TERMS OF REFERENCE 

FOR THE RECRUITMENT OF A CONSULTANT TO CONDUCT A STRATEGIC EVALUATION OF THE CANOPE/GCLP
PROJECT AND THE PRE-FEASIBILITY STUDY OF THE SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE AND VALORISATION OF ECOSYSTEM SERVICES FOR BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECT IN THE CAMEROON SEGMENT OF THE TRIDOM LANDSCAPE

I. CONTEXT AND JUSTIFICATION
The TRIDOM (Tri-National Dja-Odzala-Minkébé) landscape in Cameroon is a forest ecosystem of global importance, subject to increasing pressures from agricultural expansion, particularly cocoa farming. In response, WWF is implementing two separate but complementary initiatives:
1. The "CANOPE/GCLP" project (2020-2025): An ongoing operational initiative, funded by WWF-NL, which promotes a sustainable cocoa model without deforestation, agroforestry, the strengthening of cooperatives and the empowerment of local and indigenous communities (Baka) in the municipalities of Mintom and Djoum. It has a theory of change, a detailed logical framework, a budget and an implementation plan.
2. The BIODEV 2030 project (2020-2026): the BIODEV 2030 project proposes an innovative approach to integrating biodiversity and its services into the economic sectors of 15 pilot countries, mobilizing all stakeholders in society. Biodiversity, a prerequisite for sustainable development, must be systematically considered and integrated throughout production and value chains, with priority given to the sectors with the greatest impact. The project is based on sectoral commitments, public policy instruments and territorial projects, developed through multi-stakeholder dialogue in the pilot countries.
As part of phase II of the BIODEV2030 project in Cameroon, three (03) territorial dialogue workshops within the TRIDOM landscape were organized to develop a pilot project promoting productive practices with positive impacts on biodiversity. The municipality of Mintom was selected to host these dialogues, which focus on the cocoa sector.
The first two territorial dialogues were held on 27-28 May and 26-27 June 2025, respectively, in the conference room of the municipality of Mintom. These dialogues were attended by around 30 people, including representatives of the administrative authorities, decentralized administrations (MINEPDED, MINFOF, MINADER, MINEPIA), civil society organisations, technical and financial partners, private actors, the media and CLPAs.
While the first dialogue made it possible to define a common vision for the territory, as well as priority courses of action to achieve it, the second dialogue resulted in (i) the identification of three (03) priority value chains (deforestation-free cocoa, community forests and PES, and alternatives to illegal activities harmful to

biodiversity) for the future project to be implemented, (ii) the design of problem trees related to the three value chains mentioned above, (iii) the development of the first draft of the theory of change for the future project, and (iv) the definition of monitoring indicators and the design of a draft logical framework for the future project. The third multi-stakeholder territorial dialogue of the BIODEV2030 phase 2 project, held on 28-29 August 2025, enabled the finalization of the project concept note initiated during the second dialogue.
The project therefore aims primarily to support community-based biodiversity conservation and curb deforestation in the TRIDOM landscape (Mintom sector) in Cameroon by increasing the incomes of indigenous peoples and local communities. To achieve this objective, the initial project addresses three value chains broken down into three specific objectives:
•
Support the development of the deforestation-free cocoa value chain by structured producers and
capacities
•
Support the enhancement of ecosystem services in community forests by promoting community
conservation forests through payment for ecosystem services
•
Support the development of economic alternatives to encourage the conservation of forest ecosystems
by indigenous peoples and local communities.
Prior to finalizing the project and in order to ensure its successful implementation, a pre-feasibility study must be conducted to identify and determine the actual beneficiaries, the skills required, the budget, the legal framework, and the risk and success factors of the project, with the aim of reaffirming the operational, financial and legal feasibility of the future project.
However, in order to maximize impact, avoid duplication and build a more coherent, powerful and attractive intervention for funding, WWF Cameroon wishes to examine the two initiatives separately and synthesize their lessons to design, as part of the pre-feasibility study for the BIODEV 2030 territorial project, a single, integrated program or project for the municipality of Mintom in the TRIDOM landscape. This future program will need to align with WWF's overall strategy for TRIDOM, the Global Program Framework (GPF), and national commitments (NDCs, biodiversity framework).
II. OBJECTIVES AND CONTENT OF SERVICES
Overall objective
Conduct a strategic assessment of the CANOPE/GCLP project and carry out a pre-feasibility study for the "Sustainable Agriculture and Ecosystem Services Enhancement for Biodiversity Conservation and Rural Development in the Cameroon segment of the TRIDOM landscape" in order to complete the initial project proposal (concept note) and assess whether it can be realistically implemented, taking into account various socio-economic, organizational and environmental factors. The ultimate goal will be to propose a detailed architecture for an integrated conservation and sustainable development program or project for the municipality of Mintom in the TRIDOM-Cameroon landscape. The program formulated should therefore be (as far as possible) executable and ready for funding.
2
Specifically, the consultant will be required to:
1. Assess the relevance, internal consistency and progress of projects:
-
Analyze the alignment of each project with WWF's strategic priorities (TRIDOM Strategy, GPF), Cameroon's national policies (SND30 Plan, NBSAP, CDN, REDD+ strategy), international frameworks (Kunming-Montreal GBF, SDGs), as well as the priorities and orientations of donors such as the European Union, the French Development Agency (AFD), etc.;
-
Assess the robustness and plausibility of each project's theories of change, logical frameworks and intervention strategies in relation to the drivers of deforestation and socio-economic issues identified in the landscape;
-
For the CANOPE/GCLP project: (i) analyze achievements to date in relation to objectives, planned activities and expected results; (ii) identify strengths, operational weaknesses, bottlenecks and key lessons learned; (iii) assess the effectiveness of implementation in terms of resources mobilized, budget executed and the institutional and technical capacities of the implementing office and its staff; (iv) examine observable socio-economic changes among beneficiaries and partners, and (v) make practical recommendations to strengthen the quality of implementation, efficiency, governance, coherence/alignment within the TRIDOM landscape strategy, WWF network strategy and national strategies, and the achievement of results by the end of the project;
-
For the BIODEV2030 concept note, assess the soundness of its construction and its potential added
value.
2. Analyze complementarities, synergies, gaps and risks of overlap:
-
Systematically compare the two initiatives: the geographical area and target beneficiaries; the value
chains addressed (cocoa, community forests and PES, NTFPs, livestock, etc.); methodological approaches (multi-stakeholder dialogues versus direct support to cooperatives, governance models); and partnerships involved.
-
Identify substantial gaps in one project that could be filled by the achievements or approach of the other (e.g. could the future BIODEV territorial project strengthen the governance of CANOPE/GCLP multi-stakeholder platforms (MSPs)? Could CANOPE/GCLP cooperatives be the operational beneficiaries of the BIODEV pilot project? Finally, beyond CANOPE and the BIODEV project, propose the architecture of a platform that will facilitate exchanges between the actors of the projects of the relevant municipalities involved in TRIDOM or, where appropriate, examine the possibilities for reforming or supporting the existing NGOMITRI platform to effectively play this role).
-
Specifically assess how the BIODEV2030 territorial project proposal can be coordinated with, reinforce and capitalize on the structures, achievements and concrete partnerships already established by CANOPE/GCLP (SCOOPS-PROCAM and SOCOCAM cooperatives, MSP platforms, traceability systems, relationships with Telcar Cocoa Ltd, Rainforest Alliance, etc.).
-
Map out the risks of duplication or confusion between the two initiatives for stakeholders in the field.
3
3. Proposal for an integrated TRIDOM program or project. To this end, the consultant will be required
to:
-
Outside the cocoa value chain, and based on the information collected and presented (in relation to
food crops: plantains, cassava, etc.) in the report of the first BIODEV territorial dialogue, integrate these commodities as new components or value chains to be developed within the framework of the integrated project or program. To this end, the possibilities for extending the program to the municipality of Djoum will be seriously evaluated;
-
Analyze the institutional/organizational, legal and financial feasibility, as well as the risk and success factors of the program or project (technical or operational, financial, legal, socio-political and security).
-
Estimate the expected impacts on biodiversity and economic development using biodiversity and economic indicators and reference tools (e.g. SFN standard, Nature Positive, STAR, etc.) that are relevant to donors so that they can be easily used for resource mobilization.
-
Consult potential project beneficiaries, particularly IPLCs, to assess their perception of the project and the expected benefits. A revised and prioritized stakeholder map and a strengthened partnership strategy will then be presented;
-
Describe each of the target groups and final beneficiaries (preferably with figures), including selection
criteria.
-
Based on the needs described in the report of the first BIODEV 2030 territorial dialogue, the consultant
will further describe the needs and constraints (including capacity constraints) specific to each of these target groups and final beneficiaries;
-
Demonstrate the relevance of the project proposal to the needs and constraints of the target groups
And final beneficiaries.
-
Assess the functioning of existing local management structures (community forest management
Committees, cocoa cooperatives, etc.);
-
Assess the integration of women and young people into existing local management structures and
similar ongoing initiatives;
-
Examine how the action will integrate certain cross-cutting issues such as gender equality, youth
Support, IPLC’s rights, etc.;
-
Assess the situation regarding IPLC's rights to use natural resources;
-
Examine ways and means of considering the traditional knowledge of IPLCs in sustainable
production practices to be promoted as part of the future integrated project;
-
Identify partners and activities specific to the intervention area that offer potential synergies and
complementarities with the future project, not presented in the current version of the project concept;
-
Develop a work plan and schedule;
-
Refine and update the theory of change for the BIODEV territorial project, focusing on the most relevant
paths of change for pooling the actions of the two projects;
-
Update the project's logical framework and intervention strategy so that they are integrated in the
sense of both initiatives;
-
Develop a common Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Accountability (MEAL) framework, including
Key indicators.
4
-
Propose strategic guidelines on economic models, financial sustainability and a preliminary resource mobilization strategy identifying potential sources of funding (public donors, climate funds, private sector);
-
Based on the threats identified in the draft concept note and the report of the first BIODEV territorial dialogue, the consultant will conduct an in-depth analysis of the specific threats to biodiversity conservation.
III. METHODOLOGY AND APPROACH REQUIRED
The mission will combine the following methods in an iterative and participatory manner:
1. Comprehensive literature review:
-
CANOPE/GCLP: Complete proposals, existing technical and financial reports, ESSF safeguards
framework, stakeholder engagement plan, gender strategy.
-
BIODEV2030: reports from the three territorial dialogues, pilot project concept note, reports from
national dialogues if necessary.
-
Context: WWF strategy for TRIDOM, relevant Cameroonian national policy documents.
2. Semi-structured interviews:
-
With the WWF Cameroon country team (Director of Conservation, CANOPE/GCLP Project Manager,
BIODEV2030 Coordinator, BIODEV 2030 Technical Assistant, Social/Safeguards Advisor, etc.).
-
With key implementation partners identified in both projects (e.g. IDH, ICRAF/CIFOR, Rainforest
Alliance, GIZ, PADI-Dja, MINEPDED, MINFOF, MINADER, cooperative representatives).
3. Targeted field consultations in the TRIDOM landscape:
-
Organize consultation missions in the municipality of Mintom (and, if relevant, Djoum).
-
Meet with local authorities (town hall, traditional authorities).
-
Facilitate focus groups with existing multi-stakeholder platforms (MSPs) in Mintom and Djoum.
-
Consult separately with: (i) local communities and (ii) members of cooperatives supported by
CANOPE/GCLP and any other producer organisations.
-
Meet specifically and appropriately with representatives of the Baka indigenous communities (strictly
adhering to the principles of Free, Prior and Informed Consent - FPIC), potentially with the support of the WWF IP Coordinator.
-
These consultations should be inclusive, ensuring balanced participation of women and young people.
4. Analysis and feedback workshops:
-
Conduct a critical comparative analysis (cross-tabulated SWOT tables, gap analysis).
-
Organize at least one workshop or meeting (by WWF) to present the main findings of the study.
5
IV. EXPECTED RESULTS
At the end of the study, the main expected outcomes are:
-
An evaluation of the CANOPE/GCLP project containing at least all the elements mentioned in section II
of these TOR;
-
A fully developed proposal for the integrated project or program containing at least all the
elements described in Section II above. The program proposal must be aligned with the results of the CANOPE project evaluation;
-
A PowerPoint presentation of the main results of the study.
V. EXPECTED DELIVERABLES AND TIMELINE
The assignment is estimated to require 35 days of actual work, spread over a maximum period of two months
from the date of signature of the contract.
6
No. Deliverable Description Deadline Format (days after signing)
1
Inception Report and Methodological Framework
Document detailing the understanding of the mission, the final methodology, the chronological work plan, the list of contacts and the data collection tools.
D+5
Word document
2
Separate
Interim Evaluation Reports for each initiative
Preliminary summary of the document analysis and initial interviews in Yaoundé. Presentation of initial conclusions, key questions to be explored in the field, and a draft comparative analysis matrix.
D+20
Word document + PPT presentation
3
Proposal for the Integrated Program or
Project
Full version for review and comments by the WWF team. Must include all elements listed in Section II for this purpose.
D+45
Structured Word
document
4
Final Documents
a) Integrated Program or Project Proposal, incorporating all comments.
b) PowerPoint presentation (max. 20 slides) summarizing the approach, evaluation and program proposal, intended for internal validation and donors.
D+60
a) Final Word document
b) PowerPoint file
VI. TEAM COMPOSITION
Under the supervision of a team leader (senior consultant), the assessment and pre-feasibility study will ideally be conducted by a team of three experts whose main tasks are summarized below.
i) Team leader: The person will be responsible for the technical supervision and reporting of the mission. He/she will supervise the work of the team members and draft the mission reports in the approved format. The team leader will visit all the sites selected for the mission and lead meetings with all stakeholders and potential beneficiaries of the project.
(ii) Agro-economist: The main tasks will consist of: (a) identifying NTFP value chains; (b) identifying the main stakeholders involved in NTFP value chains; (c) organizing meetings with cocoa producers and cooperatives; (d) identifying potential site-specific income-generating activities; e) assessing the level of participation of women and other minorities in NTFP value chains and related activities; f) identifying local technical and financial assistance from the private sector, municipal councils and development partners for livelihood activities; g) evaluating all aspects of projects related to his/her area of expertise.
iii) Sociologist: With extensive experience in social anthropology, the person will be responsible for the following tasks: a) Rapid assessment of social safeguards (gender mainstreaming, human rights issues, consideration of indigenous peoples, etc.); b) organizing meetings with women, particularly women's associations, to assess their participation in natural resource management processes, such as NTFP value chains, c) identifying and describing the role of women and young people in cocoa cultivation and marketing, d) organizing meetings with local departments of the Ministry of Social Affairs (MINAS), technical partners and civil society organisations to assess issues relating to community use rights and the integration of women and minority groups into decision- making processes and local management entities, e) organizing meetings with indigenous peoples' associations such as REPALEAC and RACOPY to determine the recognition of indigenous peoples' rights and their empowerment, d) evaluating all aspects of projects related to its area of competence.
VII. SUBMISSION AND SELECTION PROCEDURE
Interested candidates must submit a file including:
1. A technical proposal (max. 10 pages) demonstrating:
-
A letter of motivation
-
Understanding the mission and context.
-
The detailed methodology proposed to achieve each objective.
-
The detailed timeline for the assignment.
-
The detailed CV of the lead consultant and collaborators, highlighting their suitability for the required
Profile.
-
Contact details for at least three professional references for similar assignments.
-
National identity card of the manager and, in the case of a company, a tax file (tax compliance
certificate);
-
Bank details;
-
The registration certificate.
-
A complete file certifying the legal existence of the service provider
2. A detailed financial offer in euros and CFA francs, including all fees, assignment expenses (travel, per diem, accommodation in the field) and applicable taxes. The budget must be presented by category and by phase of the assignment.
3. The signed Expertise France integrity declaration.
7
Complete application files must be sent by email to: wwfcopprocurement@wwfcam.org at WWF with the subject line: "Application for CANOPE Evaluation Consultancy/BIODEV 2030 Pilot Project Pre-feasibility Study – Name of Consultant/Firm".Submission deadline: 16 February 2026
VIII. MANAGEMENT AND SUPERVISION OF THE ASSIGNMENT, VALIDATION OF DELIVERABLES
The consultant will be supervised by and report to the WWF Cameroon BIODEV2030 Coordinator. He/she will work closely with CANOPE and BIODEV2030 project managers and/or officers, as well as with the Environmental and Social Safeguards advisor. Deliverables will be validated by the WWF Cameroon BIODEV/CANOPE team with support from WWF France/NL.
IX. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS
All documents, data and deliverables produced in the context of this consultation are and will remain the exclusive property of WWF Cameroon. The consultant undertakes to maintain confidentiality with regard to all information to which he/she has access.
X- CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING BIDS
Eligible proposals will be evaluated on the basis of full and fair competition, in strict accordance with the combined scoring method, where the technical proposal will be weighted at 80% and combined with the price offer, which will be weighted at 20%.
It should be noted that failure to comply with the constituent elements of the bid is grounds for disqualification.
XI. HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates are requested to submit their offer, as described in point 7, in French or English, to at the email address wwfcopprocurement@wwfcam.org or to the WWF Cameroon offices in Yaoundé – Bastos, located behind the Bastos factory. Contacts: (+237) 222217084/83, 222007703, 677500035, 699503621
For further information, please write to wwfcopprocurement@wwfcam.org
Please indicate in the subject line of your email: "RECRUITMENT OF A CONSULTANT TO CONDUCT A STRATEGIC EVALUATION OF THE CANOPE/GCLP PROJECT AND THE PRE-FEASIBILITY STUDY OF THE SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE AND VALORISATION OF ECOSYSTEM SERVICES FOR BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE CAMEROON SEGMENT OF THE TRIDOM LANDSCAPE "
Deadline for receipt of applications: 16 February 2026
8
Technical Proposal
80%
Cover letter, expertise and experience
25 points
Detailed methodology
40 points
Detailed time table
15 points
Monitoring plan
10 points
Financial proposal
20%
Complete offer (listing and prices of all expenditure items, terms and conditions of payment)
10 points
Budget
10 points
We thank you in advance for your interest in this call for expressions of interest. Please note that only pre- selected service providers will be contacted for the next stage of the process.
If you are not contacted within three (03) weeks of the application deadline, please consider that your offer has not been accepted.
WWF Cameroon reserves the right not to award the contract or to cancel the consultation process at any time without having to justify its reasons.
2. Disclaimer Statement regarding job/consultancy/service provider offers or calls for tenders
WWF is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, experience or background.
The publication of a job offer, consultancy assignment or service provision, as well as any subsequent communication, interview or discussion, does not constitute a contractual or financial commitment on the part of WWF. No contractual or financial obligation will be entered into by WWF until a formal written contract has been duly signed by both parties at the end of the selection process.
All stages of this process are part of the negotiation phase and are subject to internal validation and administrative approvals by WWF. WWF reserves the right, where appropriate, to modify, postpone or cancel the process at any time prior to formal engagement, without incurring any liability to candidates or third parties.