TERMS OF REFERENCE

CONSULTANCY TO UPDATE THE TREE REPRODUCTIVE MATERIALS (TRMS)   STRATEGY

1. BACKGROUND

Forests and agroforestry ecosystems roles support community livelihoods, controlling soil erosion, protecting water catchments and supplying other goods and ecological services. For sustianlble management of the forest ecosystems and landscapes, the Rwanda Forestry Authority (RFA) has been establsiehd to promote sustainable forestry and agroforestry practices and biodiversity conservation. Planting materials are considered pivotal in forest policy to contribute to sustainable management and conservation of forests and agroforestry landscapes. The unavailability of tree planting materials both in quantity and quality is one of the main barriers to tree planting and , restoration in different agro-ecological regions of the country. To address this problem, farmers, government project managers and development partners need a reliable supply of a diverse range of tree reproductive materials for forestry, agroforestry and restoration activities in their zones.To enhance our approach towards sourcing, managing, and utilizing tree reproductive materials, we seek the expertise of a consultant to develop a comprehensive Tree Reproductive Materials strategy.

2. OBJECTIVES

The primary objective of this consultancy is to develop a Tree Reproductive Materials Strategy to support and ensure proper implementation of forestry policy actions (2018) and agroforestry strategy and action plan (2018-2027) while promoting sustainability, improve forestry management and plant diversity. Specifically, the strategy should:

• Assess current practices and challenges related to the sourcing, management, and utilization of tree reproductive materials.
• Clearly identify and/or define, with RFA, the priority goods (e.g., lumber, fuelwood, non-wood forest products such as fodder, fruits, medicines, etc. ) and environmental services (e.g., carbon sequestration, soil and water protection, biodiversity, livelihoods, etc.) expected from planted forests. The desired outcomes should inform the new Tree Reproductive Material Strategy. Recommend strategies for sustainable sourcing, propagation, storage, and conservation of tree reproductive materials.
• Define quality standards for tree seeds and outline protocols for quality control, monitoring, and evaluation of tree reproductive materials.
• Provide guidelines for the equitable and ethical engagement with local communities in sourcing tree reproductive materials.
• Suggest measures for promoting genetic diversity and resilience in tree populations, ensuring adaptability,ecological stability, and enhanced environmental services (i.e., outcomes).
• Draw recommendation for the sustainable management and administration of planting materials ensuring the quality and certification. 

3. SCOPE OF WORK

The consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Conduct a comprehensive review of existing literature, policies, and programs related to tree reproductive materials at the national and international levels.
• Identify any missing components or areas of improvement in the current Tree Reproductive Material Strategy.
• Provide recommendations on how to address these gaps to enhance the strategy's effectiveness.
• Perform an Implementation Review of the current Tree Reproductive Material strategy and identify areas of opportunity for anchoring the TRM strategy within legal and regulatory frameworks to enable implementation at scale.
• Analyze the current status of tree reproductive materials management, including genetic diversity, mapping of practitioners, source identification and selection, conservation of genetic resources, capacity (skills, technology, and equipment) and Research, Monitoring and Evaluation, climate change adaptation, breeding and improvement programs.
• Assessing the current supply chain of tree reproductive materials, including identification of potential gaps and inefficiencies.
• Conduct a SWOT analysis for the tree reproductive materials supply chain, considering opportunities to enhance the multiple benefits and priority outcomes (e.g., livelihoods, reduced soil erosion and nutrient depletion, etc.) of restoration and reforestation initiatives.
• Assess and strategize the role of the private sector in the Tree Seed Supply Value Chain, including opportunities for designing public-private partnerships and outcome-based payments, among other financial mechanisms. 
• Identify capacity-building needs of the staff of the end-user unit and among stakeholders involved in tree reproductive materials management, including technical skills, institutional capacity, and policy frameworks.
• Partner with WRI to co-facilitate workshops or meetings with the end-user unit at RFA and consultations with and involvement of different partners/ stakeholders at every stage of deliverables for feedback and refinement of the draft strategy.
• Finalize the Tree Reproductive Materials Strategy based on feedback received and incorporate any necessary revisions.

4. DELIVERABLES

The consultant is expected to deliver the following:

• An inception report detailing the proposed methodology, precising the component of TRM strategy to be covered extensively by the study, and a detailed work plan.
• Comprehensive baseline providing information on all components of the TRM sector including a map of seed sources, seed actors, nurseries (government and private nurseries), and partners/stakeholders. It should also clarify current standards of quality TRM, capacity available in terms of knowledge, skills, infrastructure, technology, equipment, and coordination and collaboration among stakeholders.
• Define clearly the “quality” of a tree planting material and establish a protocol for its assessment (grading scheme for the quality TRM),
• A comprehensive status assessment to identify and document high-quality seed sources (seed stands, natural forests, and national parks) for both exotic and indigenous tree species
• A comprehensive gap assessment based on the baseline information provided and carried out SWOT analysis on which the drafting of the strategy will be based enabling us to make more informed decisions and develop an effective TRM strategy.
• An assessment of nurseries in the country and draw recommendations for improved nursery management, and standardization.
• Provide an overview of the progress and outcomes achieved and identify factors that have contributed to the current TRM strategy’s success or hindered its implementation.
• Presentation of the draft Tree Reproductive Materials Strategy document to the end user institution and partners for feedback inputs and recommendations.

• Develop the draft strategy with recommendations, and also comparing Business as Usual Scenarios( BAU ) and recommended scenarios. 
• Develop a strategy implementation plan and budget indicating strategic interventions, activities, leading institutions, supporting institutions, budget and timeline per activity.
• Develop the implementation guidelines informing the users on the approachesto consider when implementing the recommendations.
• Finalized Tree Reproductive Materials Strategy document incorporating feedback received.
• Develop a comprehensive communication and dissemination plan outlining how the finalized Tree Reproductive Materials Strategy will be communicated to and engaged with various stakeholders.

5. EXPERSION OF INTEREST 

The consultant will express interest for the assignment and is expected propose a methodology and plan for the assignment which will be approved by WRI and RFA team.The consultant is expected to identify and describe the most appropriate and efficient approach for designing and conducting the assignment. To ensure the credibility and accuracy of data/ information the consultant should clarify various tools and methods to be used in gathering information and the expression of interest will include but not limited to:

• Desk review

• Develop an appropriate consultancy design and methods

• Establish schedule/timeline for the assignment

• Team composition & experience

• Financial proposal

• Expression of Interest should be sent by November 15th 2024 to [email protected] for the attention of Jean Pierre Kalimunda; and cc: Peter Ntaganda at [email protected] with a subject Line: “Application for Consultancy to update the Tree Reproductive Materials (TRMs) Strategy”

6. TIMELINE

The consultancy is expected to be completed within a total period of 4 months from the date of contract commencement. 

7. QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal consultant should possess the following qualifications:

• The consultant should have at least 5 years experience. 
• Qualification and Experiences of consultanting team

• Team lead/team members should have experience in developing strategies or guidelines related to planting materials.
• Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into actionable recommendations.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Prior experience working with diverse stakeholders, including local communities and government agencies, and international organizations is desirable.
• Nationals with experience working on similar national strategic guidelines are preferred.

8. GRADING

Technical proposal/ 60 points:

(i) The methodology and understanding of ToRs / 35 points

(ii) Team composition & qualifications & experience (25 points):

1. Team Leader /15 points

2. Experts /10 Points

3. Financial proposal/ 40 points 

9. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

All materials produced during the consultancy, including the final strategy document, will be the intellectual property of the Rwanda Forestry Authority.

10. CONFIDENTIALITY

All information shared during the consultancy period is considered confidential and should not be disclosed to third parties without prior consent from the Rwanda Forestry Authority.

11. AMENDMENTS

Rwanda Forestry Authority reserves the right to amend any part of these terms of reference and will communicate any changes to all interested consultants prior.