Consultancy for Consumer Price Index Harmonization Guidelines Development

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (CONSULTING SERVICES – INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT) Name of Project: Eastern Africa Regional Statistics Program-for-Results (EARSPforR) Grant No : P176371 Assignment Title: Individual Consultant (IC) to perform the Consultancy services to develop Guidelines on Harmonization of Consumer Price Index (CPI). Reference No . TN-STATAFRIC - AUC-481157-CS-INDV.

• Background

The 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 Guidelines on Harmonization of Consumer Price Index (CPI). In response to persistent challenges in production, coordination, and use of statistics across Africa, the second Strategy for the Harmonization of Statistics in Africa (SHaSA 2) was launched as a continental framework. SHaSA 2 seeks to strengthen the capacity of the African Statistical System (ASS) to produce reliable, harmonized, and policy-relevant data for tracking development agendas such as Agenda 2063, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and key integration initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is an important macroeconomic indicator that measures the average change in price of goods and services purchased by consumers. It is an important indicator as it facilitates economic convergence, integration and supports monetary and fiscal policy coordination. Accurate CPI data supports formulation of reliable fiscal policies by Member States through adjustment of interest rates in line with national and regional objectives. In addition, having a standardized way of measuring inflation trends across member states enhances comparability across countries and enables fair monitoring of progress towards convergence. Despite its importance, the methodology for compilation of CPI differs across Member States in Africa, affecting comparability across countries and regional economic analysis. The diversity of methodological approaches; limited geographic and sectoral coverage; and capacity constraints undermine CPI representativeness and comparability. In line with SHaSA 2, STATAFRIC is developing a continental guideline to harmonize the methodology for compilation of CPI to improve its quality and reliability, support economic planning, enhance comparability and support regional integration efforts.

• Objectives of the assignment

The specific objective is to develop a guideline on harmonization of the methodology for compilation of Consumer Price Index (CPI), structured around several key dimensions, outlined as follows:

• Methodological Harmonization :
• Review, define and adapt a common framework for product selection, weighting, data sources, and periodicity to ensure comparability of CPI methodologies across Member States.
• Develop standardized metadata templates and tools for use by NSOs in CPI reporting and dissemination.
• Statistical Quality:
• Promote the application of rigorous standards to strengthen the transparency, consistency, and reliability of inflation indicators.
• Continental Comparability :
• Develop or adopt standardized classification to Facilitate the production of CPIs aligned with regional and international standards, enabling cross-country comparisons that support economic policy and regional integration.
• Support for Public Policy :
• Enhance the use of the CPI as a tool for monitoring purchasing power and guiding adjustments in wages, pensions, and social policies.
• Integration into National Statistical Systems:
• Structure the linkage between the CPI and economic accounts and improve the consistency of official statistical publications.
• Assess the feasibility of a continental CPI dashboard or platform for periodic CPI sharing and monitoring.
• Duration and Timeline

The Individual Consultant (IC) is expected to produce a strategic reference document for the harmonization of CPI statistical guidelines within 90 days from the date of signing the consultancy contract. The first revised version will be submitted to the AU Member States and the relevant stakeholders from RECs and international organizations for comments and validation.

• Reporting and supervision

The Individual Consultant (IC) will work remotely with STATAFRIC staff and will provide regular updates according to the agreed timeline. The contract is proposed under the following terms and conditions:

• The duration of this contract is three months .
• The consultant is expected to send an updated C.V and a methodological note about the understanding of the entire assignment.
• Timeframe

Activity Deliverables/ Outputs Anticipated Duration (Days)

• Define the consultant’s approach to delivering the harmonization document.

Methodological report outlines the consultant’s approach to undertaking this consultancy. This should be after the submission of an inception report. 10 days

• Development of the harmonized guidelines on Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Assessment Report highlighting findings from the review of existing practices and stakeholders’ consultations and an outline of the guidelines. 20 days Draft of the harmonized guidelines on Consumer Price Index (CPI). 30 days Stakeholders’ validation report: Present, discuss, and get feedback on the draft guidelines from stakeholders 10 days In person presentation of the updated guidelines to STATAFRIC and other stakeholders. 10 days Finalized guidelines document. 10 days

• Required Qualifications and Experience
• At least a master’s in statistics, economics, econometrics, or a related field with at least 15 years of professional experience.
• Proven professional experience in production, analysis, and harmonization of CPI.
• In-depth knowledge of data governance, institutional coordination, and collaborative frameworks involving key stakeholders such as National Statistical Offices (NSOs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and technical and financial partners in the context of consumer price statistics.
• Practical experience working with NSOs, governments, international organizations, and regional bodies, policy integration, or statistical harmonization.
• Strong analytical, reporting, and communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, concise, and policy-relevant documentation for institutional audiences.
• Proficiency in at least one of the AU languages (Arabic, English, French or Portuguese).
• Evaluation Criteria

The Candidate shall be evaluated based on the following: Evaluation Criteria

• General experience: 10%

Use the general experience indicated in the ToR

• Specific experience: 40%

Use the Specific experience indicated in the ToR

• Qualifications: 25 %

Use the qualification indicated in the ToR

• Methodological note: 15 %

Understanding the stipulated tasks in the ToR and the entire assignment.

• Language: 10 %

The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment are attached to this request for expressions of interest. The African Union Commission now invites eligible individuals (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Individual Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services. The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” July 2016, revised November 2020 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest. A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Individual Consultant selection method set out in the Procurement Regulations. Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours i.e. 0900 to 1700 hours . Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form following the above shortlisting criteria to the address below (in person, or by mail) before 20th February 2026 at 15:00 Hours Local Time, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Only submitted Expression of Interests (EoIs) mentioning the reference number “ TN-STATAFRIC - AUC-481157-CS-INDV “ in the subject field of the e-mail, will be considered. African Union Commission, Attn: Head, Supply Chain Management Division - Operations Support Services Directorate Building C, 3rd Floor, P.O Box 3243, Roosevelt Street Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Tel: +251 (0) 11 551 7700 – Ext 4305 Fax: +251 (0) 11 551 0442; +251 11-551-0430 E-mails: tender@africanunion.org Terms of Reference Individual Consultant (IC) to perform the Consultancy Services to develop Guidelines on Harmonization of Consumer Price Index (CPI)

• Background

In response to persistent challenges in production, coordination, and use of statistics across Africa, the second Strategy for the Harmonization of Statistics in Africa (SHaSA 2) was launched as a continental framework. SHaSA 2 seeks to strengthen the capacity of the African Statistical System (ASS) to produce reliable, harmonized, and policy-relevant data for tracking development agendas such as Agenda 2063, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and key integration initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is an important macroeconomic indicator that measures the average change in price of goods and services purchased by consumers. It is an important indicator as it facilitates economic convergence, integration and supports monetary and fiscal policy coordination. Accurate CPI data supports formulation of reliable fiscal policies by Member States through adjustment of interest rates in line with national and regional objectives. In addition, having a standardized way of measuring inflation trends across member states enhance comparability across countries and enables fair monitoring of progress towards convergence. Despite its importance, the methodology for compilation of CPI differs across Member States in Africa, affecting comparability across countries and regional economic analysis. The diversity of methodological approaches; limited geographic and sectoral coverage; and capacity constraints undermine CPI representativeness and comparability. In line with SHaSA 2, STATAFRIC is developing a continental guideline to harmonize the methodology for compilation of CPI to improve its quality and reliability, support economic planning, enhance comparability and support regional integration efforts.

• Objectives of the assignment

The specific objective is to develop a guideline on harmonization of the methodology for compilation of Consumer Price Index (CPI), structured around several key dimensions, outlined as follows:

• Methodological Harmonization :
• Review, define and adapt a common framework for product selection, weighting, data sources, and periodicity to ensure comparability of CPI methodologies across Member States.
• Develop standardized metadata templates and tools for use by NSOs in CPI reporting and dissemination.
• Statistical Quality:
• Promote the application of rigorous standards to strengthen the transparency, consistency, and reliability of inflation indicators.
• Continental Comparability :
• Develop or adopt standardized classification to Facilitate the production of CPIs aligned with regional and international standards, enabling cross-country comparisons that support economic policy and regional integration.
• Support for Public Policy :
• Enhance the use of the CPI as a tool for monitoring purchasing power and guiding adjustments in wages, pensions, and social policies.
• Integration into National Statistical Systems:
• Structure the linkage between the CPI and economic accounts and improve the consistency of official statistical publications.
• Assess the feasibility of a continental CPI dashboard or platform for periodic CPI sharing and monitoring.
• Specific Tasks
• Review of relevant documents.
• Examine successful initiatives of statistical cooperation among institutional stakeholders across Africa and globally. This includes conducting a diagnostic review of existing Consumer Price Index (CPI) frameworks employed by Member States, with particular attention to base years, data collection frequency, COICOP versions, and the diversity of data collection tools.
• Analyze the limitations of existing policy frameworks governing the exchange of statistical data between stakeholders, with the objective of identifying critical barriers to collaboration, highlighting harmonization needs, and proposing concrete, actionable improvements to strengthen coherence and efficiency in statistical governance.
• Assess challenges in price data collection in conflict-affected areas and informal markets.
• Stakeholders’ Engagement.
• Conduct consultations with relevant stakeholders (e.g. National Statistics Office (NSO), central monetary authorities, and government entities responsible for economic policy) to get their views.
• Required contents.
• A comprehensive assessment of the specific needs of key stakeholders regarding the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
• Identifying and promoting existing best practices in the compilation and use of the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
• The formulation of concrete strategies for the harmonization of statistics related to the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
• The development of an operational roadmap for implementing harmonization strategies for Consumer Price Index (CPI) statistics.
• The establishment of a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to track progress.
• Validation and Finalization.
• Present the draft to stakeholders for review and feedback.
• Revise and finalize the document based on stakeholders’ comments.
• Presentation of the updated document to STATAFRIC and wider stakeholders for review and feedback.
• Deliverables
• Methodological report outlining the consultant’s approach to undertaking this consultancy. This should be after the submission of an inception report.
• Assessment Report highlighting findings from the review of existing practices and stakeholders’ consultations and outline of the guidelines document.
• Draft (guidelines) document including adapted methodologies, best practices and tools of collaboration.
• Stakeholders’ validation report: Summarizing feedback and input from stakeholders.
• Report on in-person presentation to STATAFRIC and wider stakeholders.
• Final Document with clear actionable recommendations ready for adoption.
• Duration and Timeline

The Individual Consultant (IC) is expected to produce a strategic reference document for the harmonization of CPI statistical guidelines within 90 days from the date of signing the consultancy contract. The first revised version will be submitted to the AU Member States and the relevant stakeholders from RECs and international organizations for comments and validation.

• Reporting and supervision.

The consultant will work remotely with STATAFRIC staff and will provide regular updates according to the agreed timeline. The contract is proposed under the following terms and conditions:

• The duration of this contract is three months .
• The Individual Consultant must send an updated C.V. and a methodological note on the understanding of the assignment.
• Timeframe

Activity Deliverables/ Outputs Anticipated Duration (Days)

• Define the consultant’s approach to delivering the harmonization document.

Methodological report outlines the consultant’s approach to undertaking this consultancy. This should be after the submission of an inception report. 10 days

• Development of the guidelines document on Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Assessment Report highlighting findings from the review of existing practices and stakeholders’ consultations and an outline of the guidelines. 20 days Draft of the guidelines on Consumer Price Index (CPI). 30 days Present, discuss, and get feedback on the draft guidelines based on stakeholders’ consultations and validation. 10 days In person presentation of the updated guidelines document to STATAFRIC and broader stakeholders. 10 days Finalized guidelines document. 10 days

• Required Qualifications and Experience
• At least a master’s in statistics, economics, econometrics, or a related field with at least 15 years of professional experience.
• Proven professional experience in production, analysis, and harmonization of CPI.
• In-depth knowledge of data governance, institutional coordination, and collaborative frameworks involving key stakeholders such as National Statistical Offices (NSOs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and technical and financial partners in the context of consumer price statistics.
• Practical experience working with NSOs, governments, international organizations, and regional bodies, policy integration, or statistical harmonization.
• Strong analytical, reporting, and communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, concise, and policy-relevant documentation for institutional audiences.
• Proficiency in at least one of the AU languages (Arabic, English, French or Portuguese).
• Evaluation Criteria

The Candidate shall be evaluated based on the following: Evaluation Criteria

• General experience: 10%

Use the general experience indicated in the ToR

• Specific experience: 40%

Use the Specific experience indicated in the ToR

• Qualifications: 25 %

Use the qualification indicated in the ToR

• Methodological note: 15 %

Understanding the stipulated tasks in the ToR and the entire assignment.

• Language: 10 %
• Payment Terms and Milestones

Payments will be made in installments based on the delivery of the following milestones: No Activities and deliverables Remuneration Percentage - Methodological report outlines the consultant’s approach to undertaking this consultancy. This should be after the submission of an inception report. 10% - Assessment Report and an outline of the guidelines 10% - Draft of the guidelines document 40% - Stakeholder’s consultations and validation report 10% - Report on presentation to STATAFRIC staff and broader stakeholders 10% - Finalized guidelines document. 20% Agency: African Union Commission Procurement method: Individual Consultant Selection Notice type: Request for Expression of Interest Status: Published Value: 40000.0 USD