Background

Wetlands International is dedicated to safeguarding and restoring wetlands for people and nature. We are driven by the knowledge that safeguarding and restoring wetlands is urgent and vital for water security, biodiversity, climate regulation, sustainable development and human health. A Supervisory Council and a Board of the Association of 35 national government and non-governmental organization members govern our global not-for-profit network of 20 independent offices. We bring knowledge into policy and practice, connect local actions in 100 countries to make a global difference, we catalyse actions that support those that use or depend on wetlands, and we are passionate about the positive change we make for people and nature. See our website (www.wetlands.org) for more information on the values, strategies and policies that guide our work.

Wetlands International (WI), in collaboration with EWNHS, EWCA, HoAREC/N and BDA/RVLBDO,  has been implementing the IKI-funded CRF “Climate Resilient Site Network in the African-Eurasian flyway” project  (2016-2020) which  aims to guide the development of a coherent and climate resilient network of protected or otherwise managed areas that are internationally important for the conservation of migratory waterbirds in the African-Eurasian flyway and thus contributes to the implementation of the relevant resolutions of the African-Eurasian Waterbird Agreement.

Since the start of the project, WI and partners have been implementing a number of interventions ranging from the restoration and management of wetlands, restoration of degraded watersheds, tackling the pollution of wetands, to capacity building/strengthening of government institutions, CBOs and youth associations,  policy support and documentation and sharing of knowledge. As part of the project work, WI is planning to hire successful consultant/s to develop a climate change adaptation action plan for Abijata- Shalla Lakes National Park (AASLNP) of Ethiopia.

According to the Critical Site Network Tool developed under the framework of the Climate Resilient Site Network in the African-Eurasian Flyway (CRF) project supported by the International Climate Initiative on the basis of a decision adopted by the German Bundestag,Critical Sites were identified using two criteria:

1. The site is known or thought regularly or predictably to hold significant numbers of a population of a globally threatened waterbird species.
2. The site is known or thought regularly or predictably to hold >1% of a flyway or other distinct population of a waterbird species.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES OF THE CONSULTANCY ASSIGNMENT

As part of the project activity, the consultancy assignment is expected to achieve the following objectives:

1. Making a brief assessment of the vulnerability of critical sites in Ethiopia to climate change impacts.
2. Assessing the vulnerability of Abijata-Shalla Lakes National Park (ASLNP)  to climate change impacts.
3. Preparing a climate change adaptation action plan for ASLNP.

SCOPE AND SUGGESTED ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGIES

The assessment will provide quantitative and qualitative data through the following methods:

1. Desk study and review of all relevant documents on climate change vulnerability and impacts of critical sites, Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia, ASLNP, and other relevant related/theoretical and research literatures.
2.  Meteorological data and project documents, etc.
3. Field observation and Interviews with relevant key informants (EWCA, NMA, EFCCC, BDA/RVLBDOCRF project staff).

DURATION OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The consultancy is expected to take about 15-20 days.

EXPECTED DELIVERABLES:

The following deliverables are expected.

1. An inception report, outlining the key scope of the work and intended work plan.
2. Draft report
3. Final report, including a separately developed climate change adaptation action plan of ASLNP

REQUIRED EXPERTISE AND QUALIFICATIONS

Environmentalist/Climate Change Expert,, Watershed Management Expert, a DRM/IRM Expert, Development Specialist.

The consultant/s should have:

• Strong and proven track record of working in areas related to wetlands and climate-resilience
• Minimum MSc/M.A in degrees with proven track record of conducting similar studies/reviews
• Excellent analytical, report compiling and cohesive report writing skills (in English).