Back Consultant - Development of Management Plan

Terms of Reference for a Consultant to Develop a Management Plan for Risk-Prone and Vulnerable Areas in Brazzaville

May 2025

I. Context and Justification

The forests of Brazzaville, including parks, gardens, and trees planted along streets and in residential plots, have been steadily declining over recent decades. Despite efforts by municipal and national authorities, the city has lost more than 80% of its forests in just 70 years. As climate change effects become increasingly perceptible, these losses directly impact the resilience and prosperity of Brazzaville’s residents. The critical role of urban forests as nature-based solutions against environmental risks—such as flooding, water and river erosion, siltation, and landslides—has been consistently undermined by urban development. Two northern neighborhoods, \"Ngamankosso\" and \"Bakabandilou,\" have proven particularly vulnerable to flooding and water erosion risks.

Addressing these risks through urban forest restoration and disaster management in vulnerable areas requires high-quality scientific data, funding, and expertise beyond the capacity of most African cities, including Brazzaville. Aware of this challenge, WRI and the Municipality of Brazzaville have collaborated to develop the \"Brazza la verte\" (Green Brazzaville) urban forestry strategy. Within this framework, and given the ecological vulnerability of certain Brazzaville districts, WRI is recruiting a consultant to conduct a scientific study on risk-prone and vulnerable areas to flooding and erosion in the city.

II. Description of the Consultancy

This consultancy has two objectives: first, to map Brazzaville’s risk-prone areas, and second, to identify nature-based solutions to reduce their vulnerability to flooding and erosion. The specific activities include:

• Develop a methodological approach for the study and submit it to WRI for approval.
• Conduct a literature review of studies or analyses on risk-prone and vulnerable areas in Brazzaville.
• Produce an up-to-date map of risk-prone areas in Brazzaville.
• Conduct a survey in mapped areas to assess the situation in risk-prone zones, including field observations and structured interviews with key informants at the neighborhood level.
• Evaluate land governance, management, and climate change impacts in Brazzaville.
• Develop preliminary nature-based solutions to address flooding and erosion risks, considering the current state of these areas.
• Facilitate discussions with key actors and stakeholders at the Brazzaville municipality level to outline and validate these preliminary solutions.

  Operationally, the consultant will propose and facilitate two strategic workshops to present results to municipal staff and stakeholders. The first workshop will focus on mapping results and the assessment of risk-prone areas, while the second will analyze and validate preliminary nature-based solutions.

  III. Consultant’s Tasks

  In line with the Cities program outcomes for Brazzaville, the consultant will:

  • Map and assess the current state of risk-prone and vulnerable areas in Brazzaville.
  • Engage with the Brazzaville municipality to identify joint activities or nature-based solutions for these areas.
  • Organize meetings with stakeholders involved in Brazzaville’s development and risk-prone area issues.

    IV. Contract Duration

    The consultancy will last 6 months from the date of contract signature between WRI and the consultant.

    V. Deliverables

    The consultant will produce:

    • An operational start-up plan with the work methodology.
    • A report on the literature review and surveys conducted.
    • An updated map with a detailed assessment of identified risk-prone areas.
    • A study report on Brazzaville’s risk-prone and vulnerable areas, including proposed nature-based solutions.

      VI. Supervision and Reporting

      The consultant will collaborate closely with WRI representatives in the Republic of Congo. All deliverables will be produced in French and submitted to WRI for review and approval.

      VII. Technical and Functional Competencies

      The candidate must demonstrate competencies in:

      • Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial analysis.
      • Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA).
      • Management of risk-prone and vulnerable areas.
      • Urban geography or urban development.
      • Thorough knowledge of Brazzaville’s administrative documents and relevant information.
      • Skills in facilitating stakeholder discussions.
      • Competence in conducting field surveys with populations.
      • Strong analytical, data synthesis, and written and oral communication skills.

        VIII. Consultant Profile

        Education:

        • A Master’s degree (Bac +5) in physical geography, risk management, geomorphology, or a third-cycle degree in urban development themes.

          Experience:

          • At least 5 years of experience in environmental impact studies and managing risk-prone urban areas.
          • Proven experience in formulating environmental monitoring projects, preferably per international standards.
          • Strong knowledge of strategies for developing resilient cities adapted to climate change effects.

            IX. Information to be Provided by Candidates

            Candidates must submit:

            • Technical Proposal: Demonstrating project understanding, evidence of similar assignments, clear methodologies for each TDR component, a proposed work plan, and the applicant’s details and CV.
            • Financial Proposal: Specifying a total lump sum in US dollars, including consultancy fees and all associated costs (e.g., travel, meals, taxes). Costs for proposal preparation and contract negotiation are not reimbursable.

              X. Evaluation for Candidate Selection

              Applications will be evaluated based on TDR compliance using:

              Criteria

              Points (Max.)

              Technical Proposal

              Demonstrated understanding of the assignment with clear methodologies for all relevant aspects of the TDRs.

              📚 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗮 𝗝𝗼𝗯 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗡 𝗶𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯! 🌍🤝 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗡 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗨𝗡𝗛𝗖𝗥, 𝗪𝗙𝗣, 𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗙, 𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗦𝗦, 𝗨𝗡𝗙𝗣𝗔, 𝗜𝗢𝗠 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀! 🌐

              ⚠️ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐰: 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐚 𝐣𝐨𝐛 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐍𝐎𝐖!

              25

              Work experience and knowledge of the local context of Brazzaville. Previous collaboration with Brazzaville municipality is an asset.

              20

              Proven relevant expertise and experience in the required fields for this work.

              15

              Work plan - schedule of activities.

              15

              Financial Proposal

              Clarity of the cost structure (personnel, equipment, travel, and other expenses).

              15

              Clear allocation of financial resources to the various activities.

              10

              Total

              100

              XI. Currency of Rates and Proposed Prices

              All rates and prices must be in US dollars.

              XII. Post-Selection Process

              To ensure consistency:

              • WRI will hold a working session to provide assignment details and clarify expectations.
              • The consultant will work autonomously thereafter.
              • A mid-term session will facilitate framing and information exchange.
              • After WRI’s feedback, the consultant will finalize the deliverable as a study implementation report.

                XIII. Submission of Applications

                Applications must be submitted to Isère Ormille Mafodjui ([email protected]) and Joseph Mangouende ([email protected]), with a copy to Jean Bakouma ([email protected]), before [date], 5:00 PM Brazzaville time.

                XIV. Reference Documents

                • Urban forestry strategy for Brazzaville.

                  XV. About WRI

                  Founded in 1982, the World Resources Institute (WRI) is an independent, non-profit global research organization addressing seven critical challenges: climate change, energy, food, forests, water, sustainable cities, and the ocean. With over 1,800 staff in 60 countries, WRI delivers high-quality research and collaborates with leaders to drive action and scale solutions.

                  Our Mission and Values: WRI’s mission is to protect Earth’s environment for current and future generations, guided by Integrity, Innovation, Urgency, Independence, and Respect.

                  Our Culture: WRI advances gender and social equity, embraces diversity, and holds EDGE certification for gender equality.

                  WRI RoC: Since 2006, WRI’s team in the Republic of Congo has promoted forest safeguarding and land restoration for economic, social, and environmental benefits, including urban resilience through nature-based solutions.

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