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1. Background
The African Academy of Sciences (AAS) is committed to advancing research, innovation, and capacity strengthening across the continent. Through its Programmes Department, the Academy implements strategic initiatives designed to nurture the next generation of researchers, strengthen institutional systems, foster collaboration, and ensure that scientific evidence informs policy and practice.
To ensure accountability, learning, and adaptive management, AAS is commissioning a midterm evaluation of the African Research Initiative for Scientific Excellence (ARISE). The evaluation will assess progress towards results, identify challenges and lessons learned, and provide actionable recommendations to improve implementation and enhance long-term impact.
The ARISE is an innovative research and innovation (R&I) support programme of the African Academy of Sciences (AAS), which is implemented in partnership with the African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU). The programme was established under the auspices of the AU-EU High-Level Policy Dialogue on STI and provides a vibrant platform and pathway for R&I exchanges in contribution to sustainable and inclusive development, economic growth, and job creation.
ARISE is mainly funded by the European Union with additional contributions by the Carnegie Corporation of New York. Launched in December 2020, the current pilot phase of ARISE supports nearly 600 early to mid-career researchers across Africa, led by 47 principal investigators, who are hosted in 38 African countries. ARISE is an offshoot and successor of the AESA-RISE Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme – a $2 million seed grant awarded to the AAS in 2017 by the Carnegie Corporation of New York, through its Higher Education and Research in Africa programme. The aim of the AESA-RISE fellowship was to pilot a programme for supporting postdoctoral fellows in Africa.
2. Purpose of the Evaluation
The purpose of this midterm evaluation is to:
Assess the relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, and emerging impact of the programme.
Review the extent to which the programme is achieving its stated objectives and outcomes.
Identify challenges, opportunities, and lessons learned for adaptive programming.
Provide recommendations to strengthen implementation and guide future phases of the programme.
3. Scope of the Evaluation
The evaluation will cover the period of three months and will focus on the following dimensions:
Relevance: Alignment with African research priorities including the priorities set out by the AU EU Innovation agenda, stakeholder needs, and AAS strategic objectives.
Effectiveness: Achievement of outputs and outcomes as outlined in the Theory of Change and logframe.
Efficiency: Use of resources in relation to results achieved.
Sustainability: Likelihood of benefits continuing beyond the project.
Impact: Contribution towards strengthening Africa’s science, technology, and innovation ecosystem.
4. Evaluation Questions
The evaluation will be guided by the Theory of Change (Annex 1) and the Logical Framework (Annex 2). The key evaluation questions include:
How relevant is the programme to the needs of researchers, institutions, and policymakers?
To what extent have the intended outputs and outcomes been achieved?
What factors have contributed to or hindered progress?
How efficiently have financial and human resources been used?
What evidence is there of sustainability and potential long-term impact?
What lessons and best practices can inform future programming at AAS?
What challenges confront the research teams at the various institutions and countries in administering their research grants.?
5. Methodology
The evaluation is expected to use a mixed-methods approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative data. Suggested methods include:
Document review (programme reports, monitoring data, financial reports, policy documents).
Key informant interviews (KIIs) with fellows, mentors, institutional leaders, policymakers, and funders.
Surveys to capture wider stakeholder perspectives.
Case studies of selected fellows or institutions.
Comparative analysis against baseline indicators and targets.
The evaluator will develop an inception report with a detailed methodology, sampling strategy, data collection tools, and analysis framework, to be approved by AAS before fieldwork begins.
6. Deliverables
The evaluator/consultant will provide the following deliverables:
Inception Report: Detailing the methodology, tools, and work plan.
Draft Evaluation Report: Providing preliminary findings, lessons, and recommendations.
Validation Workshop: To present findings to the AAS and stakeholders.
Final Evaluation Report: Incorporating feedback from the AAS and stakeholders.
7. Timeline
The evaluation is expected to take place over 12 weeks between 2nd March – 22nd May, 2026. A detailed timeline will be agreed upon in the inception phase.
8. Team Composition and Required Expertise
The evaluation may be conducted by an individual consultant or a firm with the following qualifications:
Advanced degree (PhD) in monitoring and evaluation, development studies, social sciences, education, or a related field.
Proven experience (at least 7–10 years) in designing and conducting evaluations, preferably in research and capacity strengthening programmes.
Strong knowledge of science, technology, and innovation (STI) systems in Africa.
Demonstrated expertise in mixed-methods research and participatory evaluation approaches.
Excellent analytical, writing, and facilitation skills.
9. Management and Oversight
The Consultant will work closely with the AAS’s knowledge management team and report to the Programmes Manager.
10. Budget and Payment
The AAS will provide a budget for the evaluation covering consultancy fees, travel, and other related costs. Payment will be made in tranches upon submission and approval of deliverables:
20% upon submission of the inception report.
40% upon submission of the draft report.
40% upon submission of the final evaluation report.
11. Evaluation Criteria
Technical approach and understanding of ToR – 30%
Relevant experience with donor- funded projects – 30%
Qualifications and experience of key staff – 20%
Financial proposal (cost competitiveness) – 10%
References and capacity of the firm – 10%
Note: The firm/individual that scores the highest overall marks shall be recommended for award.
12. Ethical Considerations
The evaluation must adhere to ethical principles of independence, transparency, confidentiality, and respect for participants. Informed consent must be obtained from all interviewees and survey respondents.
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How to apply
Proposals must be submitted electronically to: [email protected]
Subject line: RFP – ARISE PP Midterm Evaluation(AAS/RFP/01/2026)
Deadline for submission: Monday 23rd February 2026 at 9:00 AM EAT.
Late submissions will not be considered.
Clarifications
All requests for clarification should be sent by email to [email protected]. Before deadline.