Final EU Project Evaluation - Lower Zambezi-Mana Pools Transboundary Conservation Area
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Terms of Reference (TOR) for Final Evaluation of the ‘Partnership for Improved Anti-Poaching and Compatible Land Use in Community Lands of Lower Zambezi-Mana Pools Transboundary Conservation Area’ Project

Funded by the European Union
Contract Number: (Fed/2017/394-495)

The Lower Zambezi-Mana Pools Transboundary Landscape (LZMP TFCA) is critical for the survival of wildlife in a modern Africa. The region covers core conservation areas anchoring the larger landscape of around 40,000 km2 centred around Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe (a World Heritage Site) and the Lower Zambezi National Park in Zambia. The wildlife and wildlands of the LZMP TFCA are potentially an important economic asset to the communities living around the TFCA, who are the final beneficiaries of this project. The project was implemented by AWF as the coordinating entity in partnership with Conservation Lower Zambezi (CLZ) based in Zambia, Zambezi Society (ZamSoc) and Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA). The overall objective of this four year (2018 to 2021), 1.5-million-Euro project was to reduce illegal wildlife trade (IWT) and habitat conversion in the LZMP TFCA by establishing models for strengthened community engagement in sustainable natural resource management (NRM), anti-poaching efforts and integrated land use that ensures conservation and compatible land uses.

Evaluation Scope & Purpose

The project was implemented from January 2018 to December 2021. The purpose of this evaluation is to provide an independent assessment of the project performance against set targets, document results, challenges, best practices, impact and to inform future similar projects. The evaluation shall also review recommendations of the project’s Results Oriented Monitoring (ROM) report, and assess the extent to which these were implemented. The evaluation shall ensure accountability towards EU as a donor and the beneficiaries of the project and offer learning as a component for all stakeholders. The evaluation should identify key lessons learnt, challenges, sustainability and the flexibility of the project to adapt and respond to the changes and sustainability of the project.

The evaluation shall cover the entire implementation project timeline from the start date to the end date (Jan 2018 – December 2021) and shall cover its implementation areas (Mbire District, Hurungwe District, Middle Zambezi Valley on both the Zambia and Zimbabwe side). The evaluation shall be guided by internationally agreed OECD/ DAC evaluation criteria.

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(s)/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 CVs 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 23, 2022, 1700hrs:

  • 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. AWF reserves the rights to request sample work from these references.
  • Their commitment and availability.
  • A financial proposal and budget outlining their expected fees.