WWF Zambia Country Office
Background information
In 2019 WWF adopted an Environmental and Social Safeguards Framework (ESSF), which, based on the longstanding social policies of the organization, aims to ensure a consistent and comprehensive application of safeguards across the entire WWF network. The ESSF sets out a process to assess, and manage the potential impacts of WWF activities on people and the environment, promoting the respect of human rights and fostering an inclusive conservation approach.
WWF Zambia, in its commitment to conservation and sustainable development, is dedicated to implementing Environmental and Social Safeguards Frameworks (ESSFs) across its priority landscapes. WWF Zambia is rolling out the safeguards process throughout its activities in the landscapes of Silowana, Kafue, Barotse & Liuwa, Luangwa, Bangweulu and Kabompo. This process also trickles down to all relevant activities throughout the project cycle and the engagement with communities and relevant partners The rollout of Social and Environmental Safeguards aims to enhance conservation outcomes in priority landscapes, including Barotse, Kabompo, Bangweulu, Luangwa, Kafue system, and Silowana Complex.
This TOR seeks to engage a consultant to support the rollout and implementation of targeted Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and Environmental and Social Management Frameworks (ESMFs) for the Silowana, Kafue, Luangwa and Upper Zambezi landscapes.
Objectives of the Consultancy:
The main objective of this funding will be to support the rollout and implementation of the WWF ESSF work at landscape level and establishment of the grievance redress mechanism at national level.
Specific Objectives
The following are the specific objectives
1. To support the validation of the Kafue and Upper Zambezi landscape ESMF at landscape level with key stakeholders
2. To support the validation, establishment and implementation of the grievance redress mechanisms for all the three landscapes
3. To support implementation of selected mitigation actions such as, awareness and community sensitization campaigns, focused assessments, trainings and establishment of conflict resolution platforms
Expected Outcomes
1. Enhanced Implementation of ESMF in WWF Zambia landscaped leading to improved mitigation of environmental and social risks
2. Strengthened National-Level Oversight and Coordination for ESMF Implementation at landscape level with increased monitoring and reporting on implementation progress
3. Increased awareness and knowledge of community members and stakeholders on the WWF Zambia ESSF processes and procedures
Expected Outputs.
1. Validation of the Kafue and Upper Zambezi landscapes’ Environmental and Social Management Frameworks (ESMFs), conducted detailing stakeholder feedback and finalized frameworks ready for implementation by June 2024.
2. Grievance redress mechanisms (GRMs) validated and established across all three landscapes (Barotse, Silowana, and Kafue), including documented procedures, contact information, and feedback mechanisms for stakeholders and communities by July 2024.
3. Awareness campaigns, community sensitization initiatives, trainings, and the establishment of conflict resolution platforms in accordance with ESMF guidelines conducted by June 2024.
4. Three (3) assessments on costs and benefits of water provision in Protected Areas (PAs), governance issues and associated risks in the Kafue Landscape, and community knowledge, attitudes, and practices on pesticide use and management conducted by June 2024
5. Monitoring, evaluation, learning and reporting systems at the national level, including frameworks, tools, and protocols for tracking ESMF implementation progress across landscapes established by June 2024
6. All high risk ESSF frameworks approved by the CQC for implementation by October 2024
Scope of Work: The consultant will:
1. Facilitate validation workshops for the Kafue, Silowana and Barotse landscape ESMFs with key stakeholders.
2. Develop the ESMF, GRMs and Stakeholder engagement plans for Luangwa, Kabompo, Bangweulu
3. Lead the validation and establishment and implementation of the GRMs across Barotse, Silowana, and Kafue landscapes.
4. Support the rollout of targeted mitigation actions, including awareness campaigns, community sensitization, assessments, trainings, and conflict resolution platforms.
5. Conduct focused assessments on water provision in Protected Areas, governance issues, and pesticide use and management.
6. Organize capacity-building activities on grievance redress mechanisms, conflict resolution, and relevant topics.
7. Assist in the development of monitoring and reporting systems at the national level.
8. Work with PQA Manager, CCO, CEE/PQA and Landscape managers in the consolidation and submission of high quality ESSF documentation to the approving committees RQAC and CQC.
9. Support with preparation for the ESSF sprint meetings
Deliverables:
1. Validated ESMFs for Kafue and Upper Zambezi landscapes by June 2024.
2. Established GRMs across Barotse, Silowana, and Kafue landscapes by July 2024.
3. Implementation of targeted mitigation actions and assessments by June 2024.
4. Capacity-building activities conducted by June 2024.
5. Monitoring and reporting systems established by June 2024.
6. All landscape ESMFs and National Level Grievance Redress Mechanism approved by October 2024.
Work Schedule:
The consultancy will span 6 months. The successful consultant will rehearse with the PQA Manager to develop a workplan and agree on specific priorities.
The consultant will report to the Program Quality Assurance manager and will work closely with the internal ESSF focal point.
Budget:
The consultant will submit a financial and technical proposal in response to the TORs
Qualifications
- A University Degree in the field of Social Sciences or Development Studies ideally including modules regarding Human Rights and or Inclusive Conservation and Natural Resource Management (A relevant Master’s Degree is an added advantage).
Experience and Key Skills /Competencies
- At least 5-7 years of experience working on social development and community engagement.
- Previous experience working with communities on social safeguarding, participatory conservation approaches including gender equality is an advantage.
- Familiarity with the dynamics and key issues related to community based natural resource management in Zambia.
- Strong planning and analytical skills and experience in project management and the coordination of teams. Previous work managing projects funded and international donors is a plus.
- Ability to build good relationships and work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders in a respectful, participatory manner.
- Experience of participatory (action) research and co-development of conservation or development initiatives with a wide range of stakeholders is highly desirable.
- Self-driven with a pro-active approach to problem solving.
- Ability to work with minimal supervision and as part of a team.
- Frequent field trips away from assigned location.
Application Details
Interested candidates should send their technical and financial proposals as One document to [email protected], with a Subject “Consultancy Services for the Environmental and Social Safeguards” no later than 17th May 2024, a detailed application including:
- An up-to-date curriculum vitae detailing the applicant’s experience in relation to the topic of the consultancy
- A ten (10) paged technical proposal, summarizing the methodology, previous works undertaken,
- A financial proposal, which includes daily rate. WWF will handle costs related to field travel.
The consultant is expected to have their own laptop and internet connectivity to carry out the work.