TERMS OF REFERENCE
CONSULTANCY TO UPDATE THE TREE REPRODUCTIVE MATERIALS (TRMS) STRATEGY
1. BACKGROUND
Forests and agroforestry ecosystems rolessupportcommunitylivelihoods, controlling soil erosion, protecting water catchments and supplying other goods and ecological services.Forsustianlblemanagement of the forest ecosystems and landscapes, theRwanda Forestry Authority(RFA) has beenestablsiehdtopromotesustainable forestryand agroforestrypractices and biodiversity conservation.Planting materials are considered pivotal inforest policyto contribute to sustainable management and conservation of forests and agroforestry landscapes.The unavailability of tree planting materials both in quantity and qualityisone of the main barriers to tree plantingand ,restorationin differentagro-ecological regions of the country. To address this problem, farmers, government project managers and development partners need a reliable supply of a diverse range of tree reproductive materials for forestry, agroforestry and restoration activities in theirzones.Toenhance our approach towards sourcing, managing, and utilizing tree reproductive materials, we seek the expertise of a consultant to develop a comprehensiveTree Reproductive Materialsstrategy.
2. OBJECTIVES
The primary objective of this consultancy is to develop a Tree Reproductive Materials Strategytosupport andensureproper implementation offorestry policy actions(2018) andagroforestry strategy and action plan(2018-2027)whilepromotingsustainability,improveforestry managementand plant diversity. Specifically, the strategy should:
- Assess current practices and challenges related to the sourcing, management, and utilization of tree reproductive materials.
- Clearly identify and/or define, with RFA,the priority goods(e.g., lumber, fuelwood, non-wood forest products such as fodder, fruits, medicines,etc. )and environmental services(e.g., carbon sequestration, soil and water protection, biodiversity, livelihoods, etc.)expected from planted forests. The desired outcomes should inform the new Tree Reproductive Material Strategy.Recommend strategies for sustainable sourcing, propagation, storage, and conservationof tree reproductive materials.
- Definequalitystandardsfor tree seedsand outline protocols for quality control, monitoring, and evaluation of tree reproductive materials.
- Provide guidelines for the equitable and ethical engagement with local communities in sourcing tree reproductive materials.
- Suggest measures for promoting genetic diversity and resilience in tree populations,ensuringadaptability,ecologicalstability, and enhanced environmental services (i.e., outcomes).
- Draw recommendation for the sustainable management and administration of planting materials ensuring the quality and certification.
3. SCOPE OF WORK
The consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:
- Conduct a comprehensive review of existing literature, policies, and programs related to tree reproductive materials at the national and international levels.
- Identify any missing components or areas of improvement in the current Tree Reproductive Material Strategy.
- Provide recommendations on how to address these gaps to enhance the strategy's effectiveness.
- Perform an Implementation Review of the current Tree Reproductive Material strategyand identify areas of opportunity for anchoring the TRM strategy within legal and regulatory frameworks to enable implementation at scale.
- Analyze thecurrent statusof tree reproductive materials management, includinggenetic diversity,mapping of practitioners,source identificationand selection, conservation of genetic resources, capacity(skills, technology, and equipment)and Research, Monitoring and Evaluation, climate change adaptation, breeding and improvement programs.
- Assessing the current supply chain of tree reproductive materials, including identification of potential gaps and inefficiencies.
- ConductaSWOT analysis forthetree reproductive materials supply chain, considering opportunities to enhance the multiple benefits andpriorityoutcomes (e.g., livelihoods, reduced soil erosion and nutrient depletion, etc.) of restoration and reforestation initiatives.
- Assess and strategize the role oftheprivate sector intheTree Seed Supply Value Chain, including opportunities for designing public-private partnerships and outcome-based payments, among other financial mechanisms.
- Identifycapacity-buildingneedsof the staff of the end-user unit andamong stakeholders involved in tree reproductive materials management, including technical skills, institutional capacity, and policy frameworks.
- Partner with WRI to co-facilitateworkshopsor meetings withthe end-userunit at RFA andconsultationswith and involvement of different partners/ stakeholders at every stage of deliverablesfor feedback and refinement of the draft strategy.
- Finalizethe Tree Reproductive Materials Strategy based on feedback received and incorporateany necessary revisions.
4. DELIVERABLES
The consultant is expected to deliver the following:
- An inception report detailing the proposed methodology, precising the component of TRM strategy to be covered extensively by the study, and a detailed work plan.
- Comprehensive baseline providing information on all components of the TRM sector includingamap of seed sources,seed actors,nurseries (government and private nurseries), and partners/stakeholders. It should also clarify current standards of quality TRM, capacity available in terms of knowledge, skills, infrastructure, technology, equipment, and coordination and collaboration among stakeholders.
- Define clearlythe “quality” of a tree plantingmaterialand establish a protocol for its assessment(grading scheme for the quality TRM),
- Acomprehensivestatus assessmentto identify and document high-quality seed sources(seed stands, natural forests, and national parks)for both exotic and indigenous tree species
- A comprehensive gap assessment based on the baseline information provided and carried out SWOT analysisonwhich the drafting of the strategy will be basedenabling us to make more informed decisions and developaneffective TRM strategy.
- Anassessment of nurseries in the country and draw recommendations for improved nursery management, and standardization.
- Provide an overview of the progress and outcomes achieved and identify factors that have contributed to the current TRM strategy’s success or hindered its implementation.
- Presentation of thedraft Tree Reproductive Materials Strategy documentto the end userinstitution and partnersfor feedback inputsand recommendations.
- Develop the draft strategywithrecommendations, and alsocomparingBusiness as UsualScenarios(BAU)and recommended scenarios.
- Develop a strategy implementation plan and budget indicating strategic interventions, activities, leadinginstitutions, supporting institutions, budget and timeline per activity.
- Develop the implementation guidelines informing the users on theapproachestoconsider when implementing the recommendations.
- Finalized Tree Reproductive Materials Strategy document incorporating feedback received.
- Develop a comprehensive communication and dissemination plan outlining how the finalized Tree Reproductive Materials Strategy will be communicated to and engaged with various stakeholders.
5. EXPERSION OF INTEREST
The consultant will express interest for the assignment and is expected propose a methodology and plan for the assignment which will be approved by WRI and RFA team.The consultant is expected to identify and describe the most appropriate and efficient approach for designing and conducting the assignment.To ensure the credibility and accuracy of data/ information the consultant should clarify various tools and methods to be used in gathering informationandthe expression of interest will include but not limited to:
• Desk review
• Develop an appropriate consultancy design and methods
• Establish schedule/timeline for the assignment
• Team composition & experience
• Financial proposal
• Expression of Interest should be sent byNovember 15th 2024toJeanpierre.kalimunda@wri.orgfor the attention of Jean Pierre Kalimunda;and cc:Peter Ntaganda atpeter.ntaganda@wri.orgwith a subject Line: “ApplicationforConsultancy to update the Tree Reproductive Materials (TRMs) Strategy”
6. TIMELINE
The consultancy is expected to be completed within a total period of4 monthsfrom the date of contract commencement.
7. QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal consultant should possess the following qualifications:
- The consultant should have at least 5years experience.
- Qualification and Experiences ofconsultantingteam
No | Required expertise | Qualification | Experiences |
1 | Agroforestry/Forestry, Agriculture sciences Plant genetics | - Team leader:PhD holder in one of required expertise | - Team leader:at least 5 years of relevant work experiences (forest/plant genetics, seed science and technology) |
2 | Agroforestry/Forestry Environmental economics, Agriculture economics, Plant genetics | - Experts (2): At least each expert holding MSc in each required expertise
| - At least 3 years for working relevant experiences |
- Team lead/team members should haveexperience in developing strategies or guidelines related toplantingmaterials.
- Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into actionable recommendations.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Prior experience working with diverse stakeholders, including local communities and government agencies,and international organizationsis desirable.
- Nationals with experience working on similar national strategic guidelines are preferred.
8. GRADING
Technical proposal/ 60 points:
(i)The methodology and understanding ofToRs/ 35 points
(ii)Team composition & qualifications & experience (25 points):
1. Team Leader /15 points
2. Experts /10 Points
3. Financial proposal/ 40 points
9. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
All materials produced during the consultancy, including the final strategy document, will be the intellectual property of the Rwanda Forestry Authority.
10.CONFIDENTIALITY
All information shared during the consultancy period is considered confidential and should not be disclosed to third parties without prior consent from the Rwanda Forestry Authority.
11.AMENDMENTS
Rwanda Forestry Authority reserves the right to amend any part of these terms of reference and will communicate any changes to all interested consultantsprior.
