Job Description

Posted on June 10, 2021

Introduction:
These terms of reference serve as guidelines for a baseline study for the Voices for Climate Action. The consultancy will be undertaken as part of Zambia Country Chapter activities under the Voices for Climate Action . The Voices for Climate Action (VCA) program is being implemented by a consortium led by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Netherlands, and other partners including South South North, Akina Mama wa Afrika, Slum Dwellers International, Fundación Avina and Hivos, under the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ five-year strategic partnership: “Power of Voices”. The program aims to ensure that by 2025, local civil society and underrepresented groups will have taken on a central role as creators, facilitators and advocates of innovative climate solutions. Their inclusion is crucial for effective and lasting climate responses, and because the climate crisis is also a societal challenge with ethical and human rights aspects.
The overall approach of the program is to work with civil society to build wide societal support for locally shaped climate solutions through an inclusive and rights-based approach. This includes building a broad-based climate alliance at country level and bridging divides (urban-rural, gender, youth) that amplifies voices in new unusual ways. Akina Mama wa Afrika (AMwA) brings to the consortium a recognized track record of feminist leadership development, feminist research and advocacy and movement building to advance women’s rights and gender equality for a just climate transition.
B) Background
Climate change has been stated as a global threat, a race we are losing but a race we can win if we adopt climate actions that can propel us to climate justice. Furthermore, despite being a global challenge, climate change does not pose similar threats and burdens for all. For those already marginalized and dealing with several inequalities, climate change only compounds the challenges. Inequalities bred by race and ethnicity, class, disability, gender, and sexuality exist on a spectrum and intersect, influencing access to power and resources. There is therefore a need to highlight the glaring effects of climate change, including its structural and systemic causes, and the intersectionality of its effects, and then propose progressive alternatives. The concern that achieving just climate action could be impeded by the harrowing effects of gender inequality and the continued ignoring and leaving behind the voices of those most affected, particularly those from the Global South in the conversations to address climate change and its effects cannot be overlooked. As the world is moving at a very fast pace amidst mushrooming global crises, the one size fits all assumption must be avoided.
The effects of climate change in Zambia continue to manifest in various ways. The impacts of droughts, floods, and a rise in temperature, among others, are compounded by high poverty levels, human induced ecological degradation, and weak financing systems for climate action, resulting in formidable challenges for climate justice, particularly for vulnerable groups. Due to high poverty levels, the rural and urban poor depend more on natural resources for their food, water, and energy security in the Lower Kafue and Lusaka areas. When drought leads to crop failure, communities must resort to exploiting water, wildlife and forest products and the overexploitation of these resources has, over time, led to degradation of the ecosystem that Zambian people so heavily rely on. For example, the predicted growth of the agricultural sector, coupled with climate change impacts, will create unsustainable abstraction of water in the Lower Kafue area, threatening water security for Lusaka. Additionally, the majority of Zambians are largely practicing mono-cropping of maize which is highly vulnerable to climate variabilities leading to the lack of diversity in food production and consumption contributing to high levels of malnutrition and threatening food security in Lusaka. Additionally, the large proportion of hydropower in the electricity mix leaves the country exposed to the variability of rainy seasons threatening the energy security of Zambians. Much ill health in urban informal settlements stems from poor access to sanitation and drinking water, compounded by squalid conditions from inadequate solid waste management. Additionally, insufficient infrastructure for water and sanitation causes significant disease outbreaks, particularly during flooding episodes. Urban poor communities have less capacity to cope with climate-related hazards, due to lack of financial resources, lower levels of formal education and deficits of risk-reducing infrastructure.
The overall vision in implementing this project is to have a Zambia where civil society is heard and respected as it influences and co-creates locally relevant, inclusive, and fundable climate solutions that deliver real benefits to people and nature as part of a local and global response to the climate crisis. This will be done through mutual capacity building which involves working closely with CSOs, grassroots organizations and private sector partners. It is against this background that we seek to conduct a baseline study, further guided by the country TOC and the basket indicators (See attached annexes) guide will present tools to assess the gender biases in current climate actions and strategies to advocate towards an intersectional feminist climate change policy position at national, continental, and global levels; a multi-pronged just climate action that upholds human rights and contributes to dismantling the systemic and structural causes of gender inequality.
C) Overall Objectives
The baseline assessment is intended to measure the current status of all indicators and to understand the starting point of key elements of the work against which later progress will be measured. This will enable project indicators at output and goal/outcome level to be measured and tracked. It is also intended to support progressive movements in the collective struggle for climate justice. It will further provide a framework for understanding what equitable solutions for climate justice, to be adapted by those within the climate action movement, would look like.
Areas of focus;
Topics
Context
1. GEDI
Assess the dimensions of (gender) inequality, marginalization and discrimination that affect structurally excluded groups?
Determine the social, legal or cultural taboos or obstacles that might limit access for different groups and individuals in society (in the program)? Thus; which specific barriers need to be addressed to enhance their participation?
2. Civic Space
Establish the state of affairs regarding Civic space[1]? Intimidation and reprisals? Inclusiveness of policies and institutions?
Identify digital opportunities and threats, civic space online and digital safety
3. Youth
Identify participation of youth, including position, access, obstacles and opportunities
4. Climate
Establish the opportunities, threats, vulnerabilities (groups)
5. Stress factors
Identify stressors particular to COVID-19 outbreak that affect the population
Identify Potential conflict sensitivities (identify risks)
D) Scope and Methodology of the Research
The consortium partners will select a local consultant/institution to conduct the baseline survey in the 10 program districts. These are: Luangwa, Rufunsa, Chongwe, Lusaka, Kafue, Chirundu, Siavonga, Chikankata, Mazabuka and Itezhi-tezhi. The selected consultant/institution will be required to prepare detailed research methodology. The baseline study will be proposed to apply both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods.
Quantitative data collection methods
The baseline study is intended to have baseline data at goal, outcome and if applicable, output levels. The scope and geographical areas of focus are as determined (above) by the consortium partners. Possible key respondents or data sources will be determined by the consultants. Prior to the assignment, the consultant will provide detailed data collection tools and a comprehensive data collection methodology.
Qualitative data collection methods
Key methods will be focus group discussions and key informant interviews with partners, civil society, government, and various groups of people affected by climate change.
Document Review
The consortium partners will provide all the necessary documents on the project to the consultant. The consultant team will use project documents provided and other relevant documents.
E) Deliverables –
The consultant is expected to produce the following:
Inception report with detailed data collection tools and a comprehensive data collection methodology.
A draft baseline study report for review and validation by the consortium partners and relevant stakeholders
A final version of the baseline study report
A PowerPoint presentation of the study and findings
F) Time Frame
The assignment is expected to last 30 working days from the date of signing the contract of engagement.
G) Qualifications for the Ideal Consultant
The lead consultant should hold a Master’s degree or higher in Development Studies, Gender and Development, Law, Sustainable Development, or any other related field from a recognized University or have other relevant experience related to the evolving world of climate change.
Experience, Skills, and other attributes
At least 5 years of relevant experience in undertaking baseline research studies. Studies/researches in climate change will be an added advantage
At least 5 years of experience of working with international/ development organizations in areas of Climate action, sustainable energy and other related fields
Fluency in English is required, an added advantage if the candidate has a working understanding of any other language as used frequently in Zambia
Knowledge of recent developments related to climate action.
Demonstrated ability to complete complex assignments in a timely manner and deliver quality results.
H) Application Process
Applications (in English) must be sent by email to wwfcareers@wwfzam.org and a copy to vca@wwfzam.org by close of business on 18th June 2021.
Application should include:
A cover letter stating your motivation
Resume of consultancy lead and team- Summarizing qualifications and relevant experience;
Applicant’s institution/company/individual profile and a sample of previous work in a related field;
Technical and financial proposal (with their interpretation of the TORs for review);
Contact details of at least two independent referees with in-depth and proven knowledge of the applicant’s expertise in the field.