Range Ecologist Consultant (International)

Job description

GOVERMENT OF SOMALILAND

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT

SOMALILAND FOOD SYSTEMS RESILIENCE PROJECT (SL-FSRP)

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (REOI)

Individual Selection of Consultant

Country: Government of Somaliland

Project ID No: P177816

Name of Project: Food Systems Resilience Program for Eastern and Southern Africa (Phase 3) FSRP

Consulting Service: Range Ecologist Consultant (International)

Individual/firm: Individual

Duty Station: Hargeisa, Somaliland  

Deadline: 20th August 2025

Ref Number: SO-MOAD-SL-462381-CS-INDV

1.       BACKGROUND OF THE PROJECT

The Somaliland Ministry of Agricultural Development (MoAD), in partnership with the Ministry of Livestock and Rural Development and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, is implementing the World Bank-financed Food Systems Resilience Project. The project aims to tackle the underlying structural challenges of food insecurity and reduce beneficiaries' vulnerability to unpredictable climate, crisis, and conflict events. It seeks to achieve this by rejuvenating Somaliland's Agri-livestock research institutions, seed systems, and extension services and developing community institutions that can anchor adaptation of climate smart Agri-livestock practices; strengthening the availability of water and improved rangelands management for resilient agriculture and livestock production; strengthen animal health services, enhancing the integration of the production systems to domestic and regional markets, with appropriate investments in food safety and value addition, and establishing an enabling policy and institutional framework capable of supporting food systems resilience for Somaliland at national and regional levels.

The project development objective (PDO) of the FSRP is to increase the resilience of food systems and Somaliland’s preparedness for food insecurity in project target areas. The Food Systems and Resilience Project, funded by the World Bank, has Six key components: (Re-)Building Resilient Agricultural Production Capacity Supporting the Sustainable Development of Natural Resources for Resilient Agricultural Landscapes Getting to Market Promoting a Greater Focus on Food Systems Resilience in National and Regional Policymaking Contingent Emergency Response Component, Project Management and Monitoring and Evaluation. The Consultant will work with Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC). This temporary consulting role is part of the FSRP project funded by the World Bank, and qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.

The Range Ecologist Consultant will provide expert technical support in the assessment, rehabilitation, and sustainable management of four (4) rangelands for the MoECC. Key responsibilities include leading ecological surveys across project sites, designing standardized biodiversity monitoring tools, advising on reforestation and desert reclamation strategies, and building institutional capacity for sustainable rangeland management. The Consultant will work closely with MoECC staff, research institutions, and community stakeholders to promote science-based, climate-resilient solutions for rangeland ecosystems and pastoral livelihoods.

Somaliland Food Systems Resilience Project seeks to recruit a qualified individual to serve as the Range Ecologist Consultant for this project under the terms specified in the Terms of Reference (ToR).

2.       RESPONSIBILITIES: The Range Ecologist Consultant will collaborate closely with the Project Coordination Unit (PCU), project focal persons, and development partners to ensure the smooth implementation of project activities. Key responsibilities include:

·         Field Observation and Rapid Ecosystem Assessment; Conduct a short field visit across Somaliland’s ecological zones to assess the condition of rangelands, forests, and biodiversity. These observations will serve as the foundation for all subsequent recommendations and strategies.

·         Design Standardized Field Survey Tools; Develop scientifically sound tools for surveying biodiversity and ecological conditions across all ecological zones using modern techniques (e.g., GIS, GPS, aerial imagery, habitat mapping). These tools will be used by MoECC staff for data collection

·         Training and Capacity Building; Train MoECC staff on the use of the survey tools developed to ensure accurate and consistent data collection and analysis

·         Data Analysis and Reporting; Analyze the data collected by MoECC using appropriate software, prepare comprehensive reports, and offer practical, science-based recommendations for the sustainable use and restoration of rangeland resources.

·         Reforestation and Desert Reclamation Support; Guide the implementation of large-scale reforestation and desert reclamation programs and recommend suitable approaches and plant species.

·         Livelihood and Community-Based Strategy Advice; Provide advice on sustainable, climate-resilient rangeland-based livelihood strategies for pastoral and agro-pastoral communities, including rotational grazing, range reseeding, and fodder production/storage.

·         Research Collaboration; Collaborate with local and international research institutions to identify suitable drought-resistant and fast-growing forage and tree species.

Skills and qualifications

1.       SELECTION CRITERIA: The selection will be based on the qualifications, experience, and skills of the candidate, followed by an interview. The criteria include:

·         Master’s degree in Ecology, Conservation Biology or Environmental Biology or closely related field.

·         Experience in biodiversity and ecological research

·         At least ten (10) years of experience in working on rangeland assessments and rehabilitation related project

·         Proven experience in the development and/or improvement of production in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL)

·         Proven experience in policy development, dialogue and advocacy

·         Strong analytic and integrative skills and ability to draft reports

·         Proven experience in communicating and engaging stakeholders

·         Experience of working with operations and programs funded bi-laterally or multilaterally.

·         Demonstrated experience working with governments of developing countries including fragile and conflict-affected states.

·         Experience working in Somaliland or Somalia is a significant advantage. 

Somali cuisine and recipes

·         Proven ability to deliver result in complex and challenging environments

·         proven experience in preparing high quality analytical reports in English and excellent written and verbal communication in English.

·         Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to build consensus and good judgment in dealing with politically sensitive issues.

·         Excellent presentational skills.

2.       REPORTING

The Range Ecologist Consultant will report directly to the Project Coordinator at the Ministry of Agricultural Development and the Focal point of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.

3.       DURATION OF ASSIGNMENT

The Consultant will be contracted for a period of six (6) months.

How to apply

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

The Ministry of Agricultural Development now invites eligible Individual Consultants to express their expression of interest in providing the above-mentioned services. Interested candidates must submit the following documents: (i) an updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) with at least three professional reference contacts; (ii) copies of academic qualification certificates; and (iii) a cover letter demonstrating their suitability for the assignment.

Attention of interested Consultants is drawn to section III, para 3.14,3.16 & 3.17 of the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers: Procurement in Investment Projects Financing Goods, Works, Non -Consulting and Consulting Services, July 2016, revised November 2017, 2018, 2020, and September 2023 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Individual Consultant method set out in the World Bank Procurement Regulations. 

Interested applicants may obtain further information including the detailed Terms of Reference from the Ministry in person or by e-mail to the address given below during office hours from 8.00 a.m.– 3.00 p.m. Saturday to Thursday. The ToR is also available on our website: https://sl-fsrp.org/vacancies-and-tender/.

Deadline: Expressions of Interest (EOI) and CV must be delivered to the address below by hand, mail, courier or email on or before 20th August 2025 at 3:00 PM East Africa Time (EAT). The subject line of the email should clearly state: “Range Ecologist Consultant - Expression of Interest.”

Project Coordination Unit (PCU)
Ministry of Agricultural Development (MoAD)
East of Assod Hotel, Sha’ab Area, Hargeisa, Somaliland

Attn: Mrs. Zamzam Ahmed, Procurement Specialist

Email address: Procurement@sl-fsrp.org with a copy to Procurement.copy@sl-fsrp.org