TERMS OF REFERENCE 
CfCA Liaison Officer

1. Background

Selam is a Pan-African organisation with offices in Addis Ababa, Nairobi, and Stockholm. The organisation was created in 1997 and has since evolved into an international player, partnering with artists, cultural producers, the private sector, the media, institutions, researchers, and national and regional governments across the African continent as well in other regions in the world.

Selam participates in global and African culture networks, as well as annual networking meetings and Pan-African conferences in Africa, Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Asia. Selam has implemented several regional and national projects on the African continent. Currently Selam implements, together with partners, two Pan-African projects, PANAF and Connect for Culture Africa (CfCA) and one national project in Ethiopia.

The CfCA initiative, implemented by Selam in partnership with the African Union (AU), aims to promote and develop the culture and creative sector within the AU member states. One key objective of the initiative is to lobby for increased public funding in the culture sector from government sources.

To support the CfCA project in achieving its objectives, Selam is seeking to hire a Liaison officer to help coordinate the relationship and joint activities between Selam and the African Union, the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) in Africa, and other key stakeholders relevant for the project.

The purpose of this Terms of Reference (ToR) is to outline the responsibilities, duties, and expectations of the Liaison Officer who will serve as the primary point of contact between Selam and the AU, the RECs, and other key stakeholders relevant for the project.

2. Scope of Work

The purpose of this Terms of Reference (ToR) is to outline the responsibilities, duties, and expectations of the Liaison Officer who will serve as the primary point of contact between Selam and the AU, the RECs, and other key stakeholders relevant for the project.

•  Memorandum of Understanding (MoU): Facilitate the development and adaptation of an MoU between Selam and the AU, relevant RECs in Africa, and other key stakeholders relevant for the project.
• Facilitation of Communication: Serve as the main communication link between Selam and regional partners, as agreed, ensuring timely and accurate exchange of information, documents, and correspondence.
• Relationship Management: Develop and maintain positive and productive relationships with key stakeholders within the AU and other regional institutions in Africa, including officials, departments, and relevant personnel.
• Representation: Represent Selam in meetings, forums, and events organised or attended by the African Union, when requested by Selam, conveying the organisation’s mission, values, and interests effectively.
• Strategic Partnership: Identify opportunities for collaboration, partnership, and joint initiatives between Selam and the AU, as well as other regional institutions in Africa, in areas of mutual interest.
• Coordination: Coordinate meetings, visits, and engagements, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives and priorities.
• Reporting: Prepare regular reports on the status of the relationship between Selam and key actors on the African continent, highlighting achievements, challenges, and recommendations for improvement.
• Analysis and advisement: Conduct analysis on relevant topics, policies, and initiatives of the AU and other key players within the culture sector in Africa that may impact Selam’s work or objectives.
• Compliance: Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, protocols, and guidelines governing interactions between non-governmental organisations and the AU and other relevant regional institutions on the African continent.

3. Reporting

The Liaison Officer will report directly to the International Project Coordinator at Selam, with the Executive Director in copy. The consultant will provide verbal weekly reports during a meeting with the assigned contact person. In addition, monthly written reports outlining the progress against the CfCA project’s result framework will be provided by the consultant to Selam’s Planning-Monitoring-Evaluation-Learning Expert.

4. Time frame

This is a long-term assignment starting in October 2024 and continuing at least until December 2025, with the possibility of extension.

5. Qualifications and Expertise

The expert is expected to have the following qualifications:

• Education: A master’s degree in international relations, political science, development studies, or a related field.
• Experience: At least 5 of experience working in a similar role, preferably within an international organisation or NGO context. Experience in liaising with governmental or intergovernmental bodies is highly advantageous.
• Knowledge: Sound understanding of the AU’s structure, functions, and policies. Familiarity with key issues and challenges facing Africa is essential.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English. Proficiency in other official AU languages (e.g., French, Arabic, Portuguese) is an asset.
• Interpersonal Skills: Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships, negotiate effectively, and work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• Organisational Skills: Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritise workloads, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to conduct research, analyse data, and generate insights.
• Adaptability: Flexibility and adaptability to navigate complex political, cultural, and organisational dynamics.

6. Confidentiality

The Liaison Officer is expected to maintain strict confidentiality regarding sensitive information obtained in the course of their duties and responsibilities.

7. Amendments

Any amendments or revisions to this Terms of Reference must be agreed upon by both parties and documented in writing.

8. Application Process

Interested individuals are invited to submit a detailed CV and cover letter along with any other relevant documentation to cfcafrica@selam.se no later than September 20.

9. Selection Process

The CfCA project team will evaluate the proposals based on the provided information. Only successful candidates will be contacted.