Terms of Reference (TOR) for Final Evaluation of the Project ‘Ensuring a Sustainable Future for the Dja Landscape, its Populations and Biodiversity’

AWF is implementing an EU grant project of € 2,221,998.22, entitled: "Ensuring a Sustainable Future for the Dja Landscape, its People and Biodiversity" in the Dja Faunal Reserve and adjacent territory. This funding was granted within the framework of the Regional Support Programme “Preserving Biodiversity and Fragile Ecosystems in Central Africa” in its sixth phase (ECOFAC 6), is financed by the European Union, for a total amount of 86,417,500 euros (European Union funding).

Launched in 2017 and conducted under the aegis of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), ECOFAC 6 involves 7 Central African countries (Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Sao Tome and Principe and Chad). It operates in 16 protected areas, 10 of which are transboundary. Its logical framework includes five main results. The priority actions of ECOFAC6 are the conservation of the natural heritage of the partner states and local development in the peripheral areas of the protected areas. Some of the actions of this regional programme sometimes go beyond the perimeter of the protected areas, such as the work carried out on the transboundary spatial organization of transhumance routes (Cameroon/Nigeria).

The Dja Faunal Reserve (RFD) and its surrounding territory function as an exceptional reservoir for Central Africa's biodiversity and represent a sustainable environment for the riparian populations in its periphery. The Conservation Service, which is responsible for the management of the Dja Faunal Reserve; MINFOF; local communities living in the vicinity of the Dja Faunal Reserve who are largely dependent on the territory's natural resources for their income and local economy; the local administration and judicial authorities who are responsible for dealing with the illegal wildlife trade; private sector entities managing concessions (operating multiple-use areas) and operating in areas adjacent to the DFR; and local governments, NGOs and other stakeholders who can help implement a balanced and functional land-use plan in the area.

This project, in collaboration with MINFOF, is focused on the Dja Faunal Reserve and the surrounding area. This area is a significant proportion of the Congo Basin's tropical rainforests and populations of emblematic species such as African forest elephants, the Western Lowland Gorilla, chimpanzee, bongo and giant pangolin. This action was based on ongoing programmes in the Dja territory and considering the priorities of the Service de Conservation (SdC) of the Dja Faunal Reserve (RFD), companies operating in the periphery of the RFD, partner institutions such as Tropical Forest and Rural Development (TF-RD), as well as the local Baka and Bantu communities.

The goal of the EU Dja project is to make The Faunal Reserve (RFD), and its surrounding territory are functioning as a reservoir exceptional for the biodiversity of the Central Africa and represents a sustainable environment for the riverine populations in its periphery.

Evaluation Scope & Purpose

The Project has been implemented for 54 months, since June 2017. This end of project evaluation focuses on the entire implementation period. The purpose for this evaluation is to measure the level of achievement of the objectives of EU Dja project and assess the extent and sustainability of their impacts. Identify challenges and best practices to derive lessons learned to inform future similar projects. It will also review the recommendations of the project Mid-Term Review (MTR) and Results Oriented Monitoring (ROM) reports, and assess the extent to which these were implemented. The evaluation will also ensure accountability towards EU as a donor and the beneficiaries of the project. On the other hand, it offers a learning aspect for all stakeholders. The evaluation will also identify key lessons learned, challenges and the flexibility of the project to adapt and respond to the changes and sustainability of the project.

The evaluation is expected to be forward looking and shall effectively capture lessons learnt and provide information on the nature, extent and where possible, the potential impact and sustainability of the EU Dja project. The evaluation shall also assess the project design, partners, scope, implementation status and the capacity to achieve the project objectives. It shall collate and analyze lessons learnt, challenges faced and measures taken to address them, and best practices used during implementation which will inform the project strategy in response to the ECOFAC 6 priorities.

Download the Terms of Reference document

Qualification & Application Procedures

AWF will use its internal guidance, checklists and an interview process to select the successful consultant/firm. The guidelines require the applicants to submit, a proposal explaining, their understanding of the Terms of Reference, and how they would approach this assignment, with a summary of their methodology, especially in terms of how they plan to meet the objectives, including a work plan and budget. This should include a team composition with a lead consultant and at least one other experienced evaluator and a CV of each person to be involved in the assignment, including relevant experience, a detailed budget, work plan, and time availability/anticipated starting date.

Interested vendors are expected to submit via procurement@awf.org with a copy to eomondi@awf.org the following not later than March 25, 2022.

• A technical proposal with a company profile, explaining their understanding of the ToR, and how they would approach this assignment, summarizing, the methodologies, and approaches they plan to use, including a work plan.
• CVs of at least two key members of the evaluation team
• Two references/ referees of similar previous assignments.
• Their commitment and availability.
• A financial proposal and budget outlining their expected fees.