Background/ Introduction
In late 2021, Self Help Africa (SHA) and United Purpose (UP) merged. The two organisations – one headquartered in Ireland and the other in Wales – implement projects to end extreme hunger and poverty.
This merger doubled our size and reach – and means that in 2022 we implemented poverty eradication projects in 17 countries, mainly in sub-Saharan Africa. Collectively, we are also part of a group that includes social enterprise subsidiaries Partner Africa, TruTrade and Cumo Microfinance.
In 2022, our work reached more than six million people and invest upwards in more than 100 development programmes designed to improve food systems, facilitate access to markets and financial services, combat climate change, and gender inequality, and improve access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene. Self Help Africa (SHA)/United Purpose (UP) is duly registered with the Federal Government of Nigeria (Ministry of Budget and National Planning) and has operated in Nigeria since 2001. Our Nigeria HQ is based in Abuja with Cross River and Benue field offices.
SHA/UP has been appointed as the Lead Implementing Organisation by the Global EverGreening Alliance (GEA) for a 5-year project entitled ‘Building Resilient Communities and Ecosystems in Nigeria’. The project will focus on the application of agroforestry and other revegetation practices to enhance ecosystems and improve livelihoods, with the sequestration of significant amounts of CO2. It is anticipated that this intervention will improve the livelihoods of more than 120,000 farming households through the promotion of productive farming practices that are resilient to the impacts of climate change while restoring over 200,000 hectares of degraded land using proven evergreening practices such as Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration.
The programme will eventually scale up from existing successful pilots to support climate-vulnerable smallholder communities in Nigeria to improve the productivity, reliability and reliance of food systems in the region. The project will be implemented by a consortium of organisations led by UP/SHA over the five-year implementation period. After the first five years of implementation, GEA will work with some of the selected consortium partners for the long-term maintenance of the carbon component of the project, such as continued community engagement and monitoring of co-benefits.
The consortium of partners, led by SHA/UP and GEA is currently undertaking a design process to develop this project. To provide the necessary evidence required, a pre-feasibility study is planned to be undertaken. The key objective of the pre-feasibility study is to generate evidence on the restoration and carbon sequestration potential in the localities selected for the project.
To this end, on-the-ground collection of biophysical and socioeconomic data across selected Local Government Areas (LGAs) is needed to allow for the progression of the project from design to implementation.
Location: Benue, Plateau and Adamawa States
Type: Consultancy
Career category: Program/Project Management
Years of experience: 10+ years
Our Values
At SHA/UP We believe in equality. People are equal in rights and must be treated with respect and dignity. We strive for the highest quality standards in our work and encourage a culture of constant learning and improvement. We are conscious that finding effective solutions requires innovative thinking combined with a pragmatic approach. Accountability and transparency are central to all our actions and use of resources. Our work is designed to strengthen “bigger than self” values of justice, dignity, respect and responsibility.
The objective of the Consultancy
To provide the necessary evidence required to develop an agroforestry-based carbon removal program implemented together with farmers in Nigeria, a pre-feasibility study is proposed to be undertaken in 3 LGAs, 1 each across 3 states of Benue, Plateau and Adamawa.
The outcome of the study will equip the project proponents with key information on farming households’ land management practices in selected LGAs. This would include, for instance, how and what trees are grown and managed on farms, and for what purposes.
The consultancy services required will include the collection of biophysical and socioeconomic data. The biophysical analysis will focus on farms’ characterization, including current agroforestry practices, tree species grown, physical parameters of the trees, how they are grown (typology of tree growing practices), the use or functional attributes of the trees, and plot spatial references.
The consultant is expected to utilize the prescribed methodology (Annex to the ToR) to:
- Conduct a biophysical survey of tree coverage on selected plots
- Use a semi–structured questionnaire (provided by GEA) to collect household socio–economic data and information on tree management practices. Tree inventory and interviews will be carried out in all farm units on sampled smallholder farms.
To achieve this, SHA/UP seeks the services of an individual consultant or firm to carry out the feasibility study covering the engagement of enumerators, training, fieldwork, data analysis and reporting.
Activities and Tasks
Main responsibilities and tasks will include:
- Engage a team of professional researchers/enumerators (1 Team Leader-community engagement expert, 1 Forester/Botanist, 1 Agriculturist, and 1 LGA staff with knowledge of species).
- Digitize the data collection tools and integrate them into appropriate platforms that enable data transfer and aggregation (e.g. Kobotool box, Survery123, etc)
- Conduct in-depth training on data collection tools for the research team each (1 Team Leader-community engagement expert, 1 Forester/Botanist, 1 Agriculturist, and 1 LGA staff with knowledge of species). One team for 1 LGA).
- Carry out 1-day field data collection tool testing with a trained team of researchers/enumerators and provide feedback for improvement.
- Conduct data collection, data entry and cleaning daily.
- Analyze data and present data in tables and charts
- Submit a 1 Rapid Prefeasibility Study Report.
Activities Date and Duration
The Rapid Feasibility Study Report must be delivered no later than 15th May 2023. The duration of this assignment is 4 weeks starting from 15th April 2023.
Scope of Study
60 smallholder farmers, 20 each from 1 LGA in Benue, Plateau and Adamawa States.
Deliverables
The Consultant will be responsible for the following deliverables:
- Training guide
- Digitization of the field data collection tool/s and migration to the digital platform of choice (e.g. Kobotool box, Survey123 etc)
- Field trial activity schedule
- Field data activity schedule
- Data collection/fieldwork
- Organized Raw data and cleaned data digital files
- 1 Rapid pre-feasibility study report presenting the findings of the pre-feasibility study.
Consultant requirements – Competencies and Knowledge
- Post-graduate university degree or equivalent in Forestry, Botany, Agriculture or equivalent study
- At least 10 years of progressive experience in Agroforestry and land restoration projects and working with smallholder farmers
- Excellent understanding of local tree species in Nigeria
- Experience working with and supporting NGOs – national, and/or international
- Proven experience in planning, developing and facilitating participatory research
- Excellent facilitation, interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity
- Ability to adhere to tight deadlines, work under pressure and be flexible, multiple tasks, exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality
- Skills in ICT operation, and proficiency in using MS Office
- Proven ability to work autonomously, and productively in a team environment and to handle requests or issues as they arise.
- Fluency in English is required for excellent report writing. Understanding local languages in the study states will be an asset
Note: Throughout the work, the consultant must be registered in accordance with legal requirements in their country of residence and must be able to submit documentation that proves that s/he is meeting all legal obligations for the consultancy, including full compliance with SHA/UP regulations and safeguarding policy.
As per the terms of the contract, the consultant will be expected to adhere to SHA/UP standards for safeguarding, social responsibility and human rights and will be provided with copies of relevant policy documents (Child Protection, Gender Equality, Whistleblower Protection, Sexual Harassment and Sexual Exploitation Policy).
The consultant is also expected to obtain prior consent from each farmer before conducting the survey, using the consent form to be provided with the survey questionnaire.
Safeguarding: Everyone has a role in creating and sustaining a safe and respectful working environment, where no one comes to any harm or is maltreated. At SHA/UP we take our responsibilities very seriously and will take action against wrongdoing. We will do everything we can to ensure that we do not engage people that pose a safeguarding risk and will undertake criminal record checks as required. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals. We encourage and facilitate a flexible working environment. Data collected through this engagement will not be used for any other purpose than the anticipated purpose in this arrangement.
How to apply
If you have the required knowledge, expertise and skills, please apply by sending a proposal with the following requirements via an email to [email protected] on or before 12th April 2023.
- A detailed proposal of the research study (not more than 12 pages), including how you meet the criteria for the consultancy, proposed approach, workplan and team composition (include CVs of team members).
- A financial proposal based on the working hours of the consultant or their staff only.
- All enumerator’s project expenses (Field travels – Transport, accommodation and per diems) will be at SHA/UP Nigeria rates.
- An electronic copy of evidence of at least three (3) samples of recent similar work done
- Three references of NGO/INGOs where similar work was carried out
- Signed declarations
- Only Applicants from Nigeria are encouraged to apply. Consultants must be legally registered in Nigeria.
Selection Process:
SHA/UP selection process includes rigorous background checks and reflects our organizational integrity and commitment to making humanitarian action more principled and effective.
- The Consultant’s proposal will be assessed on technical merit, additional value and services offered, relevant experience, value for money, lead time and price.
- This work cannot be subcontracted, and the client must agree on any changes in writing.
- The Consultant will receive support from SHA/UP and consortium members staff – community entry, review of tools and report.
- The consultant will report to the Global Advisor – Climate Change, Agroforestry and NRMand will work closely with the GEA Focal point in-country as required.
Only shortlisted consultants/firms will be contacted.
