Consultancy for Action Against Hunger’s African Development Fund CAW Adaptation Project in Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Zambia

1. Introduction

Action Against Hunger (ACF-USA), a leading humanitarian and development organization, seeks a qualified consultant to provide technical expertise and support in securing funding through the African Development Fund’s (ADF) Climate Action Window (CAW) Adaptation Sub-window. Our aim is to develop a compelling proposal for a four-year (2024-2028) project, encompassing a total budget of €15 million, that fosters climate resilience and reduces vulnerabilities across three geographically distinct, yet thematically linked ACF-USA focus countries: Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Zambia.

Recognizing that climate change poses the single greatest threat to development in Africa and affects Africa’s low-income countries disproportionately, a dedicated Climate Action Window (CAW) with a strong focus on accelerating adaptation action was created during the Sixteenth (ADF-16) Replenishment of the African Development Fund (ADF-16) for 37 least developed countries in Africa. Approximately, US$ 429 million has been committed under the CAW and further resource mobilization from State and Non-State Actors will continue throughout the ADF-16 cycle where the total envelope is expected to grow.

2. Context and Activity Design:

Action Against Hunger’s climate adaptation project boasts a robust alignment with the national climate policies of Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Zambia, tackling critical issues like agriculture, food and nutrition security, water security and sanitation, and climate information services and early warning systems. In Ethiopia, recurrent droughts and erratic rainfall threaten food security and livelihoods. South Sudan grapples with devastating floods and the lingering legacy of conflict, while Zambia faces complex water security challenges amidst increasing climate variability. This project acknowledges the unique vulnerabilities of each country while weaving a tapestry of common threads: food insecurity, water scarcity, and a critical need for adaptation strategies that empower communities and safeguard their futures. This synergy manifests through targeted interventions that complement national priorities and objectives outlined in key policy documents:

Ethiopia: The project’s focus on climate-smart agriculture, including promoting diversified crops and drought-resistant varieties, resonates with NAP 2015’s priority area of food security. Additionally, its emphasis on integrated water resource management aligns with NAP 2015’s priority area of water resources. The project’s commitment to building resilience in vulnerable communities through capacity building and knowledge sharing echoes Ethiopia’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) adaptation component for the agriculture and water sectors.

South Sudan: Action Against Hunger’s initiatives in water management, such as rainwater harvesting and community-led sanitation improvement, coincide with National Adaptation Plan (NAP) 2018’s key priorities of water and food security. The project’s focus on enhancing resilience in communities through diversification of livelihoods and climate-informed decision-making aligns with South Sudan’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) adaptation strategy for the water and agriculture sectors.

Zambia: National Climate Change Policy (NCCP): Action Against Hunger’s interventions in climate-smart agriculture, such as promoting early warning systems for farmers, resonate with NCCP’s strategic objectives for food security and water resources management. The project’s focus on building adaptive capacity in vulnerable communities through infrastructure development and disaster risk reduction aligns with Zambia’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) adaptation component for the agriculture and water sectors.

This alignment between Action Against Hunger’s project and the national climate policies of Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Zambia underscores its potential to contribute significantly to building resilience, enhancing food and water security, and strengthening climate information systems in these countries. By actively aligning with national priorities and objectives, Action Against Hunger’s project demonstrates its commitment to playing a transformative role in climate adaptation efforts across the region.

3. A Multifaceted Approach to Resilience:

Guided by five interlinked objectives, the project will:

• Objective 1: Enhance food security and resilience through the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices, including drought-resistant crops and water-efficient irrigation techniques.
• Objective 2: Secure access to safe water and sanitation facilities, ensuring their resilience to climate shocks through community-led management and flood-proof infrastructures.
• Objective 3: Empower communities with knowledge and capacity to anticipate, prepare for, and respond effectively to climate hazards through localized early warning systems, disaster preparedness drills, and capacity building for local institutions.
• Objective 4: Combat malnutrition by integrating biofortified crops into farming systems and fostering improved dietary practices through nutrition education and prevention of acute malnutrition programs.
• Objective 5: Champion gender equality and social inclusion by integrating gender sensitivity into all project activities, promoting women’s leadership and participation in decision-making, and strengthening their economic empowerment.

4. Consultant Responsibilities:

The selected consultant will:

• Conduct a thorough climate vulnerability and needs assessments across the countries of focus utilizing existing ACF and AFDB literature and policies as well as countries’ National Adaptation Plans.
• Lead the drafting of a compelling and comprehensive technical project concept note with support from Action Against Hunger regional technical experts. The concept note should align with the ADF CAW Adaptation Sub-window guidelines, incorporating the provided budget allocation across the five project components.
• Organize consultations with country office staff and seamlessly integrate their feedback into the proposal.
• Serve as the focal point for communications with country office staff.
• Provide project design guidance in climate-smart agriculture, water and sanitation, early warning systems, nutrition, and gender mainstreaming within development interventions.
• Support ACF-USA in navigating the ADF application process and address any clarifications requested.
• Finalize the concept note, including compliance checks, copy-editing, and formatting based on donor guidelines.
• Ensure timely delivery of the completed concept note based on agreed upon deadlines.

5. Consultant Qualifications:

• Proven track record of success in securing international climate adaptation funding, preferably with experience in the ADF CAW or similar mechanisms.
• In-depth understanding of climate change impacts on agriculture, water resources, and vulnerable communities, encompassing the specific contexts of Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Zambia.
• Demonstrated expertise in climate-smart agriculture, water and sanitation, early warning systems, nutrition, and gender mainstreaming in development projects.
• Exceptional research, analytical, and writing skills.
• Proven ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including local communities, government agencies, and development partners.
• Fluency in English and experience in targeted local context is desirable.

How to apply

6. Proposal Submission:

Consultants are invited to submit a CV and comprehensive cover letter outlining their approach, qualifications, methodology, and proposed fees. Submissions should be received by COB on 18/01/2024 via email to bmunguti@actionagainsthunger.org and Shortlisted candidates will be invited to present their qualifications and approach to a selection committee.

7. Selection Process:

ACF-USA will evaluate applications based on the following criteria:

• Technical expertise and experience in climate adaptation projects and ADF funding mechanisms (70%)
• Quality of the proposed methodology and workplan, demonstrating a nuanced understanding of regional contexts and effective integration of the five project objectives (20%)
• Cost-effectiveness and value for money (10%)

8. Contract Duration and Payment:

The consultancy contract will be for a period of 2 weeks, with the successful consultant expected to begin work on January 19th, 2024. Payment will be based on deliverables and satisfactory project progress.