1. Project Context
In co-development with the Tanzania Forest Service Agency (TFS) and other stakeholders, WCS is proposing to develop an integrated landscape-scale forest conservation and restoration project in Southern Highlands of Tanzania. Through the use of carbon finance, the project will focus on reducing deforestation and degradation across TFS manages and Village managed forest reserves along with development of fuelwood plantations on private land holdings while providing significant biodiversity and community benefits. Thus, WCS will evaluate the potential generation of verified emissions reductions, and then prepare the required documentation to have the projects validated against the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) and Climate, Communities and Biodiversity Standards (CCB). 

2. Objective of the consultancy
Thus, to earn CCB standards approval, WCS seeks services of an external consultant/consulting firm to lead and oversee the write up of an evidence-based, high-quality report. The consultant/consulting firm will refer to Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) and Climate, Communities and Biodiversity Standards (CCB) criteria and Project Design template and lead report writing of the community component.
WCS has already conducted a detailed socio-economic baseline study for the proposed project area, and has conducted significant stakeholder consultations with a number of target communities and the local government. The consultant will work under direct supervision of the project manager and in collaboration with the regional team during the entire course of the assignment. 

3.1 The main tasks and responsibilities under this consultancy are:
a) Review guidelines and relevant project documents to facilitate and inform the writing process (PIN, other PDDs, Concept notes, Relevant laws and policies, Data, Baseline survey report, Minutes with stakeholders, Photos etc)
b) With reference to the VCS/CCB criteria and template, prepare the report (see expected content from the community section below) and submit for review and feedback. 
c) Incorporate feedback from project team and submit final report.  

3.2 Expected content and outline of each section
• General Section
o Social parameters
o Stakeholder identification and engagement 
- Stakeholder access to project documents
- Dissemination of summary project documents
- Informational meetings with stakeholders
-  Community costs, risks and benefits
- Information to stakeholders on validation and verification process
-  Site visit information and opportunities to communicate with auditor
- Stakeholder consultations
- Continued consultation and adaptive management
- Stakeholder consultation channels
- Stakeholder participation in decision-making and implementation
- Anti-discrimination assurance
- Feedback and Grievance redress procedure
- Worker training
- Community employment opportunities
- Relevant laws and regulations related to workers’ rights
- Occupational safety assessment
o Community additionality 
o Legal Status and Property rights 
- Free, Prior and Informed Consent 

• Community Section
o Without-project community scenario 
- Descriptions of communities at project start
- Interactions between communities and community groups
- High conservation values
o Net positive community impacts
- Expected community impacts
- Negative community impact mitigation
- Net positive community well-being
o Other stakeholder impacts
- Impacts on other stakeholders
- Mitigation of negative impacts on other stakeholders
- Net impacts on other stakeholders
o Community Impact monitoring
- Community monitoring plan
- Monitoring plan dissemination
o Optional criterion: Exceptional community benefits
- Exceptional community criteria
- Short-term and long-term community benefits
- Community participation risks
- Marginalized and vulnerable community groups
- Net impacts on women
- Benefit sharing mechanisms
- Benefits, costs and risks communication 
- Governance and implementation structures
- Smallholders/community members capacity development

• Appendices
o Stakeholder identification and analysis
o The Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) process
o Proposed Grievance Redress mechanism
o Compilation of meeting minutes with stakeholders
o Community monitoring plan

4. Main deliverables
Expected deliverables for the assignment include the following: 
• Inception report defining key tasks, sources of information/data, approaches to be used, and proposed timeline for the assignment. 
• A detailed draft report with all required information in the community component listed above. 
• Final draft of the report 

5. Eligibility of Consultant
Ideal candidates are expected to meet and /or possess the following qualifications and requirements;
• Advanced degree (at least Master’s level) in the areas of project management, social sciences, environment studies or any other relevant domain.
• At least 7 years of experience in consultancy services in social and environment assessments and evaluation studies, preferably in the conservation context. 
• Demonstrated ability in research, documentation and report writing (evidence of written work will be required)
• Excellent writing and communication skills in English are key requirements 
• Experience working with International organisations in East Africa is an added advantage
• Excellent interpersonal skills and strong organisational skills
• Sound understanding of current developments of Reduced Emissions from Degradation and Forest Deforestation (REDD+) in Tanzania preferred. 
• Must be able to produce EFD receipt/Tax receipt.
• Able to travel to Mbeya to regularly meet with the WCS team
• Able to travel to field to conduct additional consultations with communities and other stakeholders. 

6. How to apply
Applications will be sent to the WCS Country Director via email: wcshrtanzania@wcs.org with ‘Consultancy-Lead writer’ in the subject line, by 18th July 2021. 
Applications should include: 
• CV and Cover letter
• Two professional references
• Financial proposal
• Technical proposal including understanding of the current assignment and previous experience in similar assignments
• Proof of completion of similar assignments in the last 3years
• Proposed timeline for the assignment

Based in Mbeya, reporting to the Project Manager, Southern Highlands Conservation Program, as part of the East Africa Regional Program. 1 year contract with potential for extension.

Project overview and Context
WCS seeks to evaluate the feasibility of cost-effective carbon sequestration within the Southern Highlands landscape in Tanzania. The region has the potential for carbon sequestration through a combination of interventions (avoided deforestation and restoration activities) on different forest reserves. For each intervention, successful project implementation depends on effective participation and meaningful engagement of local stakeholders particularly communities. Thus, WCS will jointly work with local communities to maximise socio-economic benefits and explore alternatives to the unsustainable use of natural resources. The carbon project will be validated against the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) and Climate, Communities and Biodiversity Standard (CCB) where participatory approaches and effective stakeholder engagement is significant for project success.  

KEY DUTIES

Initiate and Maintain stakeholder relations

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MBEYA OFFICE STAFF

Noah E. Mpunga: COUNTRY DIRECTOR
Noah joined WCS Tanzania in 2003 as a Conservation Biologist, primarily researching carnivores and primates of the Southern Highlands. Prior to this he worked with Dr Daniela De Luca studying carnivore distribution and abundance in Udzungwa National Park and Rungwe Nature Reserve. He holds a BSc in Wildlife Ecology and a Masters Degree in Corporate Management.

Sophy J. Machaga: SHCP DIRECTOR
Sophy joined the program as a Conservation Biologist in 2003 to carry out field research. She is responsible for research design, collection and collation including GIS data and map-making for the project. She holds a BSc in Wildlife Ecology and Zoology and has been trained in GIS.

Vicky F. Mbofu: SHCP ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Vicky joined WCS as a research assistant in 2010, conducting social economic surveys on human-wildlife conflict assisting then PhD student Claire Bracebridge (now Ruaha-Katavi Technical Advisor). 3 months later she was employed as Social Economics Coordinator. She has a Bachelor of Wildlife Management from Sokoine University of Agriculture. 

Fredy W. Mdemu: ASSISTANT FINANCE DIRECTOR (COUNTRY PROGRAM)
Fredy has been the program finance manager since 2009. He holds a Bachelors degree in Business Administration and an MBA in Finance and Banking from Tumaini University, Iringa College. Before joining WCS he taught at secondary school and college level in Iringa and Mbeya.  

Prisca Mwani: SHCP Finance Manager
Prisca joined WCS in 2020. She holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA), majoring in Finance and Banking from Tumaini University in Iringa as well as a BA in Accounting and Finance from the Moshi University College of Cooperative and Business Studies. Prior to joining WCS, Prisca worked as an accountant at Ilula Orphan Program, Tumaini University’s Makumira-Mbeya Centre and Tanzania Electricity Supply Company TANESCO Mbeya.

Anthony Ernest Minazi:  ASSISTANT EDUCATION COORDINATOR
Anthony initially joined WCS as a volunteer in the education department in 2013 and was employed after one year. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Ecotourism and Nature Conservation.

Faraja Dembe: ASSISTANT COMMUNITY LIAISON OFFICER
Faraja started volunteering for WCS in 2013 and after showing keen learning was taken on full time in 2014. She holds a Bachelors Degree in Development Studies.

Sylvanos Peter Kimiti: SENIOR RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Sylvanos manages research teams in all the program’s field activities. He has risen from Logistics Officer in 2003 then Research Assistant to his current role.

Obadia J. Mwaipungu: RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Obadia joined WCS in 2003 and has worked on research in the Southern Highlands. Prior to joining the program he worked for various private companies after completed secondary education.

Ayubu Kajigili: RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Ayubu started volunteering for WCS IN 2008, assisting with field activities. He was taken on as a research assistant in 2009 and has advanced secondary level education.

Willy Mwalwengele: RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Willy first worked for WCS in 2003. He continues to assist in the preparation and implementation of field projects, supporting the work of Project Coordinators and Conservation Biologists. He is also responsible for financial management of Research Assistant funds and coordination of other research assistants.

Buto K. Mwamboneke: DRIVER AND MECHANIC
Buto joined WCS in 2003 and is responsible for the program vehicles, driving project staff and visitors as well as assisting the team in various other activities. He has a certificate in mechanics.

Ramadhani S. Mduruma: DRIVER
After working on two temporary assignments, Ramadhani joined WCS full time in 2008. In addition to driving, he assists with research and education activities. He holds a secondary education certificate and driving license.

Amnoni A. Mbubha: FOREST GUARD
Amnoni lives adjacent to Mt. Rungwe and started guiding WCS researchers in 2003, during which time he became familiar with field activities and conservation. He was formally employed in 2007 and is educated to primary level.

Sharifa Kapenja Azizi: FOREST GUARD
Sharifa began working as a porter for WCS research teams before becoming employed by the program in 2008 to help protect Mt Rungwe.

Christopher Mwampetele: FOREST GUARD
Christopher lives adjacent to the forest in Mt Rungwe and began formally assisting WCS in its conservation in 2008.

Atupakisye Mwaibanje: FOREST GUARD
Atupakisye joined the program as a camp guard and cook in 2006. She learnt fast about research activities and was promoted to forest guard in 2008.

Asifiwe Omari: FOREST GUARD
Asifiwe has always been interested in conservation. He initially worked as a porter for WCS field researchers before being taken on as a forest guard in 2008.

Samwel Ambokile: FIELD ASSISTANT
Samwel started working with WCS in 2017, as part of the team supporting Kipunji research and monitoring on Mount Rungwe.

Jane S. Lugome: OFFICE ATTENDANT
Jane has been with the program since 2003 since when she has become familiar with research activities and learnt how to take care of flora and fauna specimens brought to the office for identification and study. She has a primary education certificate.

Joshua E. Nsagaji: OFFICE GUARD
Joshua joined WCS in 2003. In addition to working as a guard he takes care of the garden and assists with project logistics and stores. 

Leba Mwanahewa: OFFICE GUARD
Leba joined WCS in 2005. He takes care of general office security and equipment as well as assisting in field logistics and maintenance of the office grounds. He holds a primary education certificate.

Eliah H. Mwasyove: OFFICE GUARD
Eliah holds a primary education certificate and joined WCS in 2006. He is responsible for taking care of office equipment and assisting with logistics and stores.