Consultancy To Support The Development of the National Voluntary Community Conservation Framework

NOTE: Any requests for clarification or questions regarding this Terms of Reference (ToR) should be submitted in writing to procurementofficer2@pactbelize.org, and edapm@pactbelize.org
 

Click here to download complete ToR in pdf: Consultancy - NVVCA Framework

                                                                                               TERMS OF REFERENCE

GENERAL OBJECTIVE: To support the development and operationalization of Belize’s National Voluntary Community Conservation Areas (NVCCA) Framework, strengthening biodiversity conservation, ecosystem resilience, and community-led stewardship in coordination with key national and international stakeholders.

DURATION: 8 months

BUDGET: $60,000 BZD

1. Background

Belize is highly vulnerable to climate change due to its low-lying geography and exposure to sea-level rise, flooding, erosion, drought, storm surges, hurricanes, and increasing temperatures. These climate and natural hazards pose significant risks to communities, agriculture, infrastructure, livelihoods, and natural ecosystems, highlighting the need for stronger adaptation and resilience measures. In response, the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) received funding from the Adaptation Fund under the “Building Community Resilience via Transformative Adaptation” project through the Enhanced Direct Access (EDA) funding window. The project serves as a national mechanism for climate finance and aims to strengthen Belize’s long-term capacity to address climate threats through five interconnected areas: safeguarding forest and water resources, improving wildfire management, supporting alternative livelihoods, building national capacity to access adaptation finance, and strengthening community disaster risk management.

2. Objectives and Responsibilities

The National Biodiversity Office within the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Solid Waste Management (MSDCCSWM) through the Adaptation Fund’s “Building Community Resilience via Transformative Adaptation” project is implementing the sub-project entitled “Safeguarding Forest and Water Resources through Strategic Protection and Restoration Solutions in the Macal and Mopan River Watersheds.” To advance the objectives of this initiative, a specialized consultant is engaged
in supporting key technical and community-level deliverables.
This consultancy forms part of Belize's broader strategy to strengthen biodiversity conservation, ecosystem resilience, and community-led stewardship through the development of National Voluntary Community Conservation Areas (NVCCAs). 

3. Scope of Work

The selected consultant will be responsible for the following:

• Conduct a rapid desk review of relevant international guidance, including the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Decision 14/8 (2018), IUCN frameworks, and Belize’s national policies and legal structures.
  
• Provide technical support for the development and refinement of the NVCCA Framework through consultations and technical discussions with NBIO, IUCN, PACT, and relevant stakeholders.
• Identify and assess existing community, Indigenous, private, and locally led conservation initiatives in Belize to identify relevant examples, lessons learned, and potential models.
• Develop practical, user-friendly implementation tools, including guidelines, assessment templates, and toolkits, ensuring they are gender-responsive, culturally appropriate, and rights-based.
• Identify and assess five potential NVCCA pilot sites within the Macal and Mopan River Watersheds using the criteria established under the NVCCA Framework.
• Document pilot experiences, including successes, challenges, lessons learned, and recommendations to inform the refinement and implementation of the NVCCA Framework.
• Conduct targeted capacity-building and awareness activities to support understanding and rollout of the NVCCA Framework.
  

4. Expected Results

Work must be carried out within (8) eight months upon signing the contract. The following products will be provided by the consultant:

• Deliverable 1: Inception Report with Literature Review
  
  • Timeline: 2 weeks after contract signing
  • Summary: Review relevant frameworks, policies, guidance, and best practices, and support stakeholder mapping.
  • Payment: 10%
• Deliverable 2: Stakeholder Consultation Report
  • Timeline: 2 months after contract signing
  • Summary: Conduct stakeholder consultations, document inputs, and identify existing conservation initiatives, opportunities, gaps, and challenges.
  • Payment: 15%
• Deliverable 3: Draft NVCCA Framework
  • Timeline: 3 months after contract signing
  • Summary: Develop and refine the NVCCA Framework, pilot site assessment criteria, implementation tools, and conduct a validation workshop.
  • Payment: 25%
• Deliverable 4: NVCCA Pilot Site Assessment
  • Timeline: 5 months after contract signing
  • Summary: Identify and assess five pilot sites, engage relevant stakeholders, and document pilot experiences, challenges, and capacity needs.
  • Payment: 20%
• Deliverable 5: Capacity Building
  • Timeline: 6 months after contract signing
  • Summary: Conduct capacity-building and awareness activities and document participation, key issues, and capacity needs.
  • Payment: 10%
• Deliverable 6: NVCCA Implementation Recommendations Report
  • Timeline: 8 months after contract signing
  • Summary: Document pilot findings, lessons learned, and recommendations for national implementation and long-term sustainability.
  • Payment: 20%
    

All reports and associated outputs shall be submitted in editable electronic format and shall incorporate feedback provided by NBIO, IUCN, PACT, and other designated stakeholders. The consultant shall make reasonable revisions to the deliverables based on consolidated feedback.

5. Qualifications and Experience Requirements

The consultant should possess the following qualifications:

Academic Qualification:
Advanced university degree (Master's degree or higher) in conservation biology, environmental management, natural resource management, environmental law, protected area management, geography, ecology, public policy, sustainable development, or another closely related field. 

Experience: 

• 10+ years of professional experience in biodiversity conservation, protected areas, natural resource governance, environmental policy, or related fields.
  
• Experience developing national policies, strategies, frameworks, guidelines, or governance mechanisms for biodiversity conservation, protected areas, or OECMs.
• Strong knowledge of the CBD, Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, and IUCN guidance on OECMs and protected/conserved areas.
• Proven experience conducting multi-stakeholder consultations, workshops, and participatory processes with government, IPLCs, CSOs, private sector, and communities.
• Experience in Belize or the wider Caribbean is an asset.
  

6. Coordination

The consultant will report to the Director of the National Biodiversity Office (NBIO) and work closely with the NBIO project team, Forest Department, IUCN technical team, and other relevant stakeholders. Regular coordination with IUCN experts will ensure alignment of technical inputs and framework development.

7. Application Procedures

• Cover Letter: State interest, suitability, availability, and commitment for the consultancy.
  
• Curriculum Vitae (CV): Highlight academic qualifications, professional experience, and relevant expertise in biodiversity conservation, environmental policy, community-based conservation, governance, and stakeholder engagement.
• Technical Proposal: Include the proposed methodology, stakeholder engagement approach, NVCCA Framework development approach, governance and implementation mechanisms, and detailed work plan and timeline.
• Financial Proposal: Provide a detailed breakdown of consultancy fees and associated costs. Community engagement costs, including venue, transportation, food, and printing, should be excluded                                        
• Incomplete proposals will not be considered.
  

                                                                        **Application deadline is 16  October 2026. **