AUDA - NEPAD

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (REOI)
CONSULTANCY SERVICES – FIRMS SELECTION

ASSIGNMENT: Consultancy Services for the Provision of French Language Training for
AUDA-NEPAD Staff – Level A1 (Beginner)
PROCUREMENT NUMBER: 171/AUDA/DOO/HR/CQS/2025
METHOD: CONSULTANTS QUALIFICATIONS SELECTION (CQS) – FIRMS ONLY
1. INTRODUCTION
The African Union (AU) recognizes six official working languages: French, English, Arabic,
Portuguese, Kiswahili, and Spanish. Among these, French holds a pivotal role in diplomatic
relations, negotiations, and interinstitutional cooperation across the continent.
The African Union Commission (AUC) has established a strong partnership with the
Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) through its Permanent Representation
to the AU in Addis Ababa. This collaboration has facilitated the delivery of French language
courses at the Commission’s headquarters in Ethiopia, directly benefiting AUC personnel.
Building on this momentum, the African Union Development Agency – New Partnership for
Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD), as the AU’s technical body responsible for
implementing Agenda 2063, aims to further strengthen the language competencies of its
staff. This effort aligns with the Agency’s mandate to promote multilingualism, foster
linguistic diversity, and enhance institutional communication within the broader AU
ecosystem.
2. OBJECTIVES
Overall Objective
To promote and institutionalize the learning of the French language at AUDA-NEPAD through a
structured Corporate French training programme, developed in formal partnership with the

Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF). This initiative forms part of AUDA-
NEPAD’s broader capacity-building strategy, aiming to enhance staff competencies, foster

multilingualism, and expand the Agency’s engagement and influence within the Francophone
space.
Specific Objectives
a) Deliver beginner to advanced-level French as a Foreign Language (FLE) courses tailored
to the needs of Anglophone staff, ensuring a structured progression from level A1 to B2
in line with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
b) Strengthen intercultural and linguistic competencies to improve internal collaboration,
promote inclusivity, and foster cross-cultural understanding within AUDA-NEPAD teams.
c) Enhance the use of French in professional contexts, enabling staff to participate more
effectively in meetings, negotiations, conferences, and diplomatic engagements with
Francophone stakeholders.
d) Contribute to AUDA-NEPAD’s strategic positioning as a multilingual institution capable
of engaging confidently across all official AU languages, with a particular focus on
strengthening its role in Francophone regions.
3. SCOPE OF THE ASSIGNMENT
The selected service provider will be responsible for the comprehensive implementation of the
Corporate French Language Training Programme at AUDA-NEPAD, in partnership with the

Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF). The scope of work will cover the following
key activities:
a. Programme Development and Planning
• Design a French as a Foreign Language (FLE) curriculum aligned with CEFR Level
A1, integrating AUDA-NEPAD’s professional and diplomatic context.
• Develop a 12-month training plan with detailed schedules, group allocation, and
teaching methodology.
• Integrate intercultural elements to strengthen communication with Francophone
stakeholders.
b. Training Delivery
• Deliver 180 contact hours per group over the contract period.
• Organise training for up to 100 staff members, divided into manageable sub-groups.
• Implement a hybrid format (50% in-person at AUDA-NEPAD Midrand, 50% virtual
sessions via secure platform).
• Provide remedial and catch-up sessions when needed.
c. Learning Support and Resources
• Supply all learning materials, including textbooks, manuals, and online resources.
• Use engaging pedagogical approaches combining visual, audio, and interactive
exercises.
• Ensure access to learner progress-tracking tools.
d. Assessment and Monitoring
• Conduct periodic internal evaluations (oral and written) to measure progress.
• Track attendance and participation.
• Hold a mid-course review meeting with AUDA-NEPAD HR to adjust delivery if
necessary.
e. Reporting and Handover
• Submit monthly progress reports to AUDA-NEPAD HR, highlighting attendance,
performance, and recommendations.
• Produce a final evaluation report summarising programme outcomes, lessons
learned, and recommendations for future training phases.

4. EXPECTED OUTPUTS:
The consultancy is expected to lead to the following deliverables:
a. Training Plan & Calendar:
• Detailed schedule, group allocation, methodology, and learning resources.
b. Weekly Training Sessions:
• Corporate French classes delivered according to agreed timetable (in-person &
online).

c. Monthly Progress Reports:

• Attendance, learner performance, and recommendations submitted to AUDA-
NEPAD HR.

d. Assessment Results:
• Oral and written evaluations at the end of each term/module.
e. Mid-Course Review Meeting:
• Joint review with AUDA-NEPAD HR to assess progress and make adjustments
f. Certificates:
• Issued to eligible trainees upon successful completion of requirements
g. Final Summary Report:
• Comprehensive report on programme outcomes, challenges, and
recommendations

5. AUDA-NEPAD now invites eligible consulting firms (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in
providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that
they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services.
6. Interested firms must provide information indicating that they are qualified and experienced
to perform the services. The shortlisting criteria are:

The firm must demonstrate:
• Proven track record of at least 5–7 years delivering Corporate French as a Foreign
Language (FLE) training to adult learners, preferably within international,
governmental, or intergovernmental organisations.
• Experience working with African institutions and/or international organisations, with
demonstrated ability to tailor French language training to professional, diplomatic, and
multicultural contexts.
• Evidence of successful implementation of CEFR-aligned curricula (A1–B2
progression) in hybrid formats (in-person and secure online platforms such as Zoom,
MS Teams, Moodle).
• Capacity to manage large cohorts of learners (up to 100 staff members), including
group allocation, progress tracking, and learner assessment.
• Demonstrated ability to integrate intercultural communication elements into language
training, enhancing cross-cultural understanding and institutional inclusivity.
• Provision of qualified and certified FLE instructors (DELF/DALF or equivalent),
supported by modern digital teaching tools (e-learning platforms, interactive materials,
multimedia).
• Previous partnerships or collaborations with reputable institutions such as the
Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) or equivalent bodies would be
considered an added advantage delivery

6.1 Expert 1 – Team Leader
Qualifications and Experience of the Team leader
Qualifications
• Minimum of Bachelor’s degree or higher in Languages, Applied Linguistics, Translation
Studies, or Education, with a strong focus on French and English.
• Formal certification in Teaching French as a Foreign Language (FLE) from a recognised
institution.
Added Advantage
• Certification as a DELF/DALF facilitator or examiner from recognised institution .
• Membership in a recognised professional linguistic or translation body
Experience
• Minimum 5 years of proven experience delivering French as a Foreign Language (FLE)
training to adult learners, preferably in corporate, governmental, or intergovernmental
environments.
• Demonstrated capacity to design and adapt CEFR-aligned curricula for professional and
diplomatic contexts, with a focus on progressing learners from beginner (A1) to
intermediate (B2) level.
• Experience in integrating intercultural communication into language training.
• Proven ability to deliver training through hybrid methods (in-person and secure online
platforms).
• Native or near-native proficiency in French (minimum CEFR C2) and excellent command
of English (minimum CEFR C1)
6.2 Expert 2 – Facilitator
Qualifications and experience of the Facilitator
Qualifications
• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Languages, Applied Linguistics, Translation Studies,
or Education, with strong focus on French and English.
• Formal certification in Teaching French as a Foreign Language (FLE) from a recognised
institution

Added Advantage
• Certification as DELF/DALF examiner/facilitator.
• Professional membership in a recognised linguistic, pedagogical or translation
association
Experience
• At least 3–5 years of proven experience in delivering French as a Foreign Language
(FLE) to adult learners.
• Demonstrated experience in designing and facilitating CEFR-aligned training modules,
ideally up to level B1/B2.
• Experience with intercultural and professional contexts, preferably in international,
intergovernmental, or corporate environments.
• Proven ability to deliver training in hybrid modes (in-person and secure online
platforms).
• Native or near-native proficiency in French (minimum CEFR C2) and excellent working
knowledge of English (minimum CEFR C1).
THE SHORTLISTING CRITERIA ARE:
For evaluation of the expressions of interest, the following criteria will be applied:
a) Specific experience of the Consultant (as a firm) relevant to the Assignment [35 Pts];
b) Organization & Staffing [5 Pts];
c) Key Experts’ qualifications and competence for the Assignment [ 50 Pts];
d) Local participation among Key Experts [4 Pts]
e) Firms Knowledge of the AU Region & Culture of the sector [6 Pts]
Passmark is 70 points and only the firm that obtains the highest points shall be invited to
submit a combined technical and financial proposal.
7. Submission Requirements
Interested Firms are requested to submit the following documents for AUDA-NEPAD
consideration:

a. Signed Declaration of undertaking
b. An Official signed Letter from an authorized official, expressing interest of the firm
to participate in the Consultancy;
c. General profile and background of the firm which should elaborate the following:
i. Core Business of the firms
ii. Names of authorized representatives of the firms (Power of Attorney).
iii. In the cases of Consortiums/Partnerships/Associations shall be required to
submit Joint venture Agreements/Joint Association letters stating the lead
firm.
iv. Commercial Registration of the firms attaching Registrations certificates;
d. Evidence of experience of the Firm in handling consultancy services of a similar
nature ( provide reference letters and completed contracts; and
e. Availability of Professional Key Staff with Suitable Qualifications and experience in
the field of assignment in the form of CVs for the key experts

8. Reporting and Time Schedules: The duration of assignment is expected to last maximum
12 months. The Consultant will report directly to the Head of Recruitment (AUC-secondee).

9. Consultants may associate with other firms in the form of a joint venture or a sub-
consultancy to enhance their qualifications. Firms from African Union Members States

and/or joint ventures will have an added advantage.
10. A Firm will be selected in accordance with the “Selection Based on Consultant’s
Qualifications (CQS)” method set out in the AU Procurement Guidelines. This is an
Expression of Interest (EOI) only; submission of Financial Proposals is not
applicable at this stage.

11. AUDA-NEPAD reserves the right to verify any information provided by
prospective entities/individuals and false information will lead to disqualification. The
AUDA-NEPAD Agency reserves the right to cancel the procurement process without
stating any reason.
12. Only Consulting Firms are eligible for this assignment if they fulfil the following eligibility
criteria:
a) Have no conflict of interest in relationship to performance of this assignment;
b) Are not subject to, and not controlled by any entity or individual that is subject to, a
temporary suspension or a debarment imposed by the African Union Commission,
World Bank or any other multilateral development bank and being listed on the
website http://www.worldbank.org/debarr or respectively on the relevant list of any
other multilateral development bank. Further, we are not ineligible under pursuant to
a decision of the African Union Commission, United Nations Security Council along
with any of the sub-consultants, subcontractors, suppliers, or service providers for
any part of the contract;
c) Have not been convicted by a final judgement or a final administrative decision or
subject to financial sanctions by the United Nations or Country for involvement in a
criminal organisation, money laundering, terrorist-related offences, child labour or
trafficking in human beings; this criterion of exclusion is also applicable to legal
Persons, whose majority of shares are held or factually controlled by natural or legal
Persons which themselves are subject to such convictions or sanctions;
d) Are not a shell company nor has their company been created specifically for this bid
and are legally registered to operate a business under the Laws of their country;
e) Are not being bankrupt, wound up or ceasing our activities, having their activities
administered by courts, having entered receivership, reorganisation or being in any
analogous situation;
f) Are not involved in corruption: offering, giving, receiving or soliciting, directly or
indirectly, anything of value to influence improperly the actions of another party; and
g) Comply with their national tax and social security laws.
Expressions of interest with supporting documents must be delivered in written form to the address
below (by email on or before October 17th

, 2025 14:30hrs (South African Time). All EOIs must
be marked “171/AUDA/DOO/HR/CQS/2025- Consultancy Services for the Provision of
French Language Training for AUDA-NEPAD Staff – Level A1 (Beginner)” in the subject
line of the email.
13. EOIs can also be sent by email, addressed to the address below. Interested Consultants
may also obtain further information at the address below during office hours (09:00 - 17:00
South Africa time):

The Chairperson, Internal Procurement Committee (IPC)
African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD)
230, 15th Road, P. O. Box 218 Midrand,
1685 Johannesburg, South Africa

Email: [email protected] ; and copy [email protected]

Attention of: Procurement Division

14.Bid opening will be held on line via Microsoft teams. For those who wish to attend you
may join using link provided Bid Opening Consultancy Services for the Provision of
French Language Training for AUDA-NEPAD Staff – Level A1 (Beginner) | Meeting-Join
| Microsoft Teams
15.Privacy Policy: AUDA-NEPAD Procurement office collects and uses your personal
information for “Procurement Process” when you intend to compete and deliver any

service or goods for the organization either individually or as a firm based on your
consent. Your personal data is our highest security and kept for a period strictly
necessary for the purpose set out. This privacy notice supplements the AUDA-NEPAD
standard privacy notice and should be read in conjunction with the same available on
AUDA-NEPAD website.