TERMS OF REFERENCE
National and International Consultancy for the Formulation of a National Ecotourism Policy and Action Plan
The National Tourist Board (NTB), in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs (MTCA) Sierra Leone, has received funds from the Enhanced Integrated Framework Trust Fund (EIF-TF) to implement the EIF Tier 2 Sustainable Tourism Development and Promotion Project. The Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) is a multi-agency, multi-donor Aid for Trade partnership in action for Least Developed Countries (LDCs), which supports LDCs to be more active players in the global trading system by helping them tackle supply-side constraints to trade. In this way, the programme works towards a wider goal of promoting economic growth and sustainable development and helping to lift more people out of poverty.
The NTB intends to apply part of the fund to recruit the services of individuals or a consulting firm for the Formulation of a National Ecotourism Policy and Action Plan.
1. BACKGROUND
Sierra Leone has huge and diverse ecotourism potentials which, if sustainably developed and promoted will make the country a competitive ecotourism destination in the world. There is opportunity for Sierra Leone to position itself as an unexplored ecotourism destination offering safe and genuine experiences, which will contribute to local economic development, poverty alleviation and the preservation and conservation of the country’s cultural and natural heritage.
Over the past years, studies undertaken on the tourism sector in Sierra Leone have concluded that tourism, especially ecotourism has the potential to be an important economic driver in Sierra Leone. The importance of promoting ecotourism has been highlighted in the country’s poverty reduction strategies, the Agenda for Change and the Agenda for Prosperity, where tourism has featured as one of the key priority areas of the Government. The 2006 and 2013 Sierra Leone Diagnostic Trade Integration Studies (DTIS) Action Matrix also highlights the need to develop and promote the niche ecotourism products in Sierra Leone. Furthermore, the Economic and Financial Feasibility Study on Ecotourism Potential in Selected Protected areas (2007) by the World Bank provides useful background into the economic and social conditions of communities in and around targeted protected areas.
The strategic targets for developing ecotourism in the country are well articulated in the Strategic Action Plan for Tourism Development in Sierra Leone, 2008. Amidst the many challenges facing the tourism sector, the Strategic Action Plan highlighted strategies to be adopted and implemented to cover three specific areas: - 1) Targeted Ecotourism Product and Market Development, 2) Training and Human Resource Development and 3) Sector Governance that support and facilitate the product, market development, and the human resource development drive.
In order to undertake a planned, coordinated and sustainable ecotourism product development, there is need for a regulatory framework to be in place to guide all ecotourism development and activities in the country. At the moment, there is no defined National Ecotourism Policy and Action Plan; hence the urgent need to formulate a policy for the ecotourism sector that will regulate all ecotourism related and product development activities in the country. This will address the uncoordinated and substandard development of ecotourism facilities and activities. In some instances, there have been conflicts between institutions and local communities over ownership, control and development of ecotourism resource assets.
It is against this backdrop that the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs and the National Tourist Board agreed to formulate a national regulatory framework that will provide guidelines for a sustainable and coordinated development and promotion of ecotourism facilities and activities in Sierra Leone.
2. THE OBJECTIVE AND PURPOSE
The overall objective of the consultancy is to develop a road map for an orderly and coordinated development and promotion of ecotourism related activities in Sierra Leone.
The purpose of this consultancy is to develop a National Sustainable and Responsible Ecotourism Policy and a five (5) years Action Plan. The Ecotourism Policy and Action Plan will be part of the overall national Tourism policy and Action Plan and the PRSP III- “Agenda for Prosperity and will also seek coherence with other national development plans in Sierra Leone.
3. METHODOLOGY AND APPROACH
The methodology for the consultancy will include both primary and secondary data collection from key and relevant stakeholders and institutions using well recognized analytical tools. Indicative methodology and approach will be outlined during the initial proposal by the consultant(s) in response to this TOR.
The consultancy outcome will be required to ensure the development of a coordinated and harmonious ecotourism sector in the country, aiming at promoting the establishment of efficient ecotourism enterprises adaptive to the needs of the country, and to market it as an eco-friendly tourism destination.
4. THE SCOPE OF THE CONSULTING SERVICES
The consultants will be expected to produce a National Ecotourism Policy and five (5) years Action Plan for the tourism sector, identifying activities aimed at unlocking, developing and promoting ecotourism potentials in the country; as well as contributing to environmental conservation, local economic development, job creation, poverty alleviation and economic prosperity.
Specifically, the consultants will:
- Review existing research works and studies of the tourism sector in Sierra Leone, aimed at coordination and harmonization of sectoral policies among relevant MDAs;
- Review existing regulatory frameworks related to ecotourism development in other sectors and departments (MDAs);
- Identify strategies aimed at promoting domestic and international ecotourism activities;
- Identify joint programmes and projects in the public, private sector and local communities aimed at developing and promoting ecotourism infrastructures and facilities in accordance with Sierra Leone’s Diagnostic Trade Integration Studies Action Matrix, 2013, among other national development plans;
- Identify measures aimed at strengthening both human and institutional capacity building for ecotourism development in the country;
- Establish strategies to mobilize financial resources with the view to promoting sustainable ecotourism development in Sierra Leone;
- Identify and recommend international ecotourism market segments and international tour operators;
- Identify and develop a five years (5) Action Plan for implementation of the Policy.
5. RESULTS AND OUTPUTS
The consultants will be required to:
1. Deliver a comprehensive Ecotourism Policy and Action Plan for the Tourism industry and development practitioners in the Ecotourism Sector.
2. Visit primary ecotourism sites and conduct extensive consultations with key stakeholders, focal points, community leaders, relevant institutions and tourism sector stakeholders with a view to gather necessary data and information on gaps, challenges, constraints, ecotourism facilities/services, ecotourism communities’ capacity, etc.,
3. Identify past, on-going and future ecotourism related projects/activities; and access their achievements, good practice and give possible policy recommendations with a view of facilitating the development of eco-tourism products and services.
4. Review and synthesize reports, polices, strategies and other relevant documents on the subject;
5. Prepare an Inception Report which would include a proposed structure and focus areas for the final product;
6. Produce a draft Ecotourism Policy and Action Plan for review by stakeholders;
7. Facilitate a workshop that will validate the Report and the Ecotourism Policy and Action Plan;
8. Collate comments and feedback received for integration into the final document/report;
9. Produce and submit the final National Ecotourism Policy and Five years Action Plan to the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, and the National Tourist Board and the EIF National Implementation Unit after the validation workshop.
6. KEY DELIVERABLES
1. An Inception Report
2. Draft Ecotourism Policy and Action Plan
3. Final Ecotourism Policy and Action Plan
7. QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
The assignment will require (2) two consultants, a National and an International, who will be the lead consultant. The national will work with the lead Consultant to ensure the outputs are delivered. Both consultants will possess complementary qualifications, skills and proven experience in undertaking similar task. Consulting firms are also encouraged to apply.
The consultants shall preferably, among others, have the following qualifications, skills and experience.
International Consultant (Lead Consultant):
• At least a Masters Degree in Tourism/Ecotourism, Environmental Sciences, Conservation and Rural Development, Development Economics, or related discipline in ecotourism/tourism;
• Seven years (7) years of professional work experience at Regional/International levels in tourism/ecotourism policy formulation;
• Technical knowledge of Ecotourism/tourism sector services and management in Sub-Saharan Africa will be an advantage;
• Previous work experience in Africa is essential;
• Experience of working with international organizations, government agencies, regional organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations, civil society, local communities and other stake-holders;
• Work effectively under pressure, manage stress well and able to adapt to evolving situations is highly recommended;
• Strong IT and analytical skills with ability to write and review technical reports;
• Excellent written and spoken English;
• Willingness to travel within Sierra Leone;
• Proven record working in a multi-cultural and inter-disciplinary environment will be required.
National Consultant:
• Possess at least a Masters Degree in Tourism/Ecotourism, Environmental Sciences, Conservation and Rural Development, Development Economics, or related discipline to ecotourism/tourism.
• 4 years of progressive experience in the tourism/ecotourism sector, policy formulation, strategy and Action Plan development.
• Experience of working with international organizations, government agencies, regional organizations, NGOs, civil society, local communities and other stake-holders;
• Technical knowledge of Ecotourism/tourism sector services and management in Africa will be an advantage;
• Willingness to travel within Sierra Leone;
• Strong IT and analytical skills with ability to write and review technical;
• Excellent written and spoken English;
• Proven record working in a multi-cultural and inter-disciplinary environment will be required.
8. TIMEFRAME FOR CONSULTANCY
The duration of the assignment is expected to be a period of 30 working days and not later than two months from the date of commencement.
9. PAYMENT SCHEDULE
The consultants will be paid the fees that have been negotiated with the NTB based on experience and results. The fees will be comprehensive and cover all costs related to the consultancy, including fees, insurance and any other personnel cost to be borne by the consultant. The air fare for international consultant will be charged at economy return to their place of departure. Per Diem will be at the UN rate for Sierra Leone. Air fare will be refunded and per diem paid upon arrival in Sierra Leone and on submission of relevant receipts.
Payment shall be linked to the main deliverables as follows:
• Submission of an Inception Report: 20% of total contract sum.
• Submission of the draft Ecotourism Policy and Action Plan and completion of the internal review process: 30% of the contract sum.
• Finalization and submission of the Ecotourism Policy and Action Plan: 50% of total sum.
10. REPORTING ARRANGEMENT
The Lead Consultant shall report to the Project Manager of the Sustainable Tourism Development Promotion Project (STDPP) C/O National Tourist Board (NTB) during preparation of the Ecotourism Policy and Action Plan. The Final Draft Ecotourism Policy and Action Plan will be presented to Cabinet for endorsement and Parliament for ratification after the validation workshop.
All deliverables shall be submitted to the Project Manager on the timelines agreed with the NTB.
11. EVALUATION CRITERIA AND WEIGHTING
The consultant will be evaluated against a combination of technical and financial criteria. Maximum score is 100% out of a total score for technical criteria equals 70% and 30% for financial criteria and the consultant with the highest combined score will be recommended for the consultancy. The technical evaluation will take into account the following as per the weightings provided:
• Background and minimum educational qualification as defined in the ToR (10%)
• Practical experience in developing and executing task (20%)
• Experience in carrying out similar task in sub-Saharan Africa (30%)
• Methodology approach to the task and including timelines (30%)
• English language fluency in both oral and written, proficiency in IT and evidence of good communication and writing skills (10%)
12. LOGISTICAL AND OTHER SUPPORT
The MTCA and the NTB shall provide available documents and information to assist the consultants carry out the task. They shall assign a professional staff to the consultants and facilitate access to relevant national stakeholders.
The MTCA and NTB shall also facilitate the stakeholder reviews of the Inception and Draft Ecotourism Policy and Action Plans. The STDP Project shall cover the logistical cost of the validation workshop.
13. SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS
Qualified and interested consultants/firms are requested to submit their financial and technical proposals in two separate envelopes clearly labelled: TECHNICAL PROPOSAL – ECOTOURISM POLICY STDPP- TIER 2 AND FINANCIAL PROPOSAL ECOTOURISM POLICY STDPP- TIER 2 (not later than Monday, 16 June, 2014) addressed to: The Admin & Human Resource Manager; National Tourist Board of Sierra Leone, Lumley Beach Road, Aberdeen, Freetown, Sierra Leone, West Africa.
The international consultant/firm may submit the proposal by email to info@ntb.sl
The proposal should contain the following:
• Technical proposal addressing the requirements and containing the following elements: i. Cover Letter ii. Understanding of the terms of reference iii. Complete personal curriculum vitae with 2 referees iv. Proof of similar assignment (one or two samples of recent reports), if possible;
• Financial proposal: the proposed budget in a separate sealed envelope.
For further information on the National Tourist Board Sierra Leone visit www.welcometosierraleone.sl and the Enhanced Integrated Framework at www.enhancedif.org
Closing Date: Monday, 16 June, 2014