Transforming Eastern Province through Adaptation (TREPA) Project

Similar Jobs in Rwanda
Learn more about International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) jobs in Rwanda

Objectives and Specific Tasks
This section describes the main objective of the baseline survey and outlines the key responsibilities expected from the consultant firm. The objective of the assignment is to collect baseline information for the indicators set out in the project logical framework and Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Plan. The specific tasks of the assignment include:
1. In consultation with the projects teams, review existing impact and outcome indicators and propose additional ones based on consultants analysis of the expected impact of the project;
2. Undertake baseline assessment and determine the baseline values of the indicators proposed above and also the following key socio-economic and biophysical indicators;
Number of financial products developed, tested and rolled out to improve access to finance for agriproducts for (1) vulnerable groups/ smallholders and (2) tree crop, bee products, and fodder VCs.
Number of districts with integrated climate resilient metrics in Landscape Restoration Plans within annual district development strategies
Number of staff from national government and district authorities reporting improved capacity to manage information systems and integrate climate-related aspects
Provide an updated version of the logical framework and MEL plan with validated and proposed indicators, baselines, targets, data sources and method/ approach of data collection, reporting schedules and responsibilities, risks assessments etc.

Methodology
The consultant will identify and describe the most appropriate and efficient methodology and approach for designing and conduction a baseline study which will not only inform project target setting, implementation fidelity and performance, but also serve as the baseline for a future impact study. It is envisioned that the methodology will include (but not limited to) the following:
• Documentation Review
• Scoping mission
• Review/validation of the project Theory of Change and develop baseline and impact evaluation questions (key & subsidiary questions) and indicators;
• Develop an appropriate Baseline study design: Experimental design (Randomized Controlled Trials – RCTs), Non-experimental methods or Mixed methods;
• Perform Sample size and Power calculations;
• Develop schedule/timeline for baseline study
• Write evaluation design report including data collection/survey tools
• Carry out the baseline study as outlined in the study timeline
• Develop baseline study report
• Disseminate findings.

Deliverables/Outputs of the Assignment
Three main deliverables are expected:
1. Inception Report: In the project inception phase, the consultant will undertake consultative calls and meetings combined with review and analysis of documents, which will culminate in the development of the inception report which will be submitted to IUCN within 14 days of contract signing. This report will describe in details the approach, sampling in treatment and control areas, methodology and workplan to be used in executing the assignment. The report will also include the proposed outline of the baseline report. The consultants will convene an inception meeting/workshop for discussing the report with a view to making comments for improvement.
2. Draft Baseline Study Report: The draft report will clearly indicate the results obtained and the utilized methodology specifications listed in Section 4 above and the baseline values for the above specified indicators. The baseline values should be in the units of measurement indicated in the project documents. The draft report will be submitted to IUCN within 39 days of contract signing.
3. Final Baseline Study Report: Project stakeholders will review the draft report and provide feedback that will inform the subsequent update of the draft report to final report. The final baseline study report will be presented to project steering committee for their adoption or approval. The draft report will be submitted to IUCN within 43 days of contract signing.
4. Data sets: All data sets and supporting documentation such as code books, data dictionaries will be submitted to the IUCN.

Reference Documents
Relevant documents that IUCN will share with the Consultant include (but not be limited to) the following:
• GCF Accreditation Master Agreement (AMA)
• Funded Activity Agreement (FAA)
• TREPA funding proposal (including ESMF)
• Project Revised logical framework
• Project Monitoring and Evaluation plan
• Project Implementation plan
• TREPA Project Feasibility Study
• Map of the targeted landscapes/villages
• Project gender action plan
• Implementing Agreements and Co-financing Agreements between IUCN and EEs
• Financing Agreement with National Treasury (NDA)

Required Experience, Skills and Competencies - The Consultancy team
The consultancy firm will work independently in collaboration with the IUCN Monitoring and Evaluation Office providing overall coordination. The consultancy firm will meet the following conditions:
• Minimum of 5 years of existence and experience in socio-economic, biophysical assessment, climate change impacts assessment and natural resource management;
• Having undertaken programme or project baseline assessments in Rwanda or other countries, preferably within the East African region
• Experience in designing ex-post impact studies with demonstrated application of various evaluation designs - experimental non-experimental designs, sample size and power calculations;
• Experience in landscape or catchment assessments, including land-use and restoration;
• Experience in value chains and markets, Incentive payment schemes assessments
The consultancy firm is expected to provide a pool of experts to implement the outlined tasks. The key skills and competencies of team members include:
• A relevant post-graduate degree at or above MSc level in Natural Resources or Environmental Management, Forestry, Agriculture, Climate change adaptation/mitigation or a related discipline;
• At least five (5) years’ experience in experience in socio-economic, biophysical assessment, climate change impacts assessment;
• Demonstrated experience conducting baseline studies for GCF/GEF-funded projects;
• Previous experience in the development of project Theories of Change, log-frames/results frameworks with SMART indicators;
• Clear understanding of research methodologies and experience using a range of research tools and techniques with regards to climate change adaptation;
• Strong skills in monitoring and evaluation;
• Experience working in the Eastern Rwanda, added value;
• Fluent in spoken and written English;
• Knowledge of Kinyarwanda language is desirable.

Timeframe of the Consultancy
The assignment will be conducted within a period of 45 days between September 6th and October 20, 2022. More details on the timeframe are provided in Table below.
No. Item/activity Period/time
1 ToR Preparation and publication for call for applications 1-31st July 2022
2 Applications submission (online) 16-25 August 2022
3 Applications’ review and consultant/consultancy firm selection 26-31 August 2022
4 Project Partners’ workshop with the selected consultant/consultancy firm to agree on Consultancy schedule and ToR 2- 5 Sept. 2022
5 Conduct of Baseline survey 6th Sept.- 20 Oct.2022
6 Preparation, Presentation of Baseline Inception report and comments 21-25 Oct. 2022
7 Addressing Inception report comments, Preparation and Presentation of draft Report 26-28 Oct.2022
8 Preparation, presentation and submission of Final report 29-30 Oct.2022

Technical Evaluation Criteria
The technical evaluation will be made using the following criteria and maximum points:
N0. Criteria Points
1. Clarity and completeness of the Proposal 10
2. Approach and Methodology
2.1 Critical analysis of the project objectives and the TOR 10
2.2 Conceptual and methodological approach
Description of the conceptual and methodological approach including experimental designs, sample size and power calculations 30
2.3 Operationalisation of the approach and Methodology
Working programme / working schedule for delivery of outputs (20 pt.),
Staffing schedule and task assignment descriptions (5 pt.),
Work organisation, back-up services, quality control, logistics (5 pt.) 30
3. Consultants Competencies
3.1 Education: Master’s in relevant field (3 pt.);
Work experience: at least five (5) years in baseline studies, M&E, Impact assessments, socio-economic and biophysical assessments, (8 pt.);

Applications
Interested consultants, preferably Rwanda-based should email Technical and Financial proposal (in US dollars) detailing the proposed approach, methodology and workplan for the assignment. The proposal should be accompanied by (i) detailed CVs outlining the consultant’s academic qualifications, previous relevant experience, contact information, etc.; (ii) documented evidence e.g. copy of baseline study reports previously developed and (iii) and conflict of interest statement.
All proposals (Technical and Financial) should be password protected. One day after the application deadlines, applicants are requested to send the passwords on the same email used while applying. Applications entitled: “TREPA Baseline Survey_Full names of Consultants/Consultancy Firm” should be sent electronically by email to Rwanda@iucn.org and copy to Valentine.Ikirezi@iucn.org no later than August 25th, 2022 at 11: 59p.m, local time in Rwanda.
During the course of this procurement, i.e. from the publication of this RfP to the award of a contract, if you have any question, please, address all correspondence and questions to the following IUCN Contact :Name: Albert SCHENK, E-mail: Albert.Schenk@iucn.org