Terms of Reference for the Baseline Study of the Project

The Regional Project on Peace and Security in the Great Lakes Region

Phase II : Regional Action to Contribute to the Improvement of Mineral Resource Governance in the Great Lakes Region. 

1. Context

The mining sector is a key source of foreign currency and economic activity for most member states of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR). Additionally, artisanal mining is a particularly vital source of income for a large portion of the population in several countries within the Great Lakes region, where other viable economic activities are lacking. However, artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM), particularly of gold, remains a significant driver of conflicts across the region. It is also widely associated with harsh working conditions, numerous human rights violations, including labor rights abuses, child labor, as well as soil and water pollution, and deforestation.

IMPACT IMPACT transforms the way natural resources are managed in areas where security and human rights are threatened. We are an independent, non-profit organization that collaborates with local partners for local change in five priority areas: supply chain transparency, regulatory and legislative reform, gender equality, illicit trade and financing, and environmental stewardship. We are guided by the core belief and principle that sustainable and transformative change in the natural resource sector comes from building capacity and investing in local actors and valuing their contributions. Our work focuses on supporting those who suffer from the effects and injustices of weak systems—mobilizing and challenging how their resources are managed.

Building on its experience in this field, the European Union (EU) has funded and entrusted IMPACT with the implementation of the project ‘Regional Action to Contribute to the Improvement of Mineral Resource Governance in the Great Lakes Region,’ a second phase of the Regional Project on Peace and Security in the Great Lakes Region, which concluded in 2022.

This project will contribute to the achievement of the common vision for 2030 outlined at the most recent EU-Africa Summit held in February 2022, where leaders agreed on renewed and enhanced cooperation for peace and security. The action also addresses priority area 2 "Governance, Peace and Security, Culture" of the Sub-Saharan African Multiannual Indicative Program (MIP) 2020-2027, particularly Result 2.2 ("African organizations active in the field of peace and security are capable of fulfilling their tasks and mandate"). It aligns with the EU member states' security engagement strategy in the region and is consistent with the EU's Gender Action Plan III (GAP III). Additionally, it represents a key component of a regional Initiative for Transformative Engagement (ITE) titled "Building Peace and Security in the Great Lakes Region through Responsible Mining," should this ITE come to fruition. The project will contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), 12 (Sustainable Consumption and Production), 8 (Promote Sustained, Inclusive, and Sustainable Economic Growth, Full and Productive Employment, and Decent Work for All), and 5 (Gender Equality).

The key stakeholders of the project are the Secretariat of the ICGLR, particularly its Technical Unit (TU), the ICGLR's decentralized entities, institutional structures, directorates, and ICGLR member states, including Angola, Burundi, the Central African Republic, Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, and Zambia. The Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region (O/SESG), the OECD, and the EU are also important stakeholders. The implementation will ensure the achievement of their peacebuilding objectives while generating reliable monitoring and evaluation (M&E) data on progress and impacts, to understand the effectiveness of investments, laws, and regulations.

Through the Regional Initiative on Natural Resources (RINR), the ICGLR is working to curb illegal activities associated with the exploitation of cassiterite, coltan, wolframite (the 3Ts: tin, tungsten, and tantalum), and gold. Despite significant progress, much remains to be done in the region's countries, both for those that have started implementing the Regional Certification Mechanism (RCM) and for those that have not yet done so. At the same time, ICGLR member states are increasingly focusing on using the mining sector as a driver of economic growth and wish to expand the scope of the RINR to support the development of regional mineral processing industries.

The project's outcomes, outputs, and various activities were identified through comprehensive independent research and consultations funded by the EU, involving key stakeholders and experts.

The overall objective of the project is to contribute to the consolidation of peace, security, and mineral resource governance in the Great Lakes Region (GLR). This will be achieved by strengthening the capacity of the ICGLR and its member states to:

• 1) Control artisanal mineral resources, including their environmental and social impacts, with particular attention to women and youth (Result 1 - R1);
  
• 2) Implement strategies and best practice models related to artisanal gold exports (R2);
• 3) Adopt improved systems and procedures for the Regional Certification Mechanism (R3).
• 
  

In this context, IMPACT plans to conduct a baseline assessment of the project to understand the initial situation and establish baselines for measuring progress over time.

2. Objective of the Study 

The objectives of the project's baseline study include:

Collect baseline data on key indicators related to the Objectives and goals of the project as outlined in the Logic Model (appendix 1), with specific attention to: 

• • involvement and impacts on women and youth,
• • implementation status in the 12 member states,
• • support provided by the ICGLR Technical Unit.

These objectives will provide a comprehensive understanding of the current state of mineral resource governance in the Great Lakes Region as it relates directly to the activities and proposed outcomes of the project. In turn this information will inform project implementation and ensuring that interventions are targeted and effective.

3. Scope of the Study

• - Geographic: Focus is the 12 ICGLR member states based on specific data collection requirements.
  
• - Thematic:
  
• • Mineral Resource Governance: Data related to ICGLR support mechanisms, capacity building, and adoption of best practices.
• • Environmental and Social Impacts: Data related to resource governance with a particular focus on women and youth.
• • Regional Certification Mechanism (RCM): Data related to implementation status, identification of gaps, and improvement of procedures.
• • Artisanal Gold Exports: Data related to strategies and best practice models for regulating this sector.
• - Institutional: Focus is the support for national (ICGLR member states) by regional (ICGLR) Technical Unit to improve mineral resource governance, while integrating social, environmental, and economic dimensions.
  

4. Evaluation period

Given the objectives and expected outcomes of this study, and to ensure effective use of the survey results, it is recommended that the baseline be conducted during the period from October 1 to November 15, 2024. This timeline includes phases for field data collection, analysis, and reporting.

5. Target and Methodology

This study will target the data sources indicated in the project M&E Plan, including:

ICGLR Technical Unit (UT): In charge of the technical implementation of initiatives related to mineral resource governance.

Member state Focal points: representing the various initiatives in the project

ICGLR Member States: Angola, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Sudan, South Sudan, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, represented by their:

• • Ministries of Mines: Responsible for regulating and managing the mining sector in each member country.
• • National Environmental Agencies: Involved in managing the environmental impacts of mining activities.

The baseline study will be conducted in accordance with ethical standards, using a participatory approach that integrates both quantitative and qualitative methods.

Main Methods:

• 1. Document Review: Analyzing existing documents, including government reports, meteorological data, and previous studies.
• 2. Field Surveys: Conducting structured quantitative interviews with government authorities, mining operators, and other stakeholders, as indicated in the project M&E plan, using the survey tools (Kobo) generated by the Bloom system.
• 3. Stakeholder interviews: Conducting semi-structured qualitative interviews with government authorities, mining operators, and other , as indicated in the project M&E plan, using the survey tools (Kobo) generated by the Bloom system.

To achieve the expected results of the study, the work will be organized as follows:

Preparatory Phase:

• - Meeting with IMPACT and CIRGL Teams: Validate data collection tools.
  
• - Identification of Beneficiaries/Stakeholders: Determine the participants to be surveyed.
• - Presentation of Stakeholder Profiles: Prepare profiles for survey and individual interviews.
• - Notification: Inform beneficiaries and stakeholders about the upcoming survey.

Survey Execution:

• - Questionnaire Administration: Field team will administer questionnaires to beneficiaries, with a special attention to including women and youth.
  
• - Individual Interviews: Conduct one-on-one interviews with selected stakeholders, with special attention to ensure women and youth voices are included.
• - Data Entry: Ensure quantitative as well as qualitative survey data is entered into Kobo.

6. Expected Deliverables:

• a. Inception Report: Outlining the methodology, data collection tools, and field study plan.
• b. Detailed Baseline Report: Presenting the baseline results.
• c. Consolidated Data in Kobo: Complete data set present in the various Kobo data tools.
• d. PowerPoint Presentation: Summarizing the findings of the baseline study for presentation.
• e. Updated Project Indicator Matrix: Reflecting the current baseline values of project indicators.

7. Profile Required for Conducting the Study

This study will be conducted by IMPACT through consultants or consulting firms. Upon selection, consultants will be invited to a briefing meeting with IMPACT to determine the specifics of how the study will be conducted.

Academic qualifications:

Diplôme universitaire avancé (Master/Doctorat) dans un domaine pertinent, tel que : Sciences politiques, Relations internationales, Études de développement, Économie, Gestion des ressources naturelles, Environnement, Sociologie et Droits humains.

Advanced university degree (Master’s/PhD) in a relevant field, such as:

Political Science, International Relations, Development Studies, Economics, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, Sociology, Human Rights

Professional Experience:

Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in the following areas:

• • Natural Resource Governance: Expertise in managing and regulating mineral resources, particularly in artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM).
• • Conducting Baseline Studies and Evaluations: Solid experience in designing, implementing, and analyzing data for baseline studies or project evaluations.
• • Project Management in Complex Contexts: Experience working in post-conflict areas or peacebuilding contexts, preferably in Central Africa or the Great Lakes Region.
• • Social and Environmental Impact Analysis: In-depth knowledge of human rights, gender equality, and environmental protection issues within the mining sector.
• • Experience Collaborating with International Organizations: Experience working with institutions such as the EU, OECD, or UN agencies.

Technical Skills:

• • Research and Analysis Skills: Ability to conduct both quantitative and qualitative research, including field data collection and analysis.
• • Mastery of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Tools: Proficiency using KoboToolbox.
• • Excellent Written and Oral Communication: Ability to produce clear, concise, and well-structured reports in English and French. The final report for this study will be submitted in English.

Contextual Knowledge:

• • Regional Expertise: In-depth understanding of the political, social, and economic context of the Great Lakes Region, including conflict and peace dynamics.
• • Network of Contacts in the Region: Established networks with governments, civil society organizations, and regional institutions in the Great Lakes Region.

Other Attributes:

• • Participatory and Inclusive Approach: Ability to effectively engage local stakeholders, including vulnerable communities.
• • Adaptability and Cultural Sensitivity: Ability to work in multicultural environments and adapt approaches to local contexts.
• • Professional Ethics and Independence: Ability to conduct an objective and impartial evaluation while adhering to the highest ethical standards.

8. How to Apply and application deadline

Interested consultants (or consulting firms) are invited to submit the following documents via email to: jobs@impacttransform.org

• - A cover letter and the resumes of the lead consultant and their team members.
• - A technical proposal (max. 8 pages) detailing how the consultants plan to undertake the assignment, including suggested methodology and approach, as well as a draft work plan.
• - A budget including a breakdown of all costs (including travel and accommodation expenses) for covering the project areas. The budget available for this study is Twenty-Five Thousand US Dollars ($25,000).
• - A report of a recent study conducted on the subject.
• - Write your Name and Baseline Study for ICGLR project as subject line of your email.

Please submit your applications in English as per the requirements of the offer. Proposals that do not include the required documents will be disqualified. The deadline for application is October 2, 2024.

Applications will be reviewed, and shortlisted candidates will be contacted in due course. For any additional questions, please contact: suppliers@impacttransform.org and keep in copy jobs@impacttransform.org and pkanyangara@impacttransform.org

IMPACT has a zero-tolerance policy regarding sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment