RECRUITMENT OF A NATIONAL INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT FOR RESTORATION OPPORTUNITY ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY UNDER THE SUSTAINABLE AND INTEGRATED LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT OF THE WESTERN AREA PENINSULAR FOREST PROJECT (WAP)
Procurement Number: EPASL/NRG/UNDP/RFP/2026/0014
Date of First Issue: 31ST AUGUST 2026
Background
The Western Area Peninsula National Park (WAPNP), Located on the Freetown Peninsular, is one of Sierra Leone’s oldest and most ecologically significant protected area. Initially gazetted a forest reserve in 1961 and upgraded to national park status in 2012, it spans approximately 18,000 hectares of coastal and montane forest (UNDP Sierra Leone,n.d.). The park plays a vital role in regulating water supply for Freetown, particularly through the Guma and Congo dams (Guma Valley Water Company, 2023)
WAPNP hosts a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including endangered species such as the western chimpanzee (pan troglodytes Verus) and the white-necked picathartes (picathartes gymnocephalus), and is recognise as an important Bird Area (Bird Life International, 2022). It is also listed as a tentative UNESCO World Heritage site due to its ecological and cultural significance (UNESCO) World Heritage Centre, 2024)
Despite its protected status, the park faces increasing threat from urban encroachment, illegal logging, quarrying, and recurrent bushfires. These pressures underline critical ecosystem services, including erosion control, carbon sequestration, and water regulation. Given these challenges, WAPNP presents a strategic opportunity for Forest Land scape Restoration (FLR). Applying the Restoration Opportunity Assessment Methodology (ROAM) will help identify priority areas for intervention, evaluate restoration options, and align efforts with Sierra Leone’s global communities, in accordance with the newly adopted National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP)
Specific Tasks: The national consultant will undertake the following tasks/ responsibilities
- Conduct a rapid biophysical and socio-economical assessment of the WAPNP landscape.
- Facilitate stakeholder consultations, including community groups, government agencies, and civil society.
- Apply ROAM tools to analyse restoration potential, cost-benefit scenarios, and implementation feasibility
- Draft a final report with recommendations for scalable FLR interventions.
Academic qualifications:
Education:
A master degree in Natural Resources Management, forestry, agriculture, or related field.
Experiences:
The consultant shall possess:
A minimum of three (3) years of related experience with an extensive understanding of ROAM tools and FLR systems. Experience in the following field is relevant:
- Forest and landscape restoration concept
- Socioeconomics
- Familiarity with ROAM and GIS-based spatial analysis
- Climate change issue
- Monitoring and Evaluation system
Language Requirements:
Fluency in written and spoken English. All documents are expected to be produced in English.
Evaluation method and criteria
Technical Criteria weight 70%
Financial Criteria weight 30%,
Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 49% of the total technical points (70) would be considered for the Financial Evaluation.
| 1. Technical Capacity and Related Qualifications | Points | |
| 1. | A master’s degree in Natural Resources Management, forestry, agriculture, or related field.
|
5 |
| 2. | A minimum of three (3) years of related experience with an extensive understanding of Forest and Land scape restoration concepts and working with state public authorities on issues related to forest management
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20 |
| 3. | Understanding the objective of the Restoration Opportunities Assessment Methodology (ROAM). | 10 |
| 4. | A wider understanding of the forest Landscape restoration and national legislation. | 25 |
| 5. | Strong knowledge or experience with using ROAM tools and other related tools; GIS mapping and community engagement. | 10 |
| Total Possible Points | 70 | |
Financial Proposal:
Financial proposal that indicates all-inclusive fixed total contract price supported by a breakdown of costs (including professional fee, and specified other costs if applicable, including travel costs and DSA).
The international consultant is requested to prepare and submit his or her technical and financial proposal to be submitted to the address not later than 28th September 2026 at (1:00 Pm).
Note: The consultant shall be ranked and the first ranked on the list shall be selected for the proposed assignment given that, their fee rates are within the budget. The selection process will be based on the Least Cost Selection
Service Required: The Environment Protection Agency SL is soliciting the services of a national Consulting expert to develop a restoration opportunity assessment methodology (ROAM) under the sustainable and integrated landscape management of the western area peninsula forest project WAP project “using the approval format and a consultative process involving national stakeholders. The Agency has secured fund from UNDP and is therefore inviting a national consultant who can provide a statement of capability and experience indicating that they are qualified to perform the service (description of similar assignment, experience in similar conditions, availability of appropriate skills, etc.) to submit Technical and financial proposals for the assignment. The Technical Proposals will be publicly opened on [28th September 2026] at [1:05 pm], in the presence of the bidders designated representatives and anyone who chooses to attend, at the address below.
This advertisement is open to all individual Consultants nationally.
Kindly submit the following documents;
- Technical proposal
- Financial Proposal, that indicates all-inclusive fixed total contract price supported by a breakdown of costs (inclusive professional fee and specify other costs if applicable. But excluding travel costs and DSA.
- A Cover Letter
- Personal CV indicating educational background/professional qualifications. contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate and at least three (3) professional references;
- Individual Profile
- Samples of previous work/ experience from similar project.
Duration of work:
The assignment is expected to be undertaken within 8 weeks from the date of signing the contract.
Duty Station: Home Base / National consultant should be resident in Sierra Leone.
Interested consultant may obtain further information and collect the terms of reference (TOR) at the address below between [9am to 4pm Mondays to Fridays] or send an email to the below email address.
Technical and Financial proposals must be delivered either by hand or mail to the address below on or before [28th September 2026] at [1:00 pm],
Proposals along with relevant documents must be submitted in sealed envelope boldly marked: “Developing a restoration opportunity assessment methodology (ROAM) under the sustainable and integrated landscape management of the western area peninsula forest project WAP project’’ at the address below. Late proposal will be rejected and returned unopened. In addition to the original of the proposals, the number of copies required is 2.
WOMEN ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY
Bids must be delivered to the address below or by email to kamara.isatu2000@gmail.com/isatu.kamara@epa.gov.sl and copied to massaquoiabubakar@gmail.com/ab.massaquoi@epa.gov.sl no later than 28th September, 2026.
Executive Chairperson
Environment Protection Agency-SL;
2nd Floor
38 Freetown Road, Wilberforce Village, Freetown
Terms of Reference for Hiring of Consultant
Project Title: Sustainable and Integrated Landscape Management of the Western Area Peninsula (WAP) Project
Assignment Title: Assessing Forest Landscape Restoration (FLR) Potentials in the Western Area Landscape Using Restoration Opportunity Assessment Methodology (ROAM)
Duration: August 2026 to September 2026
Expected Start Date: September 2026
Type of Contract: Individual Consultant (s) or Firm
BACKGROUND:
The Western Area Peninsula National Park (WAPNP), located on the Freetown Peninsula, is one of Sierra Leone’s oldest and most ecologically significant protected areas. Initially gazetted as a forest reserve in 1916 and upgraded to national park status in 2012, it spans approximately 18,000 hectares of coastal and montane forest (UNDP Sierra Leone, n.d.). The park plays a vital role in regulating water supply for Freetown, particularly through the Guma and Congo dams (Guma Valley Water Company, 2023).
WAPNP hosts a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including endangered species such as the Western chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes verus) and the White-necked Picathartes (Picathartes gymnocephalus), and is recognized as an Important Bird Area (BirdLife International, 2022). It is also listed as a tentative UNESCO World Heritage site due to its ecological and cultural significance (UNESCO World Heritage Centre, 2024).
Despite its protected status, the park faces increasing threats from urban encroachment, illegal logging, quarrying, and recurrent bushfires. These pressures undermine critical ecosystem services, including erosion control, carbon sequestration, and water regulation. Given these challenges, WAPNP presents a strategic opportunity for Forest Landscape Restoration (FLR). Applying the Restoration Opportunity Assessment Methodology (ROAM) will help identify priority areas for intervention, evaluate restoration options, and align efforts with Sierra Leone’s global commitments, in accordance with the newly adopted National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP).
Objectives
To evaluate the extent and drivers of forest degradation within WAPNP.
- To identify and map priority areas for restoration using ROAM.
- To engage stakeholders in co-developing restoration options that are socially, ecologically, and economically viable.
- To generate actionable recommendations that inform national FLR strategies and investment planning.
Specific Tasks
The consultant/team will:
i Conduct a rapid biophysical and socio-economic assessment of the WAPNP landscape.
ii Facilitate stakeholder consultations, including community groups, government agencies, and civil society.
iii Apply ROAM tools to analyse restoration potential, cost-benefit scenarios, and implementation feasibility.
iv Draft a final report with recommendations for scalable FLR interventions.
Expected Output/Deliverables
The following deliverables are expected from the consultancy:
- Inception report outlining methodology and work plan (Week 2)
- Stakeholder engagement summary and consultation matrix (Week 3)
- Draft restoration opportunity (Week 4 & 5)
- Final FLR assessment report with recommendations (Week 6)
- Presentation of findings to EPA and partners (Week 7)
| The Local consultant(s) will report to the Executive Chairman of the Environment Protection Agency or his representative (in this case, the Director of Natural Resources Governance Directorate), who is leading the delivery of the assignment.
The work is expected to be done through intensive consultations with the relevant government institutions, communities, Civil Society Organizations, the private sector, and interest groups. This project will be funded by resources from the United Nations Development Program.
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| IV. Timelines against Deliverables: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Based on the scope of work outlined above, the Consultant will be expected to undertake the assignment from September 2026 to October 2026. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| VI. Qualifications | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Academic qualifications:
Education: A Master’s degree in natural resource management, forestry, agriculture, or related fields. Experiences: A minimum of three (3) years of related experience with an extensive understanding of ROAM tools and FLR systems. Experience in the following fields is relevant: a) Forest and landscape restoration concepts b) Socio-economics c) Familiarity with ROAM and GIS-based spatial analysis d) Climate change issues e) Monitoring and Evaluation systems Language Requirements: Fluency in written and spoken English. All documents are expected to be produced in English. |
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| VII. Competencies | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate Competencies
· Demonstrates strong integrity and ethical standards. · Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of the Agency and partner institutions. · Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality, and age sensitivity and adaptability; · Treats all people fairly without favouritism. · Fulfils all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment. Technical Competencies:
Professionalism:
Communication:
Teamwork:
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| VIII. How to Apply | |||||||||||||||||||||
Qualified and interested candidates are hereby requested to apply. The application should contain the following:
· Financial proposal that indicates all-inclusive fixed total contract price supported by a breakdown of costs (including professional fee, and specified other costs if applicable, but including travel costs and DSA).
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| IX. Evaluation method and criteria | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Technical Criteria weight 70%
Financial Criteria weight 30%, Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 49% of the total technical points (70) would be considered for the Financial Evaluation.
|
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| The Local consultant(s) will report to the Executive Chairman of the Environment Protection Agency or his representative (in this case, the Director of Natural Resources Governance Directorate), who is leading the delivery of the assignment.
The work is expected to be done through intensive consultations with the relevant government institutions, communities, Civil Society Organizations, the private sector, and interest groups. This project will be funded by resources from the United Nations Development Program.
|
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| IV. Timelines against Deliverables: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Based on the scope of work outlined above, the Consultant will be expected to undertake the assignment from September 2026 to October 2026. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| VI. Qualifications | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Academic qualifications:
Education: A Master’s degree in natural resource management, forestry, agriculture, or related fields. Experiences: A minimum of three (3) years of related experience with an extensive understanding of ROAM tools and FLR systems. Experience in the following fields is relevant: a) Forest and landscape restoration concepts b) Socio-economics c) Familiarity with ROAM and GIS-based spatial analysis d) Climate change issues e) Monitoring and Evaluation systems Language Requirements: Fluency in written and spoken English. All documents are expected to be produced in English. |
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| VII. Competencies | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate Competencies
· Demonstrates strong integrity and ethical standards. · Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of the Agency and partner institutions. · Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality, and age sensitivity and adaptability; · Treats all people fairly without favouritism. · Fulfils all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment. Technical Competencies:
Professionalism:
Communication:
Teamwork:
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| VIII. How to Apply | |||||||||||||||||||||
Qualified and interested candidates are hereby requested to apply. The application should contain the following:
· Financial proposal that indicates all-inclusive fixed total contract price supported by a breakdown of costs (including professional fee, and specified other costs if applicable, but including travel costs and DSA).
|
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| IX. Evaluation method and criteria | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Technical Criteria weight 70%
Financial Criteria weight 30%, Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 49% of the total technical points (70) would be considered for the Financial Evaluation.
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Approved:
Abu Bakar Massaquoi (PhD.)
Executive Chairman, EPA-SL
Signature: …………………………………
Date: …………………………………