Overview

SFA Foundation is undertaking a series of strategic digital transformation initiatives to enhance its program delivery, collaboration, and reporting.  

These initiatives include: 

• Development of a Pan-African Community of Practice (CoP) platform: to strengthen collaboration and knowledge-sharing among research and innovation managers, and other stakeholders. 
• Implementation of a Grant Management System (GMS): to streamline grant calls, selection, due diligence, award, reporting, and close out processes.
• Implementation of a Monitoring Evaluation Accountability and Learning (MEAL) and Programme Management Tool: to support real-time data collection, performance tracking, and impact reporting.

To ensure proper planning, coordination, and execution of these complex initiatives, the Organisation seeks to engage a Project Manager Consultant with proven experience in leading systems implementation and cross-functional projects.

Projects Brief:

Central Hub for Collaborative Digital Ecosystems — Platform Vision Summary 

The platform is envisioned as the central hub for the Foundation’s programmes and digital initiatives, empowering stakeholders to seamlessly access their respective subsites while exploring cross-programmatic opportunities. By unifying shared resources, intelligent recommendations, and actionable insights within a scalable infrastructure, the platform aims to break down silos, reduce administrative burdens, and foster a truly collaborative ecosystem. Importantly, this is achieved while preserving the unique identity and needs of each programme. 

Apart from the central hub being the gateway to different subsites and communities, it will provide access to shared resources relevant to all stakeholders, including: 

• Grant opportunities 

• Collaboration and volunteer opportunities 

• Events 

• News and updates 

• Job opportunities  

Implementation

Recognising the evolving nature of the organisation, the platform will be developed in phases, allowing for adaptive growth and customisation based on programmatic needs. 

• Phase 1: Development of the Community of Practice for Research Managers

• Phase 2: Development of the Central Hub/gateway 

• Phase 3: Development of additional subsites as per the needs of the organisation 

The scope of the project management consultancy will be limited to Phase One of the entire platform. The consultancy will be responsible for delivering this initial phase, which includes the development of a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) within a five-month period. Some requirements for this phase have been informed by surveys conducted with key stakeholders. 

Grant Management System  

The Grant Management System (GMS) will support the entire grant lifecycle, seamlessly integrating functionalities for Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL), as well as Programme Management. 

Solution Architecture Options 

The preferred solution may adopt one of the following approaches: 

1. A comprehensive system that consolidates GMS, MEAL, and Programme Management functionalities into a single, cohesive platform. 

2. A core GMS equipped with robust integration capabilities, allowing for seamless interoperability with third-party MEAL and Programme Management systems. 

Consultant's Responsibilities 

The Consultant will be tasked with delivering either: 

• An integrated solution where GMS, MEAL, and Programme Management functionalities are merged into a single system; or 

• Two distinct systems (GMS and MEAL/Programme Management) that are effectively integrated to function cohesively. 

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