Request for Proposal-ACBF /RFP/004/26/UBORA
1. Background and Objective
The African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) is the African Union’s specialized agency for capacity development. Since its establishment in 1991, ACBF has supported capacity building across the continent, reaching more than 100,000 public officials and over 70 institutions of higher learning. The Foundation has also established a continent-wide network of more than 50 African think tanks that contribute to evidence-based policymaking through policy research and analysis.
As part of its 2023–2027 strategic plan, ACBF launched the UBORA Academy, an e-learning and capacity development platform that delivers cutting-edge, pan-African learning solutions to address Africa’s development priorities. UBORA Academy seeks to promote accessible, impactful, and inclusive learning experiences to advance competencies in areas including Economic and Social Governance, Climate Change & Energy for Productive Use, Agribusiness & Food Sovereignty, and Trade as an Engine for Economic Development.
The consultancy will provide instructional design expertise to support Subject Matter Experts in developing high-quality e-learning modules and coordinate with the Program Coordinator and Web Services/LMS Specialist to ensure that approved content is uploaded, tested, and published on the LMS.
2. Scope of Work
- Lead instructional design for the Ubora Academy
- Work with SMEs to review, structure, and transform academic content into engaging e-learning modules using agreed templates and standards.
- Guide SMEs in developing clear learning outcomes and ensure alignment between outcomes, content, learning activities, and assessments.
- Review SME content and advise on structure, sequencing, clarity, learner engagement, and suitability for online delivery.
- Support development of quizzes, assignments, case studies, discussions, exercises, and other interactive learning activities.
- Recommend appropriate multimedia resources, including graphics, video, audio, and interactive elements, where these enhance learning.
- Ensure consistency, accessibility, design, and adherence to agreed e-learning quality standards.
- Coordinate with the Academic Program Coordinator to ensure modules meet curriculum requirements and complete required academic review and approval.
- Prepare approved content for LMS deployment and coordinate with the Web Services/LMS Specialist on course structure, configuration, and presentation.
- Review and test uploaded modules, including navigation, links, multimedia, activities, and assessments, and coordinate correction of identified issues.
- Track module development and maintain appropriate documentation and version control.
3. Key Deliverables
The consultant will deliver: (i) an agreed instructional design approach and module template; (ii) reviewed and instructionally designed e-learning modules; (iii) appropriate learning activities and assessments; (iv) finalized LMS-ready content; (v) quality assurance of modules following LMS upload; and (vi) a brief completion report summarizing modules developed, issues addressed, and recommendations.
4. Duration and Reporting
The consultancy will be undertaken remotely on a retainer basis for two years. The consultant will report to the Ubora Academy Director and work closely with the Ubora Academy Team, including the Program Coordinator, SMEs, and the Web Services/LMS Specialist. A detailed work plan and delivery schedule will be agreed at the commencement of the assignment.
5. Qualifications and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Instructional Design, Education, Educational Technology, E-Learning, Curriculum Development, Digital Education, or a related field; a Master’s degree is an advantage.
- At least 5 years of e-learning instructional design experience in a university or corporate training setting.
- Familiarity with instructional models such as ADDIE, Bloom’s Taxonomy, Gagne’s Nine,
- Experience with LMS platforms such as Moodle, Canvas, Blackboard, Open edX, or equivalent.
- Strong knowledge of instructional design, adult learning, accessibility, online assessment, and digital learning principles.
- Excellent writing, editing, communication, coordination, and quality assurance skills.
- Bilingualism in English and French will be an added advantage.
6. Selection criteria
Evaluation of the proposals
The selection method for this assignment is individual consultant selection. The technical evaluation committee shall evaluate the CVs and experience based on their responsiveness to the Terms of Reference, with a minimum technical score required being 70 Points specified below. A technical proposal shall be rejected at this stage if it does not respond to important aspects of the Terms of Reference or if it fails to achieve the minimum technical score indicated.
Below is the evaluation criteria:
| SN | Criteria | Max Points (100) |
| 1 | Bachelor’s degree in Instructional Design, Education, Educational Technology, E-Learning, Curriculum Development, Digital Education, or a related field; a Master’s degree is an advantage. | 20 |
| 2 | At least 7 years of e-learning instructional design experience in a university or corporate training setting. | 20 |
| 3 | Familiarity with instructional models such as ADDIE, Bloom’s Taxonomy, Gagne’s Nine, | 15 |
| 4 | Experience with LMS platforms such as Moodle, Canvas, Blackboard, Open edX, or equivalent. | 10 |
| 5 | Strong knowledge of instructional design, adult learning, accessibility, online assessment, and digital learning principles. | 15 |
| 6 | Excellent writing, editing, communication, coordination, and quality assurance skills. | 10 |
| 7 | Bilingualism in English and French will be an added advantage. | 10 |
At financial evaluation, the most competitive Daily rate will be selected.
Application Process
The Consultancy firm should submit the following:
- The Consultant’s CV and cover letters including three references with full contact details.
- A technical proposal detailing the proposed approach and methodology for the assignment.
- A financial proposal detailing the Daily consultancy fee encrypted with a password. Please note that this assignment is being implemented within a restricted budget; therefore, consultants are strongly encouraged to submit efficient, realistic, and competitive financial proposals to enhance their chances of success.
- Three examples of similar assignments undertaken in the past 5 years. The name and contact information of three referees for contact regarding relevant experience of the consultancy firm is required.
13. Submission Process
The individual consultant is being requested to submit their technical & Financial proposals with the subject clearly marked, “Consultancy Services for Instructional Design Consultant – E-Learning Module Development” to the email address: submission@theacbf.org on or before 17.00 hours (local Harare time), on 2nd October 2026.