail) 

 

Remuneration 

A monthly remuneration of €1,500 to be paid monthly over a duration of five months.  

 

Location and Duration: 

The expert should be based in Africa. The duration will be for the period of 9th June, 2025 – 31st October, 2025. 

 

Deadline for Application: 

Please download and use the attached CV template and Vendor information form to format and submit your application to procurement@afrilabs.com with the email subject: Consultancy: Mentoring and Coaching Services for AU Tech Fellowship Programme. Applicants must be based in Africa and should submit their applications on or before COB May 23rd, 2025. Late submissions will not be considered.   

 

Start Date: 9th June, 2025 

Location: Remote 

 

Additional Information: 

  • Applicants must be resident in Africa 

  • This is a contract position for the duration of the project. 

Note: Please download the request for information form 

 

DISCLAIMER 
AfriLabs reserves the right to select and negotiate with any applicants as it deems in its sole discretion. The advertisement of RFP does not constitute a commitment by AfriLabs to award a contract.  
 

This advertisement notice and the application process are totally free: beware of fraudsters 

 

For any clarifications or questions, send an email to funmilayo@afrilabs.com cc kolawole@afrilabs.com