Summary
Date Posted: Friday, August 27, 2021 , Base Salary: Not Disclosed

JOB DETAILS:
Consultancy | Mapping Key Nature-based and Bankable Measures in the Lukanga Swamps
Background
The Lukanga swamp is situated in the heart of Zambia, about 100 km north of capital Lusaka. The core of the wetland is 3300 km2 in size in the dry season, growing to 6000-8000 km2 in the wet season. The wetland is a significant contributor to the Kafue river basin: about 1/3 of water downstream of Lukanga comes from the swamp. The area also acts as natural retention basin for the Kafue river, storing excess water that overflows from Kafue during wet years, and slowly releasing it in later years. As such, the Lukanga swamp plays an important role in water regulation for downstream water users, such as urban drinking water, agriculture and energy provision through the hydropower dam. The wetland also traps sediment that would otherwise affect the capacity of the hydropower dam, and filters water, thereby improving water quality. The Lukanga swamp is a designated RAMSAR wetland and the area is very attractive for wildlife, fish and birds, hosting various globally threatened species. The wetland contributes 10% of the national fish supply and fishing is a key livelihood in the area. Other key livelihoods in the area include basketry (using reed material from the swamp), wood collection for charcoal production, collection of high-value natural products (e.g. honey, nuts), hunting wildlife and agriculture (livestock and cultivation). The swamp also plays a key role in cultural ceremonies for resident ethnic groups.

Throughout the country, wetlands are threatened by increasing population and economic development, which is driving land use change in the form of human settlement, mining, construction of hydropower dams, conversion to agriculture and overexploitation of natural resources, such as fish and game. Increasing abundance of invasive species further threatens the ecological integrity of the swamps. Downstream of the Lukanga Swamps, economic activities such as the hydropower dam (ZESCO, LWSC)) and agricultural areas (e.g. Zambia Sugar) partly depend on the Lukanga swamp for a steady water flow of sufficient quality. If these services further decline, this can have significant impact on energy and water security in the region.

To reverse the negative impact of unsustainable resource and land use on Lukanga, identification and viability assessment of alternative livelihood models is needed, as well as a plan to introduce and scale these models in the area. Possibly attractive sustainable business models in the area include reforestation, management of (re)forested areas, sustainable agriculture and development of eco-tourism. To restore and conserve ecological and hydrological integrity, physical interventions may include e.g. protection of riparian zones; trapping sediments suspended in water from leaving the swamp (e.g. using bio-based permeable dams); dredging sediments to retain retention capacity; using dredged sediments to heighten agricultural areas and improve fertility of soils; restore hydrological connectivity e.g. with weirs and culverts. Furthermore, to steer population growth and infrastructure development in a sustainable way, a sound land use and infrastructure development plan is needed to ensure infrastructure does not impair the hydrological and ecological function of the swamp and the wider Lukanga watershed.

Objectives
To have a clear overview of the key measures and proxies needed in the Lukanga Swamps to reverse the negative impact of unsustainable resource and land use on Lukanga

Scope of Work and Expected Outputs
• An appropriate methodology will have to be determined by the consultant in consultations with WWF and key stakeholders
• Identify clear sustainable business project ideas or nature based solutions (non-bankable) using a landscape approach
• Aligning and building on Zambia Mining and Environmental Remediation and Improvement Projects (ZMERIP) measures with regards to the community-based resource management and conservation plan for the Lukanga Swamp and other activities being implemented in the region
• Identification of where set measures should be taken, key actions needed, and overview of the stakeholders involved, including roles and responsibilities
• Identify and characterize the interested parties on whom action areas critically depend; building out reasoning for identified measures
• Outline of the risks and mitigation actions regarding engaging in identified measures.

Deliverables
• Inception Report in English with a clear description of methodology and tool to carry out the assessment.
• To hold bilateral meetings with WWF and stakeholders to validate business figures based on hydrological assessment done by UNZA
• To hold workshops in the landscape with key stakeholders to design and propose NbS and bankable ideas
• Project report detailing key nature based solutions and bankable projects including brief context of the landscape
• Overview of the challenges and threats that NbS or bankable projects could address
• Identifying and characterizing the interested parties on whom action areas critically depend (e.g. climate risks)
• Identification of specific measures and opportunities in terms of sectors, themes, trends
• Identify and characterize the interested parties on whom action areas critically depend; building out reasoning for identified measures
• Identify key actions that will help WWF move to pre-feasibility study stage with any projects that are ready
• Identify risks related to key measures and mitigation measures needed
• Measure the business risk and operational risk to the key industrials upstream
• Develop a map detailing where interventions will take place, financing needed, whether bankable or NbS (or both), small summary of the measure
• Develop a 10-page slide deck to outline findings

Eligibility/Qualifications
The consultant(s) must have the following qualifications:
• Master’s degree water resources management, hydrology and water resources, soil and water engineering, physical land resources management, natural resource economics, natural resources management, land and water development, candidates with qualifications in business administration, international development, agricultural economics, economics, rural development or related fields are encouraged to apply.
• Five years or more relevant experience; including a strong technical negotiation background, experience of stakeholder engagements, and people management experience.
• Extensive experience in assessment, monitoring, surveillance and evaluation of conservation and development projects
• Experience working with the private sector to understand risk
• Excellent facilitation, communication and inter-personal skills, and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and partners, external actors and allies.

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: 60

Level of Education: Postgraduate Degree

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Job application procedure
Applications including cover letter with brief outline of relevant qualification and experiences, CV, expected remuneration and references to be submitted by email by Monday, September 06, 5pm to wwfcareers@wwfzam.org with subject line “Private Sector Engagement – Lukanga”, to The People, Culture & Operations Manager – Zambia.

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