Terms of Reference (ToR) for Project Support & Monitoring Supervisor

World Resources Institute (WRI) – Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Summary:

Location: Based in Bukavu, DRC, with regular contacts with WRI-DRC Country Office in Kinshasa
Contract term: 15 May 2024 – 31 December 2024
Award type: Fixed fee contract
Contract amount: Not to exceed US $20,000, inclusive of deliverables

The World Resources Institute (WRI) is seeking a Project Support & Monitoring Supervisor to oversee the delivery of a major conservation project in the Ruzizi Basin. This project aims to implement Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to improve ecological and community resilience in Bukavu and Uvira, DRC, enhancing water security and supporting sustainable development. The supervisor will coordinate the oversight of baseline studies, monitor project implementation, and manage stakeholder engagements, ensuring that project targets are met effectively. The role involves close collaboration with local stakeholders, including NGOs, academic institutions, and community groups, to foster local ownership and successful project outcomes.

1. Project Background:

The Ruzizi Basin is both host to a rich diversity of threatened and endangered species, and the lynchpin for economic growth opportunities in the region. It serves as a critical supplier of hydropower to the Eastern DRC, Burundi, and Rwanda with the potential to generate over 500 megawatts of electricity. The Basin holds great promise for large-scale restoration as NBS interventions have the potential to have an outsized impact on Africa’s rainfall patterns critical for food and water security and more immediately for the 11 million local Ruzizi Basin residents whose livelihoods rely on the health and well-being of the Basin.

The proliferation of informal settlements on steep slopes within city limits has dramatically reduced green spaces and increased impervious surfaces, exacerbating runoff and water pollution with sediment and trash. This loss of vegetation also intensifies the urban heat island effect, affecting human health, economic productivity, energy use, and social connectivity. Moreover, rampant deforestation for biomass energy and unsustainable agriculture on these slopes have led to repeated floods and landslides, causing loss of life, economic damage, and siltation of the Ruzizi River and its hydropower dams. These areas also suffer from inadequate infrastructure, leading to serious water, sanitation, and air quality issues.

Thanks to the financial support from Caterpillar Foundation and UK DEFRA, WRI developed and is implementing a flagship project, “NBS for climate and water resilience in urban and peri-urban areas for people, climate, and nature” with the aim to enhance community and ecosystem resilience for 2.3 million residents in the cities of Bukavu and Uvira in Ruzizi Basin by designing and implementing locally appropriate Nature-based Solutions (NBS), increasing access to sustainable livelihoods, and improving energy and water security.

Specific targets of this project are the following: i) Over 10 kilometers of water-related NBS interventions improve water quality and quantity in wetlands, riverbanks, and gullies; ii) 20 priority hectares of urban green spaces rehabilitated; iii) 10 kilometers of planted trees along key transportation roads increase flood and landslide protection; iv) 10% reduction in sedimentation and solid wastes deposit in Ruzizi I and Ruzizi II hydropower dams, greatly increasing electricity supply; v) 1,000 jobs created for women and youth through NBS implementation and solid waste management activities.

The project focuses on restoration in Bukavu and Uvira, key cities in the Ruzizi Basin and among the region’s fastest-growing due to migration from rural conflicts. Interventions include re-greening and establishing riparian buffer zones around hydropower dams on the Ruzizi River to curb ecosystem loss and manage urban solid waste, protecting water bodies. Utilizing a multi-partner approach, the project leverages WRI’s expertise in Nature-Based Solutions and stakeholder engagement, including NGOs, women’s and youth groups, and academia, to enhance resilience for Bukavu and Uvira’s residents.

Key activities of the project include: i) Conducting baseline studies to create the basis for monitoring improvements in tree cover, and flood and sedimentation risk reduction, solid wastes management, gender, equity an social inclusion for the implementation of the project) offering the Caterpillar Foundation and WRI an opportunity to track the progress and the impact of the project overtime; ii) Establishment of efficient and effective stakeholder consultations sessions that both address local power dynamics and increase local buy-in and ownership of the urban and peri-urban interventions; iii) Facilitating experience and knowledge sharing trips between the stakeholders of Bukavu and Uvira, as well as other cities where urban water resilience and greening cities are being developed to help spur cross-collaboration learnings and scale up adoption.

In the light of the above and in framework of collaboration between WRI and the Official University of Bukavu, (OUB), WRI issues this Consultancy Contract for a Project Support & Monitoring Supervisor, based in Bukavu, DRC

1. Objective of the Consultancy:

The consultancy seeks to hire a Project Support & Monitoring Supervisor, based in Bukavu, DRC, sitting at the Official University of Bukavu, as necessary. This role focuses on supervising and monitoring all aspects of project delivery, including coordination of baseline studies, monitoring of planting operations, and overall project facilitation.

Scope and Schedule of Work:

Activities and Deliverables:

• Baseline Studies Supervision: Oversee the timely completion of baseline studies on tree cover, flood risk reduction, solid waste management, and community engagement by supervising project consultants, and monitoring overall project progress.
• Project Implementation Monitoring: Regular site visits to tree planting sites and tree nurseries to ensure adherence to project timelines and goals, particularly in urban greening and water management.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Support facilitation of meetings and workshops with local stakeholders to ensure community and other strategic stakeholders’ involvement and support.
• Reporting: Provide monthly progress reports detailing achievements, challenges, and resource utilization and need.
• Quality Control: Ensure the quality of inputs and project deliverables meets WRI’s standards and donor expectations.

Deliverable Schedule:

1. Monthly Progress Reports – Due on the last day of each month, with an additional mid-term progress report to be submitted.
2. Monthly Review Meetings – Reports and presentations during the first week following the end of each month.
3. Final Project Report – Due December 20, 2024, summarizing project outcomes, lessons learned, and recommendations for future initiatives.

1. Compensation and Payment Schedule:

• Total Contract Value: $20,000 USD

• Payment Terms:
  • 30% upon contract signing and initial briefing.
  • 30% upon submission and approval of the mid-term project report.
  • 40% upon completion and acceptance of the final project report.

1. Reporting and Communication:

The consultant will report directly to the WRI Project Lead, Elie Hakizumwami, with periodic coordination meetings with the Bukavu and Uvira City Councils, Consultants and relevant WRI regional and global offices Cities Programme staff.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Experience in project management, especially in environmental or conservation projects.
• Strong skills in monitoring and evaluation, with a capability to interpret and utilize data for improving project delivery.
• Proficient in French and local languages, with strong communication and facilitation skills.

Application Process:

Interested candidates are required to submit a CV, a cover letter, and two professional references. Applications should be sent to WRI’s HR Department by May 10, 2024.

Duration of Assignment:

The contract duration is from May 15, 2024, to December 31, 2024.

Contact Information Questions about the project should be directed to:

Hellen Wanjohi-Opil

Resilience African Cities Lead, Cities program

WRI Africa Email address: [email protected]