The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) envision a more equitable world where trees in all landscapes, from drylands to the humid tropics, enhance the environment and well-being for all. CIFOR and ICRAF are non-profit science institutions that build and apply evidence to today’s most pressing challenges, including energy insecurity and the climate and biodiversity crises. Over a combined total of 65 years, we have built vast knowledge on forests and trees outside of forests in agricultural landscapes (agroforestry). Using a multidisciplinary approach, we seek to improve lives and to protect and restore ecosystems. Our work focuses on innovative research, partnering for impact, and engaging with stakeholders on policies and practices to benefit people and the planet. Founded in 1993 and 1978, CIFOR and ICRAF are members of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food secure future dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources.

Overview

CIFOR leads a consortium of technical and scientific institutions in the implementation of the Renforcement et Institutionnalisation de l’Observatoire des Forêts d’Afrique Centrale (RIOFAC) 2 project. The RIOFAC 2 project is funded by the European Union and is designed to provide support to the Central Africa Forest Observatory (OFAC). The geographical scope of RIOFAC 2 extends to all Central African Forests Commission (COMIFAC) member countries, including Cameroon, the Central African Republic (CAR), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Chad, Burundi, Rwanda and São Tomé and Principe. The general objective of the project is to strengthen the actions of OFAC for better management of forest ecosystems in Central Africa through the provision of credible information for use in decision making. One of the project outputs is the drafting and publication of a minimum of four policy analysis papers on priorities/emerging themes in connection with COMIFAC thematic groups with the involvement of both subregional and international expertise. During the first phase of RIOFAC a publication on the mapping of international funding flows to support the forest and environment sector in Central Africa was published with success. Its data covered the period from 2008 to 2017. Since then there have been calls from RIOFAC publication users to update the statistics. In addition, there seems to be renewed interest from donors to fund the Central Africa forestry sector. The proposed consultancy assignment is to update the publication by including statistics for 2018 to 2022 where available.

Duties and responsibilities

The consultant will produce a report as main author with the supervisor (Richard Eba’a Atyi) as a co-author. The report will: Present and analyse financing flows from 2018 to date directed towards Central Africa in support of nature conservation, sustainable forest management and climate change. The analysis will include public funding sources (bilateral and multilateral) as well as private and philanthropic sources; Present the main areas (or domains) covered by the current financing flows and identify possible imbalances and gaps; Provide a comparative analysis between financing flows to Central Africa, and those oriented towards tropical America (the Amazon Basin) and tropical Asia (Southeast Asia); Identify needs and opportunities for financing the forest and environment sector of Central Africa. Requirements An MSc in environmental economics or another related field A track record of published papers and reports in the field of forestry and environment Capacity to work in English or French Familiarity with the international financial architecture A good knowledge of the African context.

Education, knowledge and experience

• An MSc in environmental economics or another related field
• A track record of published papers and reports in the field of forestry and environment
• Capacity to work in English or French
• Familiarity with the international financial architecture
• A good knowledge of the African context.

Terms and conditions

• This is a consultancy position.
• The consultant will produce the first draft of the report by the end of May 2024 and the final report one month later. The report will be no longer than 60 pages including references. The report should include tables, graphs and figures for illustration.
• Work location: Yaoundé Cameroon

Application process

The application deadline is 12 Oct-2023
We will acknowledge all applications, but will contact only short-listed candidates.