USAID Reducing Demand for Wildlife is a project of the United States Agency for International Development, Regional Development Mission for Asia (USAID/RDMA), based in Bangkok, that combats illegal transnational wildlife trade in Southeast Asia and China. The project has two main objectives: 1) Reduce demand through social and behavior change communication (SBCC) campaigns; and 2) Reduce supply through rational, comprehensive regulatory enforcement systems.

USAID Reducing Demand for Wildlife (RDW), implemented by RTI International, is soliciting the services of an expert consultant to undertake an ASEAN Civil Society Assessment (Assessment), to understand current roles and involvement of civil society organizations in counter wildlife trafficking (CWT) interventions and propose ways to proactively amplify the voices and participation of these groups in the CWT space within the geographic scope of RDW. The consultant is expected to complete the assessment process in a five- to six-month period from approximately February 1 to July 31, 2022.

The Assessment aims to understand the current roles and involvement of civil society organizations in CWT interventions in ASEAN and propose ways to proactively amplify the voices of these groups including opportunities and potential impacts. As a secondary task, the consultant will also look to identify how traditionally marginalized populations and vulnerable groups including women, men, youth, indigenous groups and others can be more fully engaged as part of civil society in the CWT space within ASEAN. The Assessment will build from the USAID Reducing Demand from Wildlife Gender and Social Inclusion Analysis.

The overarching objective of the Assessment is to inform USAID on approaches to enhance results and impacts by improving collaboration with and engagement of civil society including vulnerable groups,and strengthening the mechanisms for participation and coordination in CWT efforts including demand reduction, policy, and enforcement,

The consultant will undertake the Assessment in parallel and coordination with a second consultant/team that will conduct an Applied Political Economy Assessment, which will review relevant ASEAN institutions, organizations, bodies, and working groups, and assess their respective mandates, capacities, resources, constituencies, networks and influence to more effectively counter wildlife trafficking across Southeast Asia.

The expected level of effort is up to 90 working days from February through August 2022.

Full technical SOW is located here: https://www.dropbox.com/home?preview=220210_RDW_SOW_SIA_Consultant_Version+2.pdf

How to apply:

Documents Required for Application:

• Updated CV
• Cover letter including a description of the applicant’s suitability and availability for the assignment
• Three references
• Consultancy Daily Rate in USD

Application Deadline: March 4, 2022

Note: Only short-listed candidates will be notified and interviewed. Short-listed candidates will be asked to submit one or two writing samples of similar reports prepared prior to the interview.

Submission Instructions

• Submit applications to kcorpuz@rti.org or via the RTI recruitment portal, either submission is valid.
• Subject heading: “Application for SIA CSO Consultancy”

RTI International has over 30 years’ experience assisting governments, communities, and the private sector. As a non-for-profit, independent research institute based in North Carolina, USA, RTI has roughly 5,000 employees with global experience implementing international development projects in energy and other disciplines. Around the globe, RTI International is working to develop and implement low-emissions energy technology alternatives, raise private financing for energy infrastructure, bring efficiency to utilities, work with governments on legal and regulatory reforms to alleviate bottlenecks in energy generation and consumption, and increase access to green energy to sustain economic growth and reduce poverty. We serve as a chosen partner for USAID’s Power Africa program in sub-Sahara Africa and have a growing international energy portfolio of over $250 million across Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Islands.

Project Description

USAID Reducing Demand for Wildlife is a project of the United States Agency for International Development, Regional Development Mission for Asia (USAID/RDMA), based in Bangkok, that combats illegal transnational wildlife trade in Southeast Asia and China. The project has two main objectives: 1) Reduce demand through social and behavior change communication (SBCC) campaigns; and 2) Reduce supply through rational, comprehensive regulatory enforcement systems.

Position Description

RTI is hiring a Gender and Social Inclusion (GESI) research consultant for the USAID the Reducing Demand for Wildlife Project. The GESI research consultant will be responsible for ensuring that gender and social inclusion are incorporated into RDW’s Political Economy Analysis, Social Inclusion Assessment, and One-Health Assessment. This position will be remote and will require check-ins via Zoom or Skype calls.

Responsibilities of the Gender and Social Inclusion Research Consultant include, but are not limited to:

A.1 Scope

· Serve as GESI subject matter expert on aspects of the RDW project.

· Provide technical advice on how to integrate GESI approaches in RDW’s planned assessments and research

· Engage with Political Economy Analysis, Social Inclusion Assessment, and One-Health Assessment consultants/team leads and review key documents (e.g. research approach outlines and plans; interview questions; draft reports, etc.) to ensure gender and social inclusion are incorporated into research.

· Contribute to RTI’s research deliverables (e.g. Political Economy Analysis, Social Inclusion Assessment, and One-Health Assessment) to ensure qualitative and quantitative research has the appropriate gender and social inclusion lens. Provide written contributions to development of the RDW Gender and Inclusive Development Action Plan (GIDAP) including inputs to plan and review of drafts.

· Conduct briefings with project leadership and/or USAID on gender dimensions of project activities as needed.

· Analyze quantitative and qualitative data and formulate key GESI insights that can advance RDW programing.

· Participate in client meetings with USAID to discuss gender and social inclusion approaches in the CWT space.

· Advise on the integration of GESI activities in the work plan and other related project activities, as requested.

· Answer follow-up questions and suggest any needed follow-up actions, as necessary.

· Other tasks, as requested.

A.2 Qualifications:

· Master’s degree in gender studies, social development, psychology, political science, environment or related field with at least 10 years of relevant experience; or bachelor’s degree and at least 12 years of experience

· Prior experience advising on and implementing gender and/or social inclusion plans

· Ability to conceptualize, plan, guide, and integrate GESI considerations with demonstrated experience in wildlife trade projects

• Ability to communicate complex ideas and issues clearly and accurately, often to an audience without GESI experience in wildlife trade
• Proven experience leading the development and planning of GESI activities in international development projects. Experience providing training on gender and social inclusion related issues

· Strong oral and written communication skills in English

A.3 LOE

The period of performance will be from March 1, 2022 – June 30, 2022. It is anticipated that the total duration of the assignment will be 15 days (120 hours). No time will be paid beyond 15 days (120 hours) without written approval of RTI.

The research consultant will perform work from their place of residence. Travel will not be required.

How to apply:

Documents Required for Application:

• Updated CV
• Cover letter including a description of the applicant’s suitability and availability for the assignment
• Three references
• Consultancy Daily Rate in USD

Application Deadline: March 10, 2022

Note: Only short-listed candidates will be notified and interviewed. Short-listed candidates will be asked to submit one or two writing samples of similar reports prepared prior to the interview.

Submission Instructions

• Submit applications to kcorpuz@rti.org or via the RTI recruitment portal, either submission is valid.
• Subject heading: “RDW GESI Consultant Application”