ToR Managing wetlands through ILA: Successful project experiences in the CRV for upscaling and future project design

Background

Wetlands International is dedicated to safeguarding and restoring wetlands for people and nature. We are driven by the knowledge that safeguarding and restoring wetlands is urgent and vital for water security, biodiversity, climate regulation, sustainable development and human health. A Supervisory Council and a Board of the Association of 35 national government and non-governmental organization members govern our global not-for-profit network of 20 independent offices. We bring knowledge into policy and practice, connect local actions in 100 countries to make a global difference, we catalyse actions that support those that use or depend on wetlands, and we are passionate about the positive change we make for people and nature. See our website (www.wetlands.org) for more information on the values, strategies and policies that guide our work.

 In the past few years, Wetlands International (WI), in collaboration with government, NGO and community partners has been implementing various projects aimed at promoting Integrated landscape approach with a view to promoting the sustainable management of wetlands for ecosystem, economic and social resilience.

 There is the conviction that the integrated programming and landscape-based restoration and IWRM approaches will have resulted in a more participatory, integrated and stakeholder owned management of wetlands, biodiversity and livelihoods in the CRV.

 Through this assignment, we aim to document the experiences, lessons from our projects in the application of ILA with a view to promote the restoration and protection of critical wetlands, lakes, watersheds and associated biodiversity in the CRV of Ethiopia.

 SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES OF THE CONSULTANCY ASSIGNMENT

•  The consultancy assignment is expected to achieve the following objectives:
• Provide a brief assessment of the ecological, climatic, and socio-economic condition si  the CRV.
• Provide a brief review and analysis of nature and ecosystem-based adaptation principles and approaches and their potential/practical applications in the context of the CRV.
• Providea an-indepth professional assessment of the experiences and good practices of the various project interventions of WI in promoting ILA for sustainable wetlands and biodiversity conservation in the CRV.
• Identify best practices from the ILA/IWRM interventions promoted by the various projects of WI in the CRV.
• Identify lessons and good practices for scaling up.
• Provide recommendations for policy influencing and further project developments by WI in the CRV.

SCOPE AND SUGGESTED ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGIES

• The in-depth and CRV-wide assessment will provide quantitative and qualitative data through the following methods:
• Desk study and review of all relevant documents on climate change, ecosystem-based adaptation, critical sites/wetlands,   Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia, ASLNP, and other relevant related/theoretical and research literature.
•  Meteorological data and project documents, etc.
• Thorough review of the various project documents of WI and partners, including NGOs and CBOs.
• Household surveys, field observation Interviews and panel discussions with relevant key informants.
• SPSS and GIS based mapping of the project interventions and results.

 DURATION OF THE ASSIGNMENT

• The consultancy is expected to take about 30 days.

EXPECTED DELIVERABLES:

• The following deliverables are expected.
• An inception report, outlining the key scope of the work, detailed methodology, checklists, and intended work plan.
• Draft report
• Final reports containing separately, 1) a detailed assessment report, 2) case stories, 3) ideas and suggestions for next phase of project development.

 REQUIRED EXPERTISE AND QUALIFICATIONS

•  Environmentalist/Climate Change Expert, biologist/biodiversity expert, Watershed Management Expert, DRM/IRM Expert, Development Specialist, Ecologist/human ecology.

 The consultant/s should have:

• Strong and proven track record of working in areas related to wetlands and climate-resilience
• Minimum MSc/M.A in degrees with a proven track record of conducting similar studies/reviews
• Excellent analytical, report-compiling and cohesive report-writing skills (in English).