Website East, Central and Southern Africa Health Community (ECSA-HC)
East, Central and Southern Africa Health Community (ECSA-HC)
East, Central and Southern Africa Health Community (ECSA-HC)
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1. Introduction and Background
The East, Central, and Southern African Health Community (ECSA-HC) is an intergovernmental health organization that fosters and promotes regional cooperation in health among member states.
Member states of the ECSA Health Community are:
- Kenya
- Lesotho
- Malawi
- Mauritius
- Eswatini
- United Republic of Tanzania
- Uganda
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
ECSA-HC was established in 1974 to foster and strengthen regional cooperation and capacity to address the health needs of the member states.
ECSA-HC was formerly known as the Commonwealth Regional Health Community Secretariat (CRHCS), established under the auspices of the Commonwealth Secretariat in London.
Since 1980, ECSA-HC has functioned under the direct control of member state governments, who consider the organization as a permanent mechanism for promoting cooperation in health in the region.
The main governing document of ECSA-HC is the Convention of the East, Central and Southern Africa Health Community, which establishes the organization and defines its terms of reference.
The ECSA Health Community works with countries and partners to raise the standard of health for people in the ECSA region by promoting efficiency and effectiveness of health services through:
- Cooperation
- Collaboration
- Research
- Capacity building
- Policy development
- Advocacy
Through partnerships with diverse institutions, ECSA’s activities have also spread to other African countries to address common health challenges. ECSA supports non-member states including:
- Botswana
- Burundi
- Eritrea
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Rwanda
- South Sudan
- Seychelles
- Somalia
2. Objective of the Engagement
ECSA-HC seeks to engage a reputable legal firm to provide advisory services on a retainer basis.
The selected firm will serve as the organization’s legal advisor, providing expert, practical, and timely advice on matters requiring specialized expertise.
The objective is to:
- Mitigate legal risk
- Ensure compliance with international best practices
- Facilitate the organization’s strategic objectives
3. Scope of Required Services
The firm must demonstrate expertise in the following areas relevant to international organizations:
a. Public International Law
- Privileges and immunities
- Status agreements with host countries
- Treaties
- Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs)
b. Institutional Governance
- Governance structures
- Rules of procedure for governing bodies
- Legal interpretation of constitutive documents
c. Contract & Commercial Law
- Drafting and negotiating complex contracts including:
- Procurement contracts
- Licensing agreements
- Consultancy agreements
- Partnership agreements with NGOs and private sector entities
d. Dispute Resolution & Litigation Management
- International arbitration
- Mediation
- Litigation management
- Employment and contractual disputes
e. Administrative & Employment Law
Advice on:
- Internal justice systems
- Staff regulations
- Personnel matters within international administrative law
f. Regulatory Compliance
- International sanctions regimes
- Anti-money laundering (AML)
- Counter-terrorism financing
- Data protection regulations
g. Ethics & Investigations
- Investigating allegations of:
- Fraud
- Corruption
- Sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA)
- Harassment
- Advice on whistleblower policies
h. Specialized Advisory
Advice may be needed on:
- Intellectual property
- Environmental law
- Maritime law
i. Diplomatic Relations
Understanding operations of international and diplomatic organizations including:
- Immunities
- Privileges
4. Mandatory Qualifications and Experience
Interested firms must meet the following criteria:
a. International Reputation
A recognized firm with experience advising:
- International organizations
- Government bodies
- Multinational corporations
b. Relevant Experience
Minimum 10+ years experience in the specified legal areas.
The proposal must include:
- List of relevant clients
- Case studies
c. Global/Regional Footprint
Network of offices or alliances in regions where the organization operates.
d. Multilingual Capabilities
Ability to provide advice and draft legal instruments in official languages of the organization.
e. Conflict of Interest
Firm must confirm in writing that no conflicts of interest exist.
5. Key Profile of the Proposed Team
The firm must propose a dedicated core team including:
Partner-in-Charge
- Senior partner with 15+ years experience
- Responsible for overall relationship and work quality
Relationship Partner / Managing Associate
Responsible for:
- Day-to-day liaison
- Responsiveness
- Understanding organizational needs
Specialized Lawyers
Associates and senior associates with expertise in required legal areas.
CVs of all key team members must be included.
6. Expected Qualities and Working Methodology
Responsiveness
Ability to provide urgent advice under tight deadlines.
Practicality
Advice must be:
- Pragmatic
- Solution-oriented
- Operationally realistic
Cost-Effectiveness
Transparent fee structures including:
- Discounted hourly rates
- Fixed fees
- Capped project fees
Cultural Sensitivity
Understanding of public service mission and diplomatic context.
Confidentiality
Strict adherence to confidentiality and data security standards.
7. Duration
Qualified firms will be shortlisted for interviews and may present their capabilities to an evaluation committee.
The organization anticipates entering a framework agreement for an initial period of three (3) years.
8. Method of Application
Preference will be given to firms based in the ECSA-HC region.
Firms must submit a proposal including:
- Application Letter explaining why the firm is suitable
- Firm Overview (history, structure, philosophy)
- Relevant Experience with case studies
- Proposed Team with CVs
- Fee Structure and billing model
- Certifications
- Language capabilities
- Confirmation of no conflict of interest
- Company registration documents and tax clearance certificate
Applications that do not meet the criteria will not be accepted.
Only shortlisted firms will be contacted.
9. Deadline for Applications
Applications must reach the address below by 31 March 2026.
Address:
Director General
East, Central and Southern Africa Health Community
Plot 157 Oloirien, Njiro Road
P.O. Box 1009
Arusha, Tanzania
Email:
Website: www.ecsahc.org
ECSA-HC is an equal opportunity employer. Firms led by women and/or persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
To apply for this job email your details to vacancies@ecsahc.org