Individual Consultant (IC) to perform the Consultancy services to develop a Continental Statistical Database

1. BackgroundThe African Union Commission (AUC) has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of Eastern Africa Regional Statistics Program for Results Project and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services. The consulting services (“the Services”) include Selection of an Individual Consultant (IC) to perform the Consultancy services to develop a Continental Statistical Database. Reliable and harmonized statistical data are critical for monitoring development progress, guiding resource allocation, and supporting evidence-based policy-making across Africa. The African Union Institute for Statistics (STATAFRIC), established under the African Union (AU), plays a central role in coordinating statistical development and strengthening the African statistical system at the continental level. The importance of good quality data cannot be over-emphasized, and a lot of efforts and investments have been made in data production by different stakeholders. However, access to harmonized, centralized, and consistently documented statistical datasets remains largely limited due to:•Fragmented and siloed national and regional databases with incompatible structures. •Inconsistent application of data standards, indicator definitions, and classification frameworks. •Absence of automated or structured mechanisms for data submission to continental repositories. •Limited data documentation and metadata, reducing discoverability and usability. •Restricted public access to existing datasets, hindering research and policy uptake. To address these structural gaps, STATAFRIC intends to establish a Continental Statistical Database (CSD), a centralized and harmonized repository and dissemination platform for key socio-economic indicators across Africa. The CSD will consolidate data from NSOs and RECs, ensure compliance with international standards, and provide open and structured access to continental statistics. STATAFRIC therefore seeks to recruit a qualified individual consultant to lead the design, development, and operationalization of this continental statistical database. 2.Objectives of the assignment 2.1 Conduct a structured assessment of existing statistical data sources, repositories, and data quality across African countries, National Statistical Offices (NSOs) and Regional Economic Communities (RECs), as well as relevant global institutions (e.g., ILOStat, FAOStat, UNSD) in coordination with STATAFRIC. 2.2 Design a conceptual and logical data model for the Continental Statistical Database, aligned with international statistical standards and with statistical harmonization standards/guidelines developed by STATAFRIC. 2.3 Develop and deploy the operational database with ingestion pipelines, validation mechanisms, and scalable storage infrastructure. 2.4 Establish data harmonization procedures, developed by STGs in each thematic area, to align indicators, classifications, and metadata across diverse sources. 2.5 Develop a user-friendly dissemination platform with data visualization, API access, and open data capabilities. 2.6 Build the institutional capacity of STATAFRIC staff through training and comprehensive documentation.