TERMS OF REFERENCE – CONSULTANCY TO CONDUCT AN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR THE CONSORTIUM FOR ADVANCED RESEARCH TRAINING IN AFRICA (CARTA)PROGRAM Posted on 06/07/2023 (13/09/2023) by lillian osano CAREERS GET INVOLVED // CAREERS TERMS OF REFERENCE – CONSULTANCY TO CONDUCT AN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR THE CONSORTIUM FOR ADVANCED RESEARCH TRAINING IN AFRICA (CARTA)PROGRAM Deadline: July 31, 2023 Closed Job Share This Job: INTRODUCTION The African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) is a leading Africa-based, African-led, international research institution headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, with a regional office in Dakar, Senegal. Our researchers are contributing to the body of evidence about the critical issues in population health and wellbeing impeding Africa’s development in order to provide strong direction and recommendations to policy- and decision-makers at all levels. Our priority research areas are Human Development, Health and Well-Being, Data Science and Evaluation, and Population Dynamics and Urbanization in Africa. In addition to the research component, APHRC has other programmatic areas in Research and Related Capacity Strengthening, Policy Engagement and Communications and International programs. The Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA) is a consortium of eight African-partner universities, four research institutions, and eight Non-African partner institutions jointly led by the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC), Kenya, and the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), South Africa. The Program was formed in 2008 to support the development of a vibrant African academy able to lead world-class multidisciplinary research that impacts positively on public and population health. The consortium enhances the capacity of African universities to create sustainable multidisciplinary research hubs by supporting junior faculty members to undertake their doctoral training locally and to become internationally recognized research leaders. Ultimately, CARTA strengthens university-wide systems to support research. CARTA offers a well thought out approach to rebuild and to strengthen the capacity of African universities to produce world-class researchers, research leaders, and scholars. SCOPE OF SERVICES APHRC is seeking applications from consultant(s) to conduct an environmental assessment on the CARTA Program. The objective of the environmental assessment is to have a basis for integrating environmental assessment into planning, implementation and monitoring of the Program and ensure that CARTA contributes to environmentally sustainable development. Specifically, the consultant will identify the programs entry points for integration of environment, climate change and biodiversity and social and economic impact. The consultant(s) shall analyse the context and conditions, adapt planned activities and suggest measures in line with a three criteria model to: Harness opportunities for positive environmental impact from the Program on the environment including opportunities for longer-term benefits for socio-economic development and transformation to green economies and resilient societies, as well as for contributing to donor policies and international commitments on the environment. Identify and suggest mitigation measures to environmental risks from the Program that can harm the environment. Manage risks from environmental degradation, climate change and loss of biodiversity affecting the sustainability of the Program (ensuring that the project/programme is resilient to climate change and other environmental changes). Review APHRC environmental policy and make recommendations for improvement. Additionally, develop and propose an implementation plan for an environment and climate change framework. The assessment must be context-specific and take into consideration the geographical and political context of the Program activities. Particularly, the consultant(s) shall assess the environmental conditions in the specific geographical area(s) and how regional/national legislation may influence the design and implementation of the Program. The assessment shall also analyse APHRC’s internal capacity to manage identified opportunities and risks, such as staff capacity or environmental management tools (policies, guidelines, environmental management systems) and include a description of opportunities to improve these tools. MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE CONSULTANCY The ideal consultant must: Have a background in environmental, climate change and sustainability science and be capable of demonstrating practical experience in undertaking environmental assessments. Demonstrate experience and expertise in similar assignments in non-profit organizations. Must be a registered and licensed Lead Expert of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Indicate availability to perform the assignment at the earliest possible time. Excellent written and oral communication skills. DURATION AND CONDUCT OF THE CONSULTANCY The assignment shall be conducted within a period of one (1) month from the date of execution of a consultancy contract. The consultant shall agree with the APHRC management on the contents of the work plan including scope and inputs of the assessment. The consultant shall be required to submit a fair budget/price plan. All reports, documents and outputs prepared by the consultant for this assignment shall become the property of APHRC and the consultant shall have an obligation to deliver such documents upon expiration of the consultancy. DELIVERABLES The consultant shall submit an environmental study report of the CARTA Program that should, at a minimum, cover the following basic aspects: Executive summary. Policy, legal and administrative framework. Environmental assessment methodology based on the three criteria model. Description of the existing environment. Identification and assessment of potential, direct, indirect, cumulative, positive and negative environmental impacts and mitigation measures. Environmental monitoring plan. The consultant shall also design and develop: Design and develop environmental management tools. Recommendations and proposals for improved environmental sustainability within the Center. OTHER DOCUMENTATION The consultant must submit the following documents: Cover letter and proposal. Profile of the company indicating capacity to undertake the proposed environmental assessment /audit studies. Detailed CV’s indicating similar work done and years of experience. CV’s of the proposed consultants for the engagement. List of current and past clients where the consultant has carried out similar assignments. Valid certificate of business registration. Taxpayer’s documents: valid PIN and tax compliance certificates. Two reference letters from current or past clients (in the last two years). Proposed activity timelines to perform the assignment. Proof of registration and licensure as a lead expert. SUBMISSION Applications and submission including supporting documents should be sent by email to consultancies@aphrc.org and a copy to procurement@aphrc.org with the email subject: “Application to undertake Environmental Assessment.” Submission deadline is July 31, 2023 at 5.00pm. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applications should be should be addressed to: The Human Resources Officer African Population and Health Research Center, Inc APHRC Campus, Manga Close, off Kirawa Road, Kitisuru P.O. Box 10787-GPO, Nairobi Website: www.aphrc.org APHRC is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the protection of vulnerable persons.