AWF is a non-profit conservation organization, founded in 1961 with a mission to work together with the people of Africa to ensure the wildlife and wild lands thrive in modern in Africa”. AWF is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya and working at different program levels in 38 landscapes in East, West, Central and Southern Africa.
Website: https://www.awf.org
Tender Notice
CONSULTANCY SERVICES FOR DEVELOPMENT OF COMMUNITY-BASED ECOLOGICAL MONITORING TRAINING MANUAL AND IMPLEMENTATION OF TRAINING PROGRAM
Client: African Wildlife Foundation (AWF)
Project: Enhancing Community-Based Ecological Monitoring in the Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Funding: TUI Wildlife Programme
Reference Number: AWF/VNP-CBEM/2025/001
Publication Date: March 13th , 2025
Closing Date: March 31st , 2025, 5:00 PM EAT
Introduction
The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) is implementing a two-year project titled “Enhancing Community-Based Ecological Monitoring in the Volcanoes National Park (VNP), Rwanda” supported by the TUI Wildlife Programme. AWF now invites eligible individual consultants to express interest in providing services for developing a comprehensive training manual and conducting training for community-based ecological monitoring.
Objective
AWF seeks to recruit a qualified consultant to develop training materials and conduct hands-on training for 100 community monitors (50 female, 50 male) from 74 villages bordering Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. The training will equip community members with skills in wildlife monitoring, anti-poaching surveillance, human-wildlife conflict documentation, species surveys, water resources monitoring, and use of mobile data collection technologies.
Details on the scope and application requirements are in the attached Terms of Reference
Submission Details
Applications should be submitted electronically to RWProcurement@awf.org with the subject line “Community Monitoring Training Consultant – VNP” no later than March 31st , 2025, 5:00 PM East Africa Time.
Patrick NSABIMANA
Rwanda Country Coordinator
African Wildlife Foundation
Terms of Reference (ToR)
Consultant for Development of Community-Based Ecological Monitoring Training Manual and Implementation of Training Program in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Background
The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) is implementing a two-year project titled “Enhancing Community-Based Ecological Monitoring in the Volcanoes National Park (VNP), Rwanda” with support from the TUI Wildlife Programme. The project aims to transform wildlife protection and adaptive management decision-making processes in VNP through the integration of advanced monitoring technologies and capacity building.
One of the key components of this project is establishing a network of 100 trained community monitors from 74 villages bordering VNP. These monitors will serve as conservation sentinels, equipped with skills to conduct wildlife monitoring activities including anti-poaching surveillance, human-wildlife conflict documentation, species surveys, and basic ecological monitoring including water resource assessments.
AWF is seeking a qualified consultant to develop a comprehensive training manual and conduct training sessions for these community monitors.
Objectives
The primary objectives of this consultancy are to:
- Develop a comprehensive, user-friendly training manual for community-based ecological monitoring in VNP
- Design and deliver an effective training program for 100 community monitors (50 female, 50 male)
- Establish protocols for ongoing mentorship and support of community monitors
Scope of Work
The consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:
Research and Assessment
- Review existing monitoring protocols used by VNP rangers
- Assess current community capacity and educational levels in target villages
- Identify key ecological indicators appropriate for community monitoring
- Consult with project stakeholders including VNP management, Rwanda Development Board, local authorities, and conservation partners
Development of Training Manual
Develop a comprehensive training manual covering:
- Basic ecological monitoring concepts and importance
- Wildlife identification and survey techniques
- Anti-poaching surveillance methods
- Human-wildlife conflict documentation protocols
- Water quality and stream flow monitoring techniques
- Use of mobile technologies and apps (Survey123) for data collection
- Data management, quality control, and submission procedures
- Safety protocols during monitoring activities
Ensure manual is:
- Available in both English and Kinyarwanda
- Visual and accessible for various literacy levels
- Gender-sensitive and inclusive
- Aligned with VNP management objectives
- Compatible with TRACTS Sites data integration
Training Program Design and Implementation
- Design an engaging training curriculum with appropriate balance of theoretical and practical components
- Develop training schedules, methodologies, and evaluation tools
- Conduct training sessions for 100 community monitors in appropriate batch sizes
- Include field-based practical sessions in different ecological zones of VNP
- Provide hands-on training for mobile device usage and data collection apps
- Incorporate participatory approaches that build on existing community knowledge
- Design post-training assessment tools to evaluate knowledge acquisition
Deliverables
The consultant will provide the following deliverables:
Draft Training Manual (within 4 weeks of contract signing):
- Complete draft manual in English and Kinyarwanda
- Supporting materials including field guides, data sheets, visual aids
- Mobile application user guides
Final Training Manual (within 6 weeks of contract signing):
- Revised manual incorporating feedback from AWF and stakeholders
- Print-ready and digital versions
- All supporting materials finalized
Training Program Implementation (between weeks 7-12):
- Detailed training curriculum and schedule
- Delivery of training sessions to 100 community monitors
- Training attendance records and photos
- Pre- and post-training assessment results
Final Report (within 14 weeks of contract signing):
- Comprehensive report on training implementation
- Evaluation of community monitor readiness
- Recommendations for ongoing support and capacity building
- Lessons learned and best practices
Required Qualifications and Experience
The consultant should have:
- Advanced degree (master’s or equivalent) in conservation, ecology, environmental education, or related field
- Minimum 5 years of experience in developing and implementing community-based conservation training programs
- Demonstrated experience in participatory approaches to natural resource management
- Strong knowledge of wildlife monitoring techniques and protocols
- Experience with mobile data collection technologies and applications
- Familiarity with the ecological and social context of Rwanda, particularly around protected areas
- Excellent communication skills in English, with proficiency in Kinyarwanda highly preferred
- Proven track record in producing high-quality, user-friendly training materials
- Experience working with diverse stakeholders including government agencies, communities, and NGOs
- Strong facilitation and adult education skills
Duration and Timeline
The consultancy is expected to be completed within a period of 4 months (16 weeks) from the date of contract signing. The expected start date is [May 2025].
Reporting Relationship
The consultant will report directly to the Project Manager, “Enhancing Community-Based Ecological Monitoring in the Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda” at AWF.
Application Procedure
Interested candidates should submit the following:
Technical proposal including:
- Understanding of the ToR and proposed methodology
- Relevant experience and qualifications
- Work plan with timeline
- Sample of previous relevant work
Financial proposal detailing:
- Consultant fees
- Breakdown of costs for manual development, translation, and training implementation
- Other relevant expenses
CV and contact information for three professional references
Applications should be submitted to rwprocurement@awf.org copy to kigali@awf.org with the subject line “Community Monitoring Training Consultant – VNP” by [31/03/2025].
Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be evaluated based on:
- Technical proposal and methodology (40%)
- Relevant experience and qualifications (30%)
- Financial proposal (20%)
- Sample of previous work (10%)
Intellectual Property
All materials developed under this consultancy will remain the property of the African Wildlife Foundation and may not be used without explicit written permission.
African Wildlife Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from qualified individuals regardless of gender, race, disability, or other characteristics
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