JOB DETAILS:
Overview:
We are seeking an experienced Project Developer Consultant to lead the "Securing Carbon Offsets by Restoring Ecosystems (S.C.O.R.E)" project in Uganda’s Kibale National Park, Albertine Rift Region. The project aims to restore and maintain ecosystem services, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase carbon sequestration, and enhance the well-being of local communities.

The consultant will guide the project through pre-feasibility and feasibility phases, collaborating closely with a selected project developer to ensure that all relevant data and analyses are available for informed decision-making. This consultant will also share the project design with the developer to assist in their assessment of whether the partnership aligns with their criteria.

Key Responsibilities:
Pre-Feasibility Phase (3 months):
Project Design Sharing:
• Share the detailed project design with the selected project developer.
• Collaborate with the project developer to assess eligibility and partnership potential.

• Participate in initial calls with the project developer team to establish working relationships and define collaboration methods.

Financial Analysis and Budgeting:
• Prepare a sound internal revenue-cost budget.
• Conduct gap and break-even analyses to assess financial viability.
• Develop an initial concept for the benefit-sharing/revenue distribution model.

Baseline Data Collection:
• Gather existing data on deforestation, land use, and carbon stocks in the project area.
• Conduct preliminary field assessments to identify data gaps.

Regulatory and Legal Review:
• Assess the legal and regulatory framework for carbon offset projects in Uganda.
• Identify and address any potential legal or policy hurdles.

Risk Assessment:
• Conduct a preliminary risk assessment to identify social, environmental, and operational risks.
• Develop initial risk mitigation strategies.

Carbon Potential Estimation:
• Estimate the carbon sequestration potential of the project area.
• Identify areas with the highest potential for carbon sequestration.

Stakeholder Engagement:
• Engage with key stakeholders, including local communities, government agencies, and NGOs.
• Begin identifying community leaders and groups for project collaboration.

8.MOU Preparation:
• Draft and coordinate the preparation of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with key stakeholders.

9.Feasibility Study Planning:
• Outline the key components and timeline for the feasibility study, including data collection, analysis, and stakeholder consultations.

Feasibility Phase (6-9 months, contingent on extension):
Detailed Stakeholder Consultation:
• Engage in in-depth consultations with stakeholders to refine project goals and implementation plans.
• Secure formal agreements or partnerships with key stakeholders.

Comprehensive Baseline Studies:
• Conduct detailed studies on carbon stocks, biodiversity, and ecosystem services.
• Perform socio-economic surveys to assess potential impacts on local communities.

Regulatory Compliance and Permits:
• Ensure full compliance with national and international regulations
• Obtain necessary permits and approvals from government authorities.

Project Design Document (PDD) Development:
• Develop a comprehensive PDD, including detailed project design, implementation plan, monitoring and evaluation (M&E) framework, and risk management plan.
• Ensure PDD meets the standards required for carbon offset certification (e.g., Verified Carbon Standard, Gold Standard).

Financial Structuring and Implementation:
• Finalize the benefit-sharing/revenue distribution model.
• Implement a financial vehicle to manage carbon finance globally for the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI).

Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA):
• Conduct a full ESIA to identify potential impacts on the environment and local communities.
• Develop mitigation strategies and action plans for any negative impacts.

Capacity Building and Training:
• Provide training and capacity-building support to local stakeholders on sustainable land management practices.
• Develop a training plan to ensure effective project implementation.

Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Framework:
• Develop a robust M&E framework to track project progress, carbon sequestration, and co-benefits over time.
• Establish baselines and key performance indicators (KPIs) for ongoing project monitoring.

Stakeholder Communication Strategy:
• Develop a communication strategy to keep stakeholders informed about project progress and outcomes.
• Establish regular feedback mechanisms to incorporate stakeholder input into project management.

Implementation Plan Development:
• Develop a detailed implementation plan, including timelines, responsibilities, and resource allocation.
• Prepare for the transition from feasibility to full project implementation.

Qualifications:
• Specialized Experience in Carbon Offset and Ecosystem Restoration Projects: Extensive experience in developing and managing carbon offset projects, with a focus on afforestation, reforestation, and ecosystem restoration. Proven ability to address challenges related to carbon sequestration, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and implement sustainable forestry and agro-system practices.
• Financial Acumen: Strong financial analysis skills, including the ability to prepare detailed revenue-cost budgets, conduct gap and break-even analyses, and develop benefit-sharing/revenue distribution models. Experience in managing financial aspects of environmental projects is highly valued.

• Collaboration and Stakeholder Management: Demonstrated ability to work closely with project developers, local communities, and other stakeholders to implement sustainable forestry and agrarian management practices. Strong communication and relationship-building skills are crucial for fostering collaboration and ensuring project success.
• Project Design and Documentation: Experience in drafting and negotiating key project documents, such as Project Design Documents (PDDs), Statements of Work (SOWs), and Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs). Ability to ensure that all documentation supports the project’s goals of ecosystem restoration and community well-being.
• Knowledge of Environmental Co-Benefits: Understanding of how ecosystem health improvements lead to co-benefits, such as increased soil productivity, biodiversity conservation, and enhanced well-being for local populations. Experience in delivering such outcomes in similar projects is a plus.

Contract Details:
• Pre-Feasibility Phase: 3 months
• Feasibility Phase: 6-9 months, contingent on project progression