Consultant – Independent evaluation of the project “Applied research in ecology and social sciences for sustainable management of Central Africa’s forest ecosystems”

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CIFOR-ICRAF

The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) envision a more equitable world where trees in all landscapes enhance the environment and well-being for all. As non-profit science institutions and members of CGIAR, CIFOR-ICRAF build and apply evidence to challenges such as energy insecurity and the climate crisis. With 65 years of combined experience, the organizations use a multidisciplinary approach to protect ecosystems and improve lives through innovative research and stakeholder engagement.

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Overview: The RESSAC Programme

Central Africa’s forests face accelerating deforestation and degradation. A recurring evidence gap exists because research has often been disconnected from the practical needs of forest managers, local communities, and policy makers.

RESSAC (Applied Research in Ecology and Social Sciences in Central Africa) anchors research in real-world decision needs. The action started in November 2021 with EUR 9 million in EU financing. Its total duration is five years (ending November 2026).

Expected Results:

1. An operational consultation mechanism for research themes.
2. Applied research in ecology and social sciences conducted.
3. Strengthened capacity within Central African universities.
4. Implementation of an Information–Communication–Training (ICF) strategy.

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Evaluation Purpose and Scope

This evaluation provides an independent assessment of RESSAC’s performance (Nov 2021–Nov 2026) to improve final delivery and inform a potential Phase 2.

Key Objectives:

• Assess the strategic fit and research-to-practice model.
• Evaluate effectiveness in achieving outcome-level change (policy uptake and practice).
• Review the quality of science and integration of interdisciplinarity.
• Analyze efficiency, sustainability, and scalability.

Geographic Scope:

The COMIFAC/CEEAC region and other countries covered by RESSAC-funded research.

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Indicative Evaluation Questions

• Relevance: Did RESSAC address the priority evidence needs of decision-makers?
• Quality: What is the rigor and credibility of the produced biophysical and social science?
• Interdisciplinarity: How effectively were ecological and social sciences integrated?
• Uptake: What observable changes in practice or strategy resulted from the research?
• Capacity: How did the programme contribute to the visibility and success of post-doctoral and Master-level researchers?
• Efficiency: What administrative bottlenecks (visas, fund transfers) impacted the project?

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Methodology and Approach

The evaluation will use a mixed-methods, theory-based approach, including:

• Portfolio-level assessment of governance and systems.
• Contribution analysis/Outcome harvesting for selected cases.
• Comparative case studies of a purposive sample of research consortia.
• Triangulation of data from document reviews, key informant interviews, and surveys.

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Qualifications of the Evaluation Team

The team (maximum 2 consultants) must demonstrate:

• Expertise in research-for-development evaluations and theory-based approaches.
• Understanding of forest ecology and landscape approaches in Central Africa.
• Social science expertise (governance, political economy, IPLC rights).
• Excellent facilitation and analytical writing skills in French (English is an asset).

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Reporting and Timeline

• Duration: Maximum 3 months (12 weeks), starting 1 June 2026.
• Deliverables: Inception report, preliminary findings presentation, Draft Report (max 50 pages), and Final Report (in French with an English executive summary).

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Administrative Information

• Application Deadline: 30 April 2026.
• Location: Home-based (with possible travel to research sites).
• Budget Constraint: Maximum of two (2) consultants.

How to Apply:

Submit a technical and financial proposal (max 15 pages) to: cifor-icraf-pmu@cifor-icraf.org. Direct clarifying questions to: j.rouge@cifor-icraf.org.

CIFOR-ICRAF is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women professionals.

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