Team Leader for an Analysis of the current state of USAID supported community forests in DRC 29 views0 applications

SOCHA AND MSSP OVERVIEW

SoCha is an international development company with project offices in Kinshasa and Goma, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. We provide a variety of professional services to multilateral and bilateral donors, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and global clients in need of analytical and technical services.

SoCha is contracted to provide technical and advisory services to the United States Agency for International Development in the Democratic Republic of Congo (USAID/DRC) under the 5-year Mission Strategic Support Program (MSSP). MSSP works to strengthen Mission strategic monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) and institutionalize collaborating, learning, and adapting (CLA) practices by carrying out evaluations, assessments and studies and providing Mission personnel with third-party monitoring in areas they cannot access.

PURPOSE OF THE CONSULTANCY

MSSP is seeking a Team Leader with strong expertise in coordinating and leading studies to support the implementation of an analysis of Community Forest Concessions (CFCs) in the DRC. The Team Leader will work with a designated local MEL firm to ensure the effective implementation of the analysis across the targeted provinces. The primary purpose of the assessment is to analyze the current state of CFCs supported by USAID in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This includes evaluating the effectiveness of CFCs in promoting sustainable forest management, understanding community engagement, and identifying benefits derived from these concessions. This analysis will inform strategies for sustainable forest management, enhance community engagement, and evaluate the effectiveness of community forest concessions (CFCs) in promoting environmental conservation and improving livelihoods.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Team Leader will oversee the comprehensive assessment of the current state of USAID-supported community forests in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This individual will ensure that project objectives are met, methodologies are adhered to, and all activities are coordinated effectively. The Team Leader will manage stakeholder engagements and serve as the primary point of contact with MSSP and USAID.

A summary of tasks is as follows:

Task 1: Conduct preliminary consultations and desk review

Task 2: Develop an Inception Report and data collection tools.

Task 3: Collect data for the assessment across the targeted provinces

Task 4: Analyze the data collected

Task 5: Develop a draft Assessment Report

Task 6: Present preliminary findings

Task 7. Revise and submit final report

Task 8. Organize and lead and organize a dissemination workshop.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance for this assignment is from November 2024 to February 2025. However, the exact number of days for this assignment will be determined based on final work planning and approvals to be provided by USAID.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATION AND COMPETENCIES

• Advanced degree in forestry, environmental science, sustainable development, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in sustainable forest management or community forestry, particularly in the DRC or similar contexts, is required. Familiarity with the CARPE (Central Africa Regional Program for the Environment) program would be a strong asset for this position.
• Proven track record of leading assessments or evaluations related to natural resource management
• Previous experience in managing team and coordinating qualitative and quantitative data collection.
• Familiarity with USAID programs and policies is highly desirable.
• Strong leadership abilities with experience managing diverse teams.
• Professional level communications skills in both French and English (written and verbal).

POSITION LOCATION

The consultancy allows for remote work with up to 30 days of travel to the DRC required, including field travel.