Request for Proposals - Social Expert

Consultancy Title Consultancy to oversee and guide a Socio-Economic Assessment
Unit Name Conservation Unit
Client Emirates Nature-WWF
Contact Tala Moukaddem
Email: [email protected]
Emirates Nature-WWF, UAE
Date of Issue 22nd October 2024
Date of Closing 30th October 2024
Type Short Term Contract

Emirates Nature-WWF is seeking a Social Expert to oversee and guide a socio-economic assessment. The expert will advise on the best strategies to engage with local communities and stakeholders to gather social and economic data to provide a deeper understanding of the social dynamics.

1. Background and Project Description

Emirates Nature-WWF, together with local partners, is implementing a project that aims to support a sustainable economic development model for rural communities that supports Nature-based Solutions (NbS). The project aims to play a pivotal role in fostering a more sustainable economic growth rooted in the area’s natural capital, while also celebrating its local history and culture.

To effectively guide this project, it is essential to understand the socio-economic dynamics of local communities, including their social structures, interactions, and perceptions of the project’s potential impact on their environment. The Social Expert will be responsible for overseeing and guiding a socio-economic assessment, collecting and analyzing data, mapping stakeholders, and developing a community engagement plan. The Social Expert will also identify existing traditional practices and local tourism businesses with development potential. The goal is to ensure that communities benefit from ecotourism opportunities to improve their livelihoods while preserving natural resources.

2. Objective of the Consultancy

The consultancy aims to guide and oversee on-the-ground ENWWF social experts in conducting a socio-economic assessment to better understand local communities’ knowledge and perceptions on tourism and identify ecotourism-based economic opportunities. This consultancy also requires the analysis of the information as well as provide a comprehensive report summarizing the main findings and recommendations.

3. Scope of Work and Activities
The Social Expert shall perform all the services/work necessary to fulfil the objectives of the consultancy contract as per the assigned tasks below:

  • Task 1: Guide the understanding of the socio-economic dynamics of the study area
  • Task 2: Guide the stakeholder identification, mapping, and engagement
  • Task 3: Develop a local community perception survey, design the sampling and analyse the data collected

Task 1: Guide the understanding of the socio-economic dynamics of the study area

In this task, the Social Expert will help gather and interpret data on the study area's social and economic dynamics, guiding ENWWF in capturing local knowledge and identifying key social, economic, and cultural characteristics of local communities, aiming to uncover potential opportunities for local development and revenue generation through ecotourism.

The Social Expert will be responsible for the following:

  • Developing a community and stakeholder engagement plan
  • Guiding data collection to understand social and economic dynamics
  • Mapping existing traditional practices and tourism-related businesses with potential for development and exploring new income opportunities through ecotourism
  • Proposing recommendations to improve ecotourism activities and related products to create attractive ecotourism offerings for tourists

The main output/deliverable of Task 1 is as follows:

Item Output/Deliverable
Task 1
  • Community engagement plan & methodologies
  • Report on the socio-economic dynamics of the study area

Task 2: Guide the stakeholder identification, mapping, and engagement

In this task, the Social Expert will oversee and guide stakeholder identification and mapping, ensuring women’s participation. Early identification is essential as it defines roles, responsibilities, and expectations, enabling clear communication and close collaboration. The Social Expert will also develop a framework for community engagement, determining the most effective communication methods and preparing an engagement plan to guide ongoing collaboration throughout the project.

The main output/deliverable of Task 2 are as follows:

Item Outputs/Deliverables
Task 2
  • Stakeholders mapping and identification
  • Community engagement plan (updates)

Task 3: Develop a local community perception survey, design the sampling and analyse the data collected

In this task, the Social Expert will design a survey and sampling plan to gather local insights and perceptions on tourism, awareness of cultural and natural assets, socio-economic conditions, and interest in ecotourism. This will fill information gaps and shape the project’s community engagement approach, ensuring it aligns with the needs and aspirations of the community. The Social Expert will identify the most effective engagement methods, such as majlises, interviews, and surveys, and ensure the survey is translated into Arabic.

After designing the survey, the Social Expert will prepare and train ENWWF staff on conducting interviews and oversee data collection to ensure high-quality, cultural sensitivity, and inclusivity, especially for marginalized groups.

The main output/deliverable of Task 3 are as follows:

Task Deliverable Outputs Expected Due Date Review and Approvals
Task 1: Guide the understanding of the socio-economic dynamics of the study area Deliverable 1.1 Community Engagement Plan & methodologies 2 weeks from contract signature EN-WWF Project Team
Deliverable 1.2 Report on the socio-economic dynamics of the study area 2 months from contract signature EN-WWF Project Team
Task 2: Guide the stakeholder identification, mapping, and engagement Deliverable 2 Stakeholders mapping and identification
Community engagement plan (updates)		 2 months from contract signature EN-WWF Project Team
Task 3: Develop a local community perception survey, design the sampling and analyse the data collected Deliverable 3.1 Survey structure and design 3 months from contract signature EN-WWF Project Team
Deliverable 3.2 Train, supervise and guide interviewers (defined sampling sites, interviews scheduled, completed, etc.) 4 months from contract signature EN-WWF Project Team
Final Report Deliverable 4 Final report summarizing the main findings and recommendations 5 months from contract signature EN-WWF Project Team

6. Requirements for Experience and Qualifications

6.1 Required Qualifications

Consultants interested to apply should have the following required qualifications:

  • Arabic speaking
  • Experience working in the UAE or MENA region
  • Experience in social data collection and methods (socio-economic surveys)
  • A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in socio-economic assessments, preferably within the context of community development, rural development, or ecotourism.
  • Demonstrated experience working on similar projects and technical understanding of environmental and socio-economic topics.
  • Experience in stakeholder engagement, particularly with local communities, including experience in participatory approaches and community consultations.

6.2 Education

A degree in social sciences, sociology, development studies, economics or the environmental field, is preferable.