81315891 - Technical advisory support for Lake Chamo Integrated Landscape Management (Output 3)

The follow-up project Climate-sensitive Innovations for Sustainable Land Management II (KLM II) is part of the development cooperation program Rural Development in Ethiopia under the BMZ core theme Life without Hunger - Transformation of Agricultural and Food Systems and the field of action Rural Development. It promotes the institutional introduction of integrated land management (ILM) at various levels, contributing to the sustainable development of rural areas by integrating multidisciplinary perspectives and conserving natural resources.
The project builds on the success of its predecessor, CLM-I, and seeks to address the challenges posed by climate change to land degradation and agricultural productivity. The core problem to be addressed through the implementation of the project is the insufficient capacity for planning and implementing integrated landscape management (ILM) as a basis for improved rural living conditions which are not sufficient to institutionally anchor the ILM concept at national, regional state, and local levels.
In this regard, the modular objective of the project is set as
"The concept of integrated landscape management for the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources as a basis for improved living conditions in rural Ethiopia has been institutionally introduced at national, regional state, and local levels."
The main intermediaries of the project are the Ministry of Agriculture and regional governments. The direct target group is the population in rural areas. The project employs a multi-level capacity development strategy for ILM, focusing on policy advice, community empowerment, and strengthening local institutions. Gender equality and participatory approaches are integrated across all activities. The project is designed into three interrelated key outputs.
Output 1: Strengthening capacities for ILM policy making
Output 2: Community empowerment for ILM implementation
Output 3: Strengthening local institutions for the introduction of ILM in the model region at Lake Chamo
It will utilize an international program manager, national component managers and experts, procurement of material goods, and financing agreements to materialize key activities of the project. The project has a duration of three years (from 07/2024 to 06/2027). The key activities of the project over the implementation period will be:
Policy Engagement: Engage with policymakers to advocate for supportive policies and frameworks that promote ILM concepts.
Training and Capacity Building: Conduct training sessions for extension workers, local institutions, and farmers on climate-resilient agricultural practices and sustainable land management.
Field Demonstrations: Establish demonstration plots to showcase the effectiveness of climate-sensitive innovations in improving land productivity and resilience.
Knowledge Sharing Platforms: Organize workshops, seminars, and digital learning platforms to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practices among stakeholders.

CLM II works with other TC and FC modules such as Capacity Development to Strengthen Drought Resilience and Soil Conservation and Rehabilitation for Food Security in Ethiopia, as well as Sustainable Land management - 5 (SLM-5). It also interacts with the Global Project Restoration of Forest - rich Landscapes and Good Governance in the Forest Sector (Forests4Future, F4F). These collaborations enhance the sustainable use of natural resources and improve agricultural productivity.

The German Development Cooperation (GDC) aims to support the conservation of Lake Chamo and its watersheds through a couple of technical cooperation projects, including the Climate-sensitive Innovations for Sustainable Land Management II (CLM-II). CLM-II focuses on promoting Integrated Landscape Management (ILM) for sustainable rural development, improving livelihoods for those dependent on natural resources with low technology agricultural production. The project seeks to enhance capacities for sustainable resource management and improve rural resilience to climate change.
Ethiopia's rural areas face declining resources and increasing overexploitation, leading to livelihood loss and challenging climate change adaptation. Conventional agricultural methods are outdated, and institutional capacities for community-based implementation and political participation are underdeveloped. Practical experience with ILM at the local level is lacking, and planning and implementation capacities are insufficient to institutionalize ILM at national, regional, and local levels.
The consultant is expected to contribute to Output 3 of the CLM-II project, led by the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), with key partners at the regional and local levels, including the Bureau of Agriculture of the South Ethiopia Region and District offices within the Lake Chamo basin. The project duration is three years (07/2024 to 06/2027).
The contractor will help achieve the module objective:
The concept of integrated landscape management for the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources as a basis for improved living conditions in rural Ethiopia has been institutionally introduced at national, regional state, and local levels.
To achieve a consolidated approach to protecting the Lake Chamo catchment, the Consultant will help local stakeholders develop and manage a holistic, cross-sectoral landscape approach, enhancing community participation, local ownership, and land rehabilitation benefits. All activities will align with the "feminist development policy" approach of the BMZ, addressing gender inequality and promoting women's empowerment.

Building on the predecessor project "Climate Sensitive Innovation for Land Management-I" (CLM-I), implemented from July 2021 to June 2024, the contractor will provide the following Work Packages (WP):
WP 1: Coaching & backstopping local level ILM to establish model sites
WP 2: Training/competence development of extension workers
WP 3: Knowledge management and up scaling of successful lessons
WP 4: Strengthening governance and coordination systems
WP 5: Development of project concepts

Work packages 1-4 mainly contribute to Output 3, while WP 5 contributes to development of the entire project and possible follow-up actions. Implementation must be closely coordinated with the GIZ CLM-II project, deploying a program component manager to ensure seamless communication with partners at all levels, review and endorse deliverables, and facilitate joint planning and knowledge exchange events.
The consultant will ensure appropriate backstopping and a shared team understanding of project implementation modalities before starting. They must reflect on the objectives and terms of reference, describe the partner system, and present a technical-methodological concept for completing tasks and achieving objectives.
The contractor will provide key long-term experts and administrative staff as described in the terms of reference, along with a pool of international and national short-term technical experts for specialized tasks.

All communication takes place in English via communication tool in the project area of the procurement portal.