About World Resources Institute (WRI)
Founded in 1982 with initial funding from the MacArthur Foundation and led by James Gustave Speth, the World Resources Institute (WRI) is a global non-profit research organization. WRI focuses on transforming innovative ideas into actionable solutions aimed at balancing environmental sustainability, economic development, and human welfare. The organization’s mission is to steer society towards sustainable practices that safeguard the Earth’s ecosystems while addressing the needs of both present and future generations.
Consultant – Sub-Landscape Situational Analysis
Position Type: Contract
Required Education: BA/BSc/HND
Experience: Not specified
Location: Nairobi
Field: Consultancy, Project Management
Key Responsibilities and Deliverables
The consultant will be responsible for delivering a comprehensive situational analysis report, including stakeholder identification and a social landscape assessment for four sub-landscapes. The analysis will cover the following:
- Evaluating the state of natural resources, focusing on food, water, and biodiversity. This includes identifying areas of both abundance and degradation in these resources.
- Identifying the main challenges and opportunities within each landscape, considering historical context, current conditions, and key trends such as land use changes (e.g., agriculture, urban expansion), socio-economic patterns (income sources, indigenous communities), and demographic shifts (e.g., migration, population growth).
- Analyzing the interactions between various elements of the sub-landscape, such as how land management practices in highland areas impact downstream water availability, food security, and biodiversity.
- Assessing national and county-level policies related to forest landscape restoration, including laws, guidelines, and incentive systems, alongside local land tenure and governance structures.
- Conducting a stakeholder analysis, mapping the social landscape, and identifying the roles and influences of key actors in the food, water, and biodiversity sectors. This will include identifying multi-stakeholder platforms (MSPs), building a power map of decision-making processes, and analyzing governance structures and social hierarchies.
- Identifying areas with significant land degradation across different ecological zones, including riparian zones, intensive farming regions, agro-pastoral zones, and wetlands. The report should propose targeted restoration strategies, supported by maps and prioritized areas for action.
Methodology
The study will combine desktop research, consultations with stakeholders, and structured interviews with landscape experts. Data will be gathered from government reports, academic research, NGO studies, community assessments, and focus group discussions. Workshops will also be held to gather insights from experts familiar with the sub-landscapes.
Timeline
The consultancy will last for two months (60 days), beginning after the contract is signed.
Budget
The compensation for this consultancy will be a fixed fee covering all deliverables. No additional reimbursements (e.g., for travel or office supplies) will be provided by WRI; these should be included in the contract value. If subcontracting is involved, the consultant will be responsible for any associated payments. Payment will be tied to the completion and approval of deliverables and invoices.
As a registered 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, WRI is not exempt from VAT. Pricing proposals should account for VAT and any applicable taxes.
Proposal Submission Guidelines
Required Qualifications
The ideal candidate should possess the following:
- Deep knowledge of the Greater Rift Valley Landscape.
- Experience in researching the causes and consequences of land degradation, particularly regarding food, water, land, and biodiversity.
- Strong background in socio-economic research in Kenya, with expertise in areas such as gender, social equity, and community livelihoods within the Greater Rift Valley sub-landscapes.
- Proficiency in GIS and statistical analysis tools.
- A history of publishing research in academic journals and technical reports.