End-of-Term Evaluation of the African World Heritage Fund Strategic Plan (2022–2027)
Closing date:
06 February 2026, 16.30 SAST
- Background
The African World Heritage Fund (AWHF) was established in 2006 to support the effective conservation and protection of natural and cultural heritage of outstanding universal value in Africa. Its creation was the result of efforts by African Member States of UNESCO and the African Union (AU) to develop a strategy addressing the challenges faced by African countries in implementing the 1972 World Heritage Convention. In 2010, the Fund became a Category II Centre under the auspices of UNESCO.
AWHF is mandated to strengthen the implementation of the 1972 World Heritage Convention by the African States Parties by:
- Supporting the identification and nomination list African heritage properties on the World Heritage List;
- Supporting the conservation and management of heritage properties inscribed on the World Heritage List;
- Assisting in the rehabilitating sites inscribed on the List of World Heritage in Danger;
- Providing training for heritage experts and site managers as part of an ongoing capacity-building process; and,
- Promoting the involvement of communities in decisions concerning their heritage and ensuring that they derive tangible benefits from World Heritage.
The AWHF Strategic Plan (2022–2027) provides the overall framework for delivering this mandate. The End-of-Term Evaluation will assess the extent to which the Strategic Plan has been implemented, measure its results and impact, and generate lessons and recommendations to to inform the next strategic planning cycle.
2. Objectives of the Evaluation
The End-of-Term Evaluation will:
- Assess the overall progress in achieving the goals, outcomes, and outputs of the AWHF Strategic Plan (2022–2027).
- Evaluate the relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, and sustainability of AWHF strategic interventions.
- Identify key achievements, challenges, and lessons learned over the life of the Strategic Plan; and
- Provide actionable recommendations to inform AWHF’s future strategic direction and the design of the subsequent Strategic Plan.
3. Scope of the assignment
The consultant will:
- Conduct a comprehensive review of AWHF strategic documents, progress reports, and evaluation data, and other relevant information generated during the 2022–2027 period;
- Undertake interviews and consultations with key stakeholders, including the Board of Governors, AWHF Secretariat, partners, donors, and beneficiaries.
- Prepare a comprehensive evaluation report presenting findings, conclusions, and evidence-based recommendations.
- Present the final evaluation report to AWHF Board of Governors.
4. Deliverables
The Consultant will be expected to deliver the following:
- Inception Report outlining the evaluation approach, methodology, tools, workplan and timeline.
- Draft Evaluation Report presenting preliminary findings, conclusions and recommendations.
- Final Evaluation Report (maximum 30 pages, excluding annexes) incorporating feedback from AWHF Secretariat and the Board of Governors.
- Presentation of key findings and recommendations to the AWHF Board of Governors.
5. Required Qualifications:
The consultant should have:
- An advanced degree in heritage management, development studies, monitoring and evaluation, public policy or a related field.
- At least 10 years of proven experience in conducting institutional and/or strategic plan reviews/evaluations preferably in the natural and cultural heritage sectors.
- Demonstrated knowledge of World Heritage systems, cultural/natural heritage management, or related international development frameworks.
- Good understanding of relevant regional and global policy documents and strategic frameworks such as the Africa Union Agenda 2063, UNESCO’s World Heritage Convention and Operational Strategy for Priority Africa (2022-2029), and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Ability to work independently and to deliver high-quality outputs within tight deadlines;
- Strong analytical, facilitation and communication skills; and
- Excellent report-writing skills in English (knowledge of French is an asset).
Evaluation of applications will be based on the above criteria.
6. Duration
The assignment is expected to be completed within one (1) month: 1 April – 1 May 2026.
7. Application Process
Interested candidates are invited to submit the following documents:
- An expression of interest (cover letter) indicating relevant experience with similar evaluations;
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae
- A technical proposal (including proposed methodology and workplan);
- A financial proposal (professional fees and related costs);
- Contact details of three (3) referees for whom similar work has been conducted.
8. Submission of Applications
Applications must be submitted electronically via this link: AWHF EVALUATION CONSULTANT APPLICATION.
For enquiries, contact info@awhf.net with a copy to jacobn@dbsa.org. Only successful applicant (s) will be contacted.
9. Deadline
The deadline for submission of applications is 6 February 2026, 16.30 (SAST).
