USAID TKV Climate Change Vulnerability and Risk Assessment Consultancy

Conducting Climate Change Vulnerability and Risk Assessment in Gombe Masito Ugalla (GMU) Landscape in Western Tanzania

I. POSITION OVERVIEW

The Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) is seeking a consultant or consultant teams to undertake climate change vulnerability and risk assessment within the Gombe Masito Ugalla (GMU) landscape. The landscape covers an area of 1,733,283 hectares including the protected areas and 104 villages located in four districts (Kigoma and Uvinza in Kigoma region, Tanganyika and Mpanda in Katavi Region). It is expected that the assessment will assist JGI in the following essential areas of their work: 1) identify likely climate change vulnerabilities, 2) understand the type and magnitude of the risks associated with those vulnerabilities, and 3) help in designing proper adaptation strategies that will improve climate resiliency while enhancing sustainable development in the GMU landscape.

II. PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) implements a landscape conservation project funded through a cooperative agreement with The United States Agency for International Development (USAID); the project entitled USAID Tumaini Kupitia Vitendo is executed in two regions, Kigoma and Katavi. This project focuses on natural resource management and governance, while improving community livelihoods. In addition, the project plans to enhance climate change adaptation and resiliency in the GMU Landscape.

USAID Tumaini Kupitia Vitendo promotes the preparation and implementation of land-use plans, climate smart agriculture, and improved governance of Natural Resources, including chimpanzees and other wildlife within the landscape of the Gombe Masito Ugalla Landscape (Biosphere reserve). This project aims to enhance conservation of landscape forests such as Tongwe West, Masito Local Authority Forest Reserves, Tongwe East Forest Reserve, village forest reserves and privately owned forest reserves. The landscape is threatened by forest loss due to unplanned settlement development and agricultural expansion, coupled with rapid population growth, uncontrolled logging, wildfire and unsustainable land use practices. Major livelihood activities in the landscape are farming and livestock keeping followed by other activities. The area is among the regions in Tanzania with rich miombo woodland that is prone to disappearance because of deforestation trends, the area is also among those receiving more migrants in search of farmland and pastures. Climate change is another threat to the landscape both in terms of biodiversity, forest cover and human livelihoods. Through Climate Change adaptation the project hopes to prepare communities for the likely impacts, reducing the potential for adverse impacts that could lead to increased human pressures on Natural Resources.

III. OBJECTIVES OF THE CONSULTANCY

General Objectives:

The Jane Goodall Institute through USAID Tumaini Kupitia Vitendo Project is working to build climate resilient communities in the GMU landscape. Conducting this assessment will help us to better understand key areas of climate change vulnerability and the risks associated with those vulnerabilities. This assessment will enable us to understand the situation better and plan for proper adaptation strategies to address them. This assessment will enable the project to propose and address the best adaptive strategies and actions for project stakeholders.

This work will be complemented by a separate study updating our understanding of the likely climate changes in the GMU, over the coming years. A 4-year-old report on those likely changes will be used as a starting point for this vulnerability and risk assessment. As new information becomes available it will be shared with the consultant.

Specific Objectives:

This short-term consultancy will achieve the following three (3) specific objectives:

1. Conduct a Vulnerability Assessment: What socio-economic systems are particularly vulnerable to climate change in the GMU landscape.

a) Assess the vulnerability of socio-economic systems to climate change. Where are the socio-economic weaknesses that could lead to reduced incomes from local livelihoods? These can include agriculture and other income generating activities that are key to the economy of villages in the GMU.

b) Assess the likely infrastructure vulnerabilities in the villages and at District level. Identify sensitive areas and populations that may be at higher risk in the landscape.

c) Evaluate the adaptive capacity of communities and districts in the GMU.

2. Conduct a Risk Assessment: What are the likely impacts of climate change on communities in the GMU landscape?

3. Identify adaptation options: How best can we support communities in the GMU to prepare for climate change?

a ) Identify and evaluate potential adaptation measures to mitigate climate risks (short and long term).

b) Estimate the economic viability of different adaptation options in the Western Tanzania context. Assess the cost-effectiveness of these measures.

c ) Provide recommendations for adaptation strategies and actions to be taken by the project at village (e.g. Climate Smart Agricultural interventions) and District levels.

To complete this assessment the consultant will draw on existing literature (including project documentation), interviews and focus groups with project staff, Local Government Authorities (Village and District level), community members (from a sub-set of our villages) and other interested stakeholders (e. g. private sector and/or other NGOs). The project will provide all logistics, introductions, and other needed support for collecting information in the landscape. 

IV. KEY DELIVERABLES AND ESTIMATED LEVEL OF EFFORT (LOE)

V. QUALIFICATIONS

• Academic qualifications and background, Climate change specialist (master’s degree or higher) with demonstrable experience carrying out climate change vulnerability and risk assessments.

• Minimum professional experience, at least 5 years in climate change related work.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English. Working knowledge of Swahili is an added benefit.

• Strong and documented experience in conducting high quality participatory quantitative and qualitative surveys and assessments.

• Knowledge of and prior experience working in Tanzania, especially in Natural resource or climate change related support activities.

• Preference for Tanzanian Citizens, but open to qualified expatriate consultants. Mixed teams may be considered (e.g. 1 expatriate and 1 Tanzanian Citizen) to complete this assessment.

• Qualified female applicants are highly encouraged to apply.

VI. GUIDANCE ON APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS AND PROCESS

Documentation Required:

1. Cover Letter expressing interest and demonstrating relevant previous experience in similar assignments and qualifications outlined in the above scope of work,
2. A brief (1 page) proposed methodology the candidate(s) would follow for completing the assessment.
3. Samples (or online links to samples) of previous work conducted in similar consultancies or jobs. Please include contact details for the commissioning client.
4. A financial proposal with a detailed breakdown of costs (including all applicable taxes) for the study.
5. CV of Consultant(s). To be included as annex(es) with the application.
   

Application Submission via postal mail or e-mail as follows:
Postal mail:

           The Executive Director

           The Jane Goodall Institute,

           P.O Box 1182,

          Kigoma, Tanzania

E-mail: jgi-tanzania@janegoodall.or.tz

Application Deadline: March 18, 2024 by 11:59 pm East Africa Time (EAT).

Further communication: The shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview. The selected applicant will be expected to begin this work on March 26 and finalize the work on May 11, 2024.

All questions related to this advertisement should be directed to: Chief of Party (COP) USAID Tumani Kupitia Vitendo pcowles@janegoodall.or.tz or skamenya@janegoodall.or.tz (Subject line: Climate Change Specialist).