Background
Since COP16, some African countries and other developing countries have received support from UN-REDD and other sources to undertake the readiness phase, and with a specific focus on developing strategies for an effective implementation of REDD+ projects in different forest types. The readiness phase is guided by the Warsaw Framework elements such as management of readiness, stakeholder participation, REDD+ strategy and Reference Emission Levels/Forest Reference Emission Levels (REL/FREL) setting, Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV).
The REDD+ implementation phases consists of (i) building sufficient institutional capacity to undertake various REDD+ projects; (ii) developing appropriate data acquisition systems to capture real-time and up-to-date monitoring of forest cover and emission levels; (iii) formulating national strategies for REDD+; (iv) developing action plans and improving results-based payments. Generally, REDD+ is implemented in 3 phases namely:
(1) REDD+ Readiness Preparation Phase (activities include identification of drivers of deforestation and degradation, development of a national plan and development of a REDD+ infrastructure and develop Readiness Preparation Proposal (R-PP), development of National REDD+ Strategy)
(2) Implementation Phase /Scaling up Phase (activities include implementation of support activities carry out pilot projects, development of National Forest Monitoring Systems – a credible system for measurement, reporting and verification (MRV), establishment of Reference Emission Levels (REL), building technical, institutional and human capacity, establishing safeguards and grievance mechanisms and clarifying rights to forests, land and carbon. This results into the preparation of the R-Package)
(3) Result based Payment Phase (activities include control emissions, monitor, measure report and verify)
However, efforts made by African countries towards REDD+ implementation are still very poorly documented and analyzed.
Objectives
The general objective of this work is to assess the level of implementation of REDD+ in various forest types (rain forest, mountains, mangroves, woodland and savanna, and parklands of the Sahel) to generate knowledge on best practices, opportunities and challenges as well as capacity gaps in the implementation of REDD+ across different forest types and in the different phases of REDD+.
To achieve these objectives, the African Forest Forum has recruited a regional expert to undertake studies on REDD+ implementation in some Anglophone and Lusophone countries with specific focus on the following main tasks:
- Map out countries that are on readiness, implementation, and investment phases of REDD+ in these countries.
- Analyze and document REDD+ strategies and implementation plans as well as implementation phases in these countries.
- Assess conditions and determinants for effective implementation of each of the REDD+ phases;
- Evaluate opportunities and challenges in implementing each REDD+ phase; and
- Analyze the level of funding raised for REDD+ activities in these countries.
Based on desk study, the expert recommended some countries for in depth assessment, namely: Angola, Ghana, Gambia, Namibia, Tanzania and Uganda. A data capture tool has been prepared by the expert in collaboration with the AFF secretariat in order to generate the relevant information pertaining this work.
The African Forest Forum is therefore recruiting national consultants, one each for Angola, Gambia, Ghana, Namibia and Uganda to collect all needed data in their respective country relevant to the main tasks indicated above.
Specific tasks for the national consultants
Under the supervision of the regional expert, the main tasks to be undertaken by the national expert will include:
- Undertake data collection on different REDD+ initiatives at national level including:
-A desk study/literature review to identify REDD+ initiatives in the country
-Identify stakeholders in the REDD+ implementation process
-Sample the relevant stakeholders to gather and document information on the following:
- The Phases of REDD+ attained by the country (readiness, implementation, and investment)
- Existence of a National REDD+ Strategy and Implementation Plans
- Whether Measuring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) Systems are in place
- Conditions and determinants for effective implementation of each of the REDD+ phases in the country (i.e. what conditions and factors that made the implementation of REDD+ successful or unsuccessful in the country)
- Opportunities in implementing the different REDD+ phases
- Challenges in implementing the different REDD+ phases
- The funds that have been delivered in the implementation of the different REDD+ phases/activities in the country (Readiness Phase; Implementation Phase and Investment Phase)
This data collection will be mainly based on key informant interviews using the data capture tools in selected institutions including public, private, non-governmental and community-based organizations involved in the implementation of REDD+ activities at national level.
2. Undertake data entry and analysis on the state of implementation of REDD+ in selected country.
Prepare a country report on field activity undertaken in selected country
Expected deliverables
– A field report on research activities conducted in the country
– A copy of data sheets and data entry file
Guidance for writing the report
A synthesized report of data collection not more than 10 pages. The field report should at the minimum contain, but not limited to, the following:
- Title page
- Acronyms/Abbreviations
- Table of contents
- Executive summary: A self-contained summary.
- Introduction: including Description of the objectives, terms of reference and methodology
- Main body of report including the detailed methodology and findings
- Conclusions: A concise statement on each task covered
- References
- Annexes
The report should be evidence-based and should include as much as possible quantitative supporting material in form of tables, figures, maps and possibly photographs. Extensive supporting material should be presented as annexes.
Minimum qualifications and skills
- Have at least a master’s degree in any of the following areas: forestry, natural resources management, environmental issues, climate change, or any related area, a PhD will be an advantage.
- have at least five years’ working experience in forest policy, forest governance and climate change.
- Have written at least a book chapter, and or published peer reviewed journal papers on forest and climate change.
- Excellent writing and oral communication skills in English
Duration
The work is expected to take two (2) weeks spread over a period of one (1) calendar month, commencing on 9 April 2021. Experts shall work from their locations but be in close consultation with relevant staff at the AFF Secretariat while keeping to an agreed delivery schedule.
How to apply
Interested applicants should submit by the 29th of March a cover letter and a CV by email to Prof Avana-Tientcheu Marie Louise (m.avana@cgiar.org) and Dr Daud Kachamba (d.kachamba@cgiar.org) with copy to Prof Godwin Kowero (g.kowero@cgiar.org) and Prof Pantaleo KT Munishi (munishi@sua.ac.tz; pmunishi20
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