The aim of this work is to further strengthen the capacity of science granting councils to use data and evidence in policy and decision-making and to enhance their roles as science, technology and innovation policy champions both nationally and regionally. The project will also provide monitoring, evaluation, and learning support to the SGCI.
Objectives
Specific objectives could include the following:
For the councils:
Support the councils to develop and operationalize organizational-level MEL systems (including frameworks and plans). This work will build on ongoing work with ten councils (from Burkina Faso, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal and Kenya) and involves support to review/update MEL templates and methodologies and to develop implementation plans.
Support the councils to develop and operationalize STI policy implementation plans. This will build on ongoing work in which the councils from Namibia, Malawi, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Mozambique, Uganda, Ghana, Rwanda, Zambia and Kenya receive support to review their national STI policies in the context of national development plans.
Support the councils to operationalize digital data management frameworks and systems and systematically collect, analyze and use relevant data/evidence in policy and decision-making. This work will build on ongoing work under SGCI-2 in which data management frameworks, templates and generic data management systems have been developed. The councils from Botswana, Burkina Faso, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia are participating in this work.
Deepen support for peer-to-peer learning among councils. This work will build on ongoing work under SGCI-2 through which a knowledge exchange platform/helpdesk has been developed. Once fully operationalized, the platform will allow the councils to seek technical support virtually.
For the SGCI:
In close collaboration with other collaborating technical agencies, the councils and the Initiative management team, support the implementation of the SGCI-level MEL system that includes data collection, analysis, and interpretation as well monitoring progress towards meeting the SGCI’s annual log frame targets.
Organize MEL sessions during regional meetings.
Support collection and packaging of the SGCI’s stories of change/impact (for sharing through the website and other platforms) in collaboration with collaborating technical agencies, councils, and the Initiative management team.
Contribute to annual reports and support SGCI’s external reviews.
Themes
Theme 1: Strengthen the ability of science granting councils in research management
Theme 2: Strengthen the capacity of science granting councils to use data and evidence in policy and decision-making f
Theme 3: Support the ability of science granting councils to fund research and innovation
Theme 4: Support strategic communications, uptake of knowledge outputs and networking
Theme 5: Strengthen the capacities of science granting councils in gender equality and inclusivity
Funding Information
The budget available for this project is approximately CAD$1,350,000 (all inclusive) for approximately 34 months.
The Science Granting Councils Initiative in sub-Saharan Africa (SGCI) invites project proposals from organizations (including think tanks, institutes, universities and agencies) with proven experience and track records to strengthen the use of data and evidence in policy and decision-making by Africa’s science granting councils.
