To update a Master’s model module entitled ‘Introduction to African Innovation and Development Studies’
Background
The AfricaLics network was founded in 2012 due to a growing recognition of the need for more support for academic ‘research on innovation’ that has relevance to the contextual environments of African countries. There was an acknowledgement that the heavy focus on ‘research in innovation’ (i.e., research and development of specific inventions to solve practical problems) would be undermined if the enabling environment for developing and commercialising such inventions was not conducive. The concept of ‘research on innovation’ focuses on innovation processes, what fosters innovation and on what may help new solutions get accepted and adopted. It is particularly interested in understanding the impact of innovation on the social and economic development of African countries. It considers these issues at the firm, network, and collaboration levels, as well as at the national, continental, and global levels. As such, the work of scholars in the AfricaLics network is multidisciplinary, at the intersection of the established academic fields of innovation studies and development studies (innovation and development (I&D) studies). However, the network also includes members from other disciplines, such as engineering, economics, and political science. The network’s vision is to facilitate the production and use of high-quality research at this intersection of innovation and development, thereby promoting inclusive and sustainable development in African countries.
The network aims to support and expand teaching and learning, as well as research, on the continent in the field of innovation and development studies. One way it does this is through the provision of a Knowledge Base; an online resource that acts as a ‘one-stop-shop’ for initial materials to help guide those developing teaching programmes or who are starting out in their research in this area with details of the core, foundational readings and details of where to find more material.
These terms of reference outline the requirements for a consultant that will work with the AfricaLics Secretariat and the AfricaLics RCS team to update the model Master’s module on African Innovation and Development studies’ originally developed by the network in a series of events and activities between 2013 and 2016.
Consultant to update the model Master’s module entitled ‘An Introduction to African Innovation and Development Studies’
The work to be undertaken in 2026 will comprise of, but may not be limited to the following tasks:
- Identify and compile core foundational readings and key resources for the updated version of the model Master Module in innovation and development (I&D) studies relevant to African contexts (ensuring multidisciplinary coverage and inclusion of recent, Africa focused literature).
- Develop and update teaching and learning materials, including lecture outlines, suggested weekly topics, case studies, and discussion questions as part of the model Master Module.
- Review and update assessment methods in the revised model Master Module to align with current postgraduate-level teaching and learning outcomes.
- Develop a revised draft model Master Module structured in a flexible and adaptable format suitable for use across different African universities and teaching formats.
- Consult with selected experts to validate updated module content and ensure relevance.
- Prepare and submit a final updated model Master’s module, including module description, learning outcomes, content outline, reading lists, and assessment fieldwork.
Minimum deliverables
These will be fine-tuned during the discussion on the scope of work but are provisionally expected to include:
- A brief inception report (in June 2026).
- A brief final report (4-6 pages) on activities undertaken and methods used (in October 2026).
- A draft module outline, using the previous outline as a starting point.
- A final model Master Module with all required elements up-dated on the basis of comments received and ready for up-load to the AfricaLics website as part of the AfricaLics Knowledge Bank.
Duration of the assignment
This assignment for each consultant is a part-time assignment for a maximum of 15 days estimated to start on 15 June 2026 and running to 31 December 2026.
The successful candidate is expected to be self-driven, working to ensure timely high-quality deliverables that will be reviewed from time to time by the AfricaLics RCS project team, the AfricaLics Secretariat and the responsible ASB Working Group.
Qualifications of the applicants
- Be a holder of a PhD Degree in Innovation Studies or another relevant field,
- One to three years of research experience in an innovation-relevant field is p However, PhD students with knowledge in innovation studies may be considered.
In addition, candidates should also outline their competencies in the following areas:
- Ability to write teaching materials and/or ability to work on context-specific needs/topics.
- Flexible when it comes to change and open to receiving and integrating feedback.
Terms of engagement
- The applicant will receive a moderate fee for the task.
- Duration of engagement – 15 days between June 2026 – December 2026.
- Applicant must be affiliated with a research or academic institution, preferably in Africa.
- Engagement may be on an individual basis, but a partnership with the respective institution may also be considered.
Contract value and payment
- This is not a fully funded position. This is a part-time, volunteer position with a small token fee available to cover a portion of the time this role will take to fulfil. The work will be done for a maximum of 15 days between June 2026 – December 2026.
- Payment will be conditional upon completion of all work as per the approved work plan and sign off of deliverables. Payment will be based on days worked, up to a maximum of 15 days in 2026, based on an agreed work plan and evidenced by timesheets.
- The rate will be 100 USD/ day up to a maximum of 15 days.
- The contract attracts a withholding tax (the rate of tax is dependent on the location of the applicant with different rates for a national in Kenya and those residing internationally).
Management
- This consultancy will be administered by ACTS under the AfricaLics Research Capacity Strengthening (RCS) project funded by Sida, with supervision from AfricaLics RCS team.
Applications
To apply for this position, please send as a single PDF document:
- A one-page letter outlining your motivation and fit with the qualifications.
- A one-page outline of how you propose to tackle this assignment.
- Your CV.
Please submit your application before the close of day, Friday 5 June 2026 to the RCS team, specifically Ann Numi: a.numi@acts-net.org
If you have queries about this work, please contact, Prof. Rebecca Hanlin, from the Africalics RCS team: rebecca@africalics.org
Download