CONDUCTING CLIMATE VULNERABILITY INDEX IN CJC COMMUNITIES

1. Background 

The Scottish Government (SG) was the first government globally to commit funds specifically to climate justice, launching the Climate Justice Fund (CJF) in 2012, and ensuring that this fund not only supports communities in partner developing countries to become more resilient to climate change but does so in a way that acknowledges, and tackles embedded inequalities.

The purpose of the Climate Just Communities (CJC) Programme is to implement effective climate justice interventions focusing on community voice and needs, prioritising marginalised communities, women, and people with disabilities. The National Consultation Workshop that took place on August 25th 2023, identified the districts of Gisagara, Karongi, and Ngororero as the most at-risk communities in Rwanda where the Climate Just Communities programme would potentially make an impact. Afterwards, the consultation workshops held at the district level identified three sectors within each district as primary units of the CJC programme implementation.

Reference was also made to the Mapping of Communities Most at Risk of Climate Change. (Community Mapping Report), that provided for more details on how communities at risk of the impacts of climate change were selected, including metrics, data, and evidence that support a commitment on the premised collective belief that, reaching and including those most affected by climate injustice, poverty, and exclusion first means tackling structural inequalities, challenging existing gender/power relations, confronting discrimination and fast-tracking progress for the most vulnerable.

It is on this background that Rwanda Climate Change and Development Network (RCCDN) received a grant from Scottish government through Trocaire to conduct a climate vulnerability index for Climate Just Communities in Rwanda which are; Gisagara, Karongi, and Ngororero specifically in the sectors of Mutuntu, Gitesi Murambi, Muhanda, Kavumu, Kageyo, Ndora, Kibirizi and Muganza.

2. Objectives of the climate vulnerability index 

To empower evidence-based decision-making and foster a practical approach to building resilience in the aspects of a changing climate by understanding, addressing, and mitigating the effects of climate change at the community level.

• Objective of the assignment 

1. The main objective of the assignment is to develop Climate Vulnerability Index (CVI) and map it down to the lowest administrative levels-Districts, Sectors, Cells and Villages-that are subject to Climate Justice Community Program interventions. The flowing specific objectives are formulated in order to achieve the main objective to develop a climate vulnerability index (CVI) methodology using, climate data, disaster related data and other relevant data (social, environment and economic)
2. To justify downscaling the climate data at sector, cell and village levels
3. To analyze the CVI following the climate events, exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity to areas subject to climate justice community program initiatives
4. To determine the high-vulnerability and low-vulnerability areas through mapping the CVI. 

3. Scope of work  

I. Scoping 

• Identify, collect describe and compile relevant documents, data and information (historical and updated), stakeholders, hazards, vulnerabilities and resulting risks to be assessed. This activity include:
• Considering past and ongoing climate vulnerability assessments identifying gaps.
• A describing clearly climate-related hazards to be addressed in the climate vulnerability assessment.
• Providing a summary of existing baseline data and information and scope of the expansion of the baseline
• Providing details of the assessment methodology to be used in the developing climate vulnerability assessment index. 

II. Identifying the existing conditions and examine how conditions might evolve in the future. 

• Identify and assess the various climate-related hazards affecting the CJC program intervention areas, such as extreme weather events (heavy rainfall, storms, floods, and droughts), temperature extremes, etc. Consider both current and projected future climate conditions based on climate change scenarios.
• Evaluate the degree to which the region or community is exposed to climate hazards, taking into account geographic location, topography, and infrastructure vulnerability.
• Assess the sensitivity of different sectors (e.g., agriculture, water resources, health, and infrastructure) to climate change impacts. Sensitivity reflects how much a system is affected when exposed to a particular climate stress.
• Evaluate the ability of the community to adapt to and cope with the impacts of climate change. This includes assessing social, economic, institutional, and technological factors that contribute to resilience.
• Consider social factors, such as demographics, poverty levels, education, health, and social cohesion, which can influence vulnerability to climate change.
• Examine economic factors, including income levels, dependence on climate-sensitive sectors (agriculture), and economic diversification, to understand the economic vulnerability of the region.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of institutions and governance structures in place for managing climate-related risks, implementing adaptation measures, and coordinating responses.
• Assess the resilience of critical infrastructure and the availability of technology to cope with and adapt to climate change impacts.
• Involve local communities in the assessment process to ensure that their perspectives, experiences, and knowledge are considered. This can enhance the accuracy and relevance of the vulnerability index
• Conduct GIS-based vulnerability assessments, including exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity analyses.
• Develop maps and spatial visualizations to communicate climate vulnerability findings

4. Key Deliverables  

The consultant is expected to deliver the following:

1. Inception Report detailing the following:
   • A comprehensive description of the understanding of the ToR and indicating any major inconsistency or deficiency in the ToR and proposed amendments.
   • A complete work plan for the assessment in each District. 
2. A draft Climate Vulnerability Assessment Report per District documenting findings and recommendations as outlined in the scope including facilitating a session to discuss the contents of the draft report with RCCDN and other stakeholders. 
3. Final Climate Vulnerability Assessment Report per District: This should be a comprehensive report focusing on key areas described above. This report should include detailed analyses of various factors contributing to vulnerability, such as exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity. This report shall be submitted within 10 working days of receiving comments on a draft report. It should include all relevant data and information, and recommendations to inform decision making.

5. Timeline  

The consultant will be expected to complete the assignment and deliver the report within 3 weeks of the contract being awarded. 

6. Qualifications

The consultant should possess the following qualifications:

i. Technical expertise 

• Knowledge about climate change and its impacts on community/human livelihoods.
• Experience in data collection and analysis.
• Experience in impact assessment and sensitivity analyses.
• Experience liaising with community, local and national authorities.
• Strong professional and academic writing skills.
• Strong research, problem-solving and organizational skills.

ii. Education/Experience

An advanced degree in environmental science and related fields with previous experience on topics related to climate change

7. Evaluation Criteria 

The consultant will be evaluated based on the following criteria: 

• Experience and qualifications, understanding of the project scope and objectives 
• Proposed methodology and approaches 
• Feasibility of proposed strategies and activities 
• Budget and cost-effectiveness 

8. Reporting and supervision 

The consultant will report to SALAMA GATA Sylvia, Programme Coordinator for guidance and coordination throughout the project. 

9. Submission of Proposals 

Interested consultants should submit a proposal outlining their qualifications, experience, methodology, and budget by 28^th February 2024. Proposals should be submitted to rccdnrwanda@rccdnetwork.org.

Only the selected candidate will be notified for contract signing.

For further inquiries, please contact: Salama, Gata Sylvia on Tel: 0788303172 

Done at Kigali; 

Faustin Vuningoma 

Coordinator, RCCDN