Terms of Reference (TOR) for Final Evaluation of the Project
AWF is implementing 60 months (5 years) European Union (EU) funded project in Faro National Park (PNF) and the surrounding communities, North region (Cameroon). The project entitled: “Strengthening of local institutions in and around the National Park to sustainably manage wildlife and improve the resiliency of riparian communities” started in July 2017, with a budget of € 4,444,444 and is been implemented under the framework of the Regional Support Programme “Preserving Biodiversity and Fragile Ecosystems in Central Africa” in its sixth phase (ECOFAC 6), with financial support of the European Union, for a total amount of 86,417,500 euros. 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).
EU Faro project was developed on the basis of a protocol of agreement between AWF and the Government of Cameroon, through the Ministry of Forests and Wildlife (MINFOF), with a significant contribution of Lamidos (local leaders) and the operator of the hunting concession of ZIC 13. The Faro National Park represent a valuable landscape and since 1798, the area was called the “Lamido de Tchamba Reserve”, and the area was designated as a forest reserve in 1947. The status of Faro National Park was formalized in 1980 with all applicable laws, regulations and responsibilities. The park has an exceptional wildlife habitat framed by the perennial rivers Faro and Mayo Déo. This represents a great center of biodiversity including flagship species (elephant, lion, giraffe, hippopotamus, giant eland, roan antelope, Nile perch, Nile crocodile).
The project targets the Service de Conservation which has the responsibility of the management of the PNF (MINFOF; local communities living in the vicinity of the PNF and which are largely dependent on the natural resources of the Territory for their income and their local economy; the pastoralists of the sub-region which settle in the Technical Operation Unit (TOU) Faro for the seasonal access to water and pasture; the authorities responsible for the prevention of illicit trade in wildlife; dealers to hunt that depend on wildlife and ecosystems for the income; the Directors and local authorities traditional and the government agencies responsible for the conservation and development in the TOU.
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 Faro 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 Faro 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.