| Position Title | Agroforestry Consultant |
|
Location |
Flexible location, site visits to West Congo Basin required |
| Contract Form | Fixed Value Consultancy (GBP 17,500 plus expenses) |
| Department | Sustainable Business & Finance |
| Directorate | Conservation & Policy |
| Responsible to | Sustainable Finance Specialist |
| Approved by | Head of Department |
About ZSL
The Zoological Society of London (ZSL), a charity founded in 1826, is a world-renowned centre of excellence for conservation science and applied conservation. ZSL’s purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals from going extinct. This is realised by carrying out field conservation and research in over 50 countries across the globe and through education and awareness-raising at our two zoos, ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, inspiring people to take conservation action.
About the Programme
Sitting within the Sustainable Business & Finance Department, the Sustainable Finance Programme aims to close the $1 trillion financing gap for nature, through working both on the demand side with investors to increase the financing for nature, and on the supply side to develop investible, nature positive projects and enterprises.
About the Project
ZSL’s Western Congo Basin (WCB) programme aims to tackle biodiversity loss across a transboundary area spanning Gabon, Cameroon and Republic of Congo over the next 7 years. The programme will deliver against three main objectives: 1) to develop economic opportunities through investment in nature in support of climate adaptation and resilience and poverty reduction; 2) to slow, halt or reverse biodiversity loss; and 3) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and safeguard natural carbon sinks. Component 8 (Sustainable Revenue Streams) is charged with developing sustainable financing mechanisms for biodiversity conservation and restoration within the programme area. The component focuses on carbon, cocoa agroforestry, tourism and philanthropy as the priority sustainable financing mechanisms identified for the region.
Other projects may be added to the consultancy at a later date.
Purpose
Provide technical oversight and inputs, planning and reporting on cocoa and other agroforestry value chain development and financing activities in the West Congo Basin.
Additional ZSL project in Africa and Southeast Asia may be included in future engagements.
Key Responsibilities
Under the guidance of the Senior Sustainable Finance Specialist and the Sustainable Finance Manager (West Congo Basin):
Technical Oversight and Inputs
Provide oversight of a small group of private sector consultants and grantees to complete an on-ground assessment of the BLF landscape’s current cocoa value chain from farm to export, engaging with existing actors in the value chain and identifying priority locations and actions for delivery of value chain development and financing in future years of the BLF. The report should cover the following topics:
- Mapping, Stakeholder, and Land Tenure Analysis: mapping current and potential cocoa-growing areas, identifying stakeholders at all levels, and investigating land tenure arrangements (these can be mapped as well).
- Market Analysis and Quality Assessment: conduct market research and assess cocoa processing practices, quality, volumes, and flavour.
- Financial Assessment and Training Evaluation: evaluate financial access and available training (extension) services for relevant stakeholders.
- Product Diversification and Carbon Finance Exploration: explore additional products, such as NTFPs and carbon finance opportunities, with community, IPLCs and partners. Conduct barrier analysis to understand challenges and opportunities.
- Processing Improvements and Certification Standards: focus on cocoa processing improvements and targeting relevant certification standards to ensure premium positioning.
- Workshop review hold a workshop with key government and non-government stakeholders to share the findings of the analysis and build consensus on next steps
Priory to undertaking the report, the Consultant should meet with the other activity Consultants and develop a workplan, in conjunction with the BLF team in-country, assigning tasks and responsibilities to the consultants and sub-grantees and ZSL staff to complete the report on time and within budget. The Consultant is also expected to undertake activities required to complete the report, including research, engagement and agronomic analysis.
Project Management
- Coordinate assigned activities and consultants and in accordance with the workplan
- Draft and amend sub-grant and consulting contracts
- Participate in programme and project meetings as reasonably required
External Engagement
- Undertake two visits to the region, at kick-off and to present the findings of the study.
- Meet with external stakeholders including NGOs, government, the private sector and local communities as needed
- Obtain information, present the findings of the study and solicit feedback
Fundraising
- Work with ZSL staff, consultants and partners to develop project concept(s), theory/ies of change, activity plan(s) and budget(s).
- Draft concept note(s) and complete at least two funding applications, subject to sufficient allocation of days
Deliverables
| Deliverable | Due Date |
| Assessment Report Workplan | 15 March 2024 |
| Assessment Report DRAFT | 30 September 2024 |
| Assessment Presentation Delivery | 31 October 2024 |
| Assessment Report FINAL | 30 November 2024 |
| Value Chain Development Concept Note and Theory of Change | 31 December 2024 |
| Value Chain Funding Application(s) and Budget | 31 March 2025 |
Budget and Payment Schedule
| Line Item | Amount Available |
| Technical inputs | GBP 17,500 Fixed fee |
| Flights and transport to project sites | Up to GBP 2,000 |
| Accommodation and subsistence | Up to GBP 1,250 |
| TOTAL | Up to GBP 20,750 |
Payment Schedule
The consultant should invoice on a monthly basis with evidence of progress against the deliverables.
All claims for expenses are dependent on submission of a valid invoice for reimbursement. Alcoholic drinks are not valid for reimbursement.
The consultant will be responsible for the payment of all taxes and charges associated with the works.
Selection Criteria
- A university degree in agriculture, or another field related to this assignment
- At least 5 years’ experience providing agriculture-related technical advice for tropical smallholder deforestation-risk value chains. Expertise in cocoa agroforestry, biodiversity conservation and West/Central Africa preferred.
- Substantial experience managing multi-country project teams including consultants and staff producing deliverables based on community engagement and supply chain analysis
- Familiarity with international conservation NGO operational requirements including procurement, compliance and reporting
- Successful track record of writing fundraising proposals aimed at achieving conservation outcomes through support for sustainable smallholder agriculture in Africa
- Working proficiency in French and English
- Willingness to travel to and work in the project area in West Congo Basin.
Application Process
Submit a CV and cover letter addressing the selection criteria to sbf@zsl.org by 26 February 2024
