REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (REOI)- INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT

FOR

CONSULTANCY SERVICE TO CONDUCT BASELINE SOCIO-ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT FOR BOMA-GAMBELLA

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BACKGROUND:

The Boma-Gambella landscape is a diverse system of wetlands, rivers, savannah, open forest, bush and highland areas and includes Boma National Park in eastern South Sudan and Gambella National Park in South West Ethiopia. It is an area rich in biodiversity and includes vast numbers of white eared cob, tiang, mongalla gazelles and other species that seasonally migrate from their wet season habitat in South Sudan to their dry season habitat in Ethiopia. On the Ethiopian side, the ecosystem is threatened by fragmentation due to commercial agricultural development while, on the South Sudan side, the main threat has been from political and ethnic conflicts that have resulted in population displacement, food insecurity, increased reliance on bushmeat and other wild foods. The conflicts have disrupted migration routes and reduced wildlife populations. Additionally, South Sudan is perceived as one of the most corrupted country in the world (Corruption Perception Index of 2019 ranks it as the 179th country on 180) which might also have an effect on transboundary regulations and law enforcement for a sustainable use of natural resources and the fight against trafficking of protected species.

In order to improve governance of shared biodiversity IGAD received regional support from EU on Transboundary Conservation of Biodiversity in the Boma-Gambella Landscape (CRIS number: FED/2020/42700 Financed under the 11th European Development Fund (EDF). This project has two components that IGAD will address regional issue and African Parks Networks (APN) implement at the national level in both Gambella (Ethiopia) and Boma (South Sudan).

OBJECTIVE OF THE CONSULTANCY:

The overall objective of the baseline study is to assess the situation of the target beneficiaries visa-vis the proposed changes and establish targets (benchmarks) that will guide Activity monitoring and evaluation. The study will focus on baseline data collection for a set of indicators outlined in the Activity logical framework. The baseline study report will be used as a measurement to monitor the Activity progress against the set indicators over the course of the Activity implementation

Specific Tasks

1. To liaise with the relevant people at IGAD for adequate briefing and clarification of tasks.
2. Prepare the inception report within 10 days of signing the contract outlining methodology, approach and proposed locations for visit.
3. To identify and consult national wildlife and other relevant institutions in both countries.
4. To work together with the implementing partner APN on already available studies
5. Prepare a draft report and share with IGAD for technical review and inputs
6. Facilitate stakeholders’ validation workshop for the draft report
7. Develop comprehensive reports considering stakeholders’ inputs at the end of the assignment.

DELIVERABLES

• Inception report developed outlining clear methodology.
• Synthesis baseline assessment report with indicator baseline values and targets
• Validation workshop facilitated and workshop report produced.
• Submission of all the collected data and information (Datasets, photographic/Images, Maps, Reports, Spreadsheets, Multimedia, PPTS etc.) supporting records together with a detailed inventory list (Metadata) for archive and for future reference.

Academic Qualifications and Experience:

• Advanced degree in disciplines related to natural resource management, wildlife management, Monitoring and Evaluation, Development Economics and related disciplines.
• At least 10 years’ working experience in socio-economic and other baseline assessments
• Demonstrated evidence of performing similar tasks related to this consultancy in the last 5 years.
• Good record of experience in working with national institutions
• Familiar with national institutions with mandates in biodiversity, wildlife, natural resources and
• Familiar with cross border natural resource management frameworks
• Knowledge of IGAD, AU and global instruments related to Biodiversity and wildlife

Other Skills:

• This assignment is executed in English. An excellent command of English is required.

TENURE OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The Consultancy is for a total of 45 working days spread over 2 months.

 HOW TO APPLY

Interested Individual Consultants must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services by sending via email:

• Cover letter with the applicant’s current contact information including how the candidate’s previous experience matches the consultancy objectives as well as their interest in the position (no longer two pages);
• Comprehensive CV of consultant and professional references or letter of recommendation.

Eligibility criteria, establishment of the short-list and the selection procedure shall be in accordance IGAD procurement regulations.

 Interested individual Consultants may obtain further information at the address below during office hours from Sunday to Thursday 7:30am to 2:30pm local time, or by email to procurement@igad.int  with copies to Eshete.Dejen@igad.int & Ismail.omar@igad.int

The consultants should submit their Expression of Interest (EOI) to: procurement@igad.int with Copies to Eshete.Dejen@igad.int  & Ismail.omar@igad.int

 not later than 9^th July 2025 at 23:59 Hrs. EAT (GMT+3).  Please refer to the attached TOR for more information.

Please note that at this stage no PROPOSALS whether TECHNICAL or FINANCIAL are requested.

Procurement Unit

Administration and Finance

IGAD Secretariat

Avenue Georges Clemenceau

E-mail: procurement@igad.int

P.O. Box 2653,

Djibouti, Republic of Djibouti

Download the attached ToR document in PDF below
Terms of Reference Consultant to conduct baseline socio-economic assessment for Boma-Gambella