TERMS OF REFERENCE

CONSULTANCY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A PROTECTION STRATEGY FOR CSOs INVOLVED IN THE DETECTION AND REPORTING OF ENVIRONMENTAL CRIMES

1. Context and justification
In a context marked by increasing pressure on forest resources and the growing prevalence of illegal practices, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) play a vital role in independent monitoring, advocacy, and reporting of environmental crimes. However, these activities expose CSOs and their members to various risks, including threats, intimidation, administrative obstacles, cyberattacks, and physical assaults.
Given these challenges, it is necessary to equip CSOs with a protection strategy to ensure their safety and enhance their capacity to act effectively. This consultancy is therefore initiated within that framework.
2. Objective of the Assignment
General Objective: to develop a comprehensive, operational, and context-appropriate protection strategy for CSOs engaged in combating environmental crimes within the TRIDOM and TNS landscapes in Cameroon.
Specific Objectives:
•
Identify and analyze the risks faced by CSOs.
•
Propose appropriate prevention and mitigation measures (physical, legal, institutional, and psychosocial security).
•
Develop a strategic framework outlining priority areas, implementation mechanisms, and a monitoring and evaluation system.
•
Produce a complete protection strategy document.
3. Expected Results
•
A protection strategy structured around key priority areas (organizational, physical, digital, legal, and advocacy security).
•
An operational implementation plan (actions, responsibilities, indicative budget, timeline, and monitoring indicators).
•
A monitoring and evaluation mechanism for the strategy.
4. Tasks of the Consultant
The consultant will be responsible for:
a.
Conducting a literature review on the legal and institutional framework, similar experiences, and best practices to identify existing tools/mechanisms for CSO protection.
b.
Holding interviews with CSOs, local authorities, and technical and
financial partners regarding threats and protection needs.
c.
Identifying and prioritizing threats and protection needs of CSOs.
d.
Developing a draft protection strategy and submitting it for stakeholder validation.
e.
Producing the final strategy document incorporating all feedback received.
5. Methodology
The methodology will be participatory and inclusive, combining:
a.
Literature reviews;
b.
Individual interviews and group discussions;
c.
A multi-stakeholder validation workshop (public and private actors, local authorities, CSOs, technical and financial partners, PACL, etc.);
d.
A gender-sensitive and human rights–based approach.
6. Duration and Indicative Schedule
The mission will be carried out over 30 working days, and distributed as follows:
a.
Literature review and work plan: 5 days
b.
Data collection and consultations: 10 days
c.
Drafting of the strategy: 10 days
d.
Validation workshop and finalization of the document: 5 days
7. Consultant’s Profile
a.
University degree (master’s or equivalent) in social sciences, law, environment, security, governance, or a related field.
b.
Proven experience (at least 5 years) in human rights, CSO protection, security, or forest governance.
c.
Sound knowledge of the forest and socio-political context in Central Africa, particularly in Cameroon and within the TRIDOM and TNS landscapes.
d.
Excellent writing and facilitation skills.
e.
Proficiency in French; good knowledge of English would be an asset.
8. Deliverables
At the end of the consultancy, the expected deliverable is: A Protection Strategy Document for CSOs involved in detecting and reporting environmental crimes in the TNS and TRIDOM landscapes of Cameroon.
9. Supervision Arrangements
The consultant will work under the supervision of the Forest and BioDev Coordinator.
10. Application Requirements
The application package shall include:
a.
A motivation letter (maximum one page);
b.
A detailed CV of the consultant;
c.
Evidence of relevant experience in similar assignments;
d.
A technical proposal (description of the proposed approach);
e.
A work implementation schedule;
f.
An intervention chronogram;
g.
A financial proposal;
h.
A copy of the National ID card (for individuals) or fiscal file/tax compliance certificate (for firms);
i.
Bank account details (RIB);
j.
Tax Identification Number (NIU).
11. Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated through a fully open and competitive process, following the combined scoring method, where the technical proposal will weigh 80% and the financial proposal 20%. Failure to comply with the submission requirements will result in disqualification.
Technical Proposal
(80%)
Motivation letter, expertise, and experience
25 points
Description of methodology
40 points
Implementation schedule:
15 points
Monitoring plan
10 points
Financial Proposal
(20%)
Completeness (itemized costs, payment terms)
10 points
Budget:
10 points
12. How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application package, as listed above, in French or English by email to: wwfcopprocurement@wwfcam.org or deliver it physically to WWF Cameroon Offices, Yaoundé – Bastos (behind Usine Bastos).
Contacts: (237) 222217084 / 83, 222007703, 677500035, 699503621.
For further information, please contact: wwfcopprocurement@wwfcam.org Please mention in the subject line: “DEVELOPMENT OF A PROTECTION STRATEGY FOR CSOs INVOLVED IN THE DETECTION AND REPORTING OF ENVIRONMENTAL CRIMES” Deadline for submission: October 30, 2025
We thank you in advance for your interest in this call for expressions of interest. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next steps. If you do not receive any communication within three (03) weeks after the deadline, kindly consider your application as unsuccessful.
WWF is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity and inclusion in its workforce.