Request For Proposals - A Policy Strategy and Engagement Consultant to Support The Africa Protected Area Directors Network at African Wildlife Foundation

• This project aims to promote the recognition and contribution of APAD to Africa’s implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework which sets out goals and targets to be achieved by 2030 to halt biodiversity loss. To this end, APAD and AWF are seeking a consultant to support the realization of the following objectives: (1) Develop knowledge products for policy influencing including but not limited to 2 workshops, 2 policy briefs, 2 position papers, 1 factsheet, and 1 toolkit; (2) Develop case studies on Africa’s implementation of conservation priorities by a minimum of 8 APAD member countries; (3) Host an APAD conference and carry out a behavioural change and communications outreach campaign.

Scope of Work

• Lead in consolidating / developing a toolkit around an issue of keen and practical interest and use for the APADs.
• Coordinate APAD member countries in developing case studies on their role in the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. This will entail:
  • Desk and primary research and analysis of how members contribute to the development and implementation of National Biodiversity and Strategy Action Plans.
  • Designing and administering a case study template for member completion.
  • Reviewing submitted case studies.
  • Facilitating the development of recommendations for enhancing member roles in their national conservation agenda.
  • Leading the documentation of these case studies in relevant formats.
• Lead in coordinating the development of an in-person conference of APADs that serves as a culmination of the learning and sharing processes.
• Provide advisory input to 2 workshops, 2 policy briefs, 2 position papers, and 1 factsheet, 1 communications outreach campaign guided by the project’s objectives and themes and key stakeholders.

Deliverables

• Support in consolidating / developing a 1 toolkit for APADs on a key issue of common interest.
• Case study template and report analyzing case studies, with recommendations on enhancement of the role of Protected and Conserved Areas in the implementation of conservation policy.
• The Program schedule for planned APAD in person conference Advisory input to:
  • Knowledge products (2 policy briefs, 2 position papers, and 1 factsheet).
  • Op-eds, interviews, web articles and other outputs of the communications outreach campaign.

Methodology

The consultant will develop a work plan and conclude a schedule, which will be finalized with the APAD project steering committee and in undertaking the contract assignment will:

• Determine an appropriate methodology.
• Work in close collaboration with the APAD project steering committee and the Secretariat. This will include attending project steering committee meetings and any other relevant discussions.
• Undertake the collection of all required data/information from various sources. This may include conducting phone interviews and other forms of primary data collection.
• Work with the Secretariat to facilitate the collection of the data/information with required official letters and contacts with focal person(s) wherever required.
• Undertake a review, assessment, and judgment of the data/information in close consultation with the APAD project steering committee.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of consulting experience, with demonstrated project management expertise.
• Advanced university degree in conservation or any related field or demonstrated equivalent work experience.
• Familiarity with Africa’s Protected Areas, with academic or work experience preferred.
• Proven experience in developing strategies and engagement plans.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and to coordinate input from a variety of actors.
• Strong Communication and ICT skills.
• Excellent analytical writing skills in English, with a strong preference for the development of policy engagement materials. French will be an added advantage.

Confidentiality:

• The Consultant will be bound by an absolute duty, both during and after the contractual period, to maintain and safeguard the confidentiality of information that the Consultant will be entrusted with or exposed to during the assignment under this Agreement.

Submission of Application

Please submit proposals via email to procurement@awf.org with a copy to SAndersen@awf.org  by 5.00 pm EAT on October 12, 2023.