Aerial Survey Consultancy TOR

CONSULTANCY TERMS OF REFERENCE

2019 Dry Season Wildlife Aerial Survey Project, Sioma Ngwezi Ecosystem, Zambia 

1. Introduction

The Worldwide Fund for Nature Zambia Country Office (WWF Zambia), is an NGO legally registered in Zambia and has been active in wildlife conservation in the country for over thirty-three years.

The Zambian Government, through the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) will be conducting a national wide dry season survey of elephants and other large mammals between August and October 2019. Among its many functions, the DNPW is charged with the mandate to monitor the populations of wild animals in its protected areas all over the country.

WWF Zambia has agreed to co- finance the aerial survey through an agreement with DNPW and other conservation partner organizations operating in Zambia. WWF will specifically provide support to facilitate the implementation of the survey in the Sioma Ngwezi ecosystem (Sioma Ngwezi National Park and parts of the Lower West Zambezi Game Management Area). A consultant will be engaged by WWF and DNPW to provide Technical support in the planning, implementation (including analysis of results) and report writing.

2. Objective

The objective of this work is to estimate the population status of elephants and other large herbivores in in Zambia and specifically in the Sioma Ngwezi ecosystem using a generally acceptable methodology and compatible with other African states for easy comparison and reporting to the international community.

3. Tasks

The assignment consists of three components: i) Pre-survey design phase; ii) Aerial Survey implementation Phase and iii) Post-survey reporting Phase. Throughout these phases the Consultant will be responsible for technical oversight of the project.

4. General functions of the Consultant

The Consultant, under the overall guidance and supervision of the Director – DNPW and working closely with the Principal Wildlife Ecologist, will be engaged to provide overall technical support and oversight to the country-wide aerial survey, quality control and lead in report writing. He will liaise officially with the Principal Wildlife Ecologist and work with DNPW ecologists in the field, providing scientific supervision and implementation.

5. Specific responsibilities

The key aspects of this consultancy assignment will include but not limited to:

1. Support the development of survey design and methodology (with consistent protocols relating to survey field methods; planning, analysis and reporting obligations as set out in the 2012 CITES/MIKE aerial survey Standards Document).
2. Produce aerial survey plans, including preparation of necessary maps (showing blocks and transect layouts with coordinates); design of data sheets and briefing notes.

Train aerial survey team in survey methods, including aircraft calibration, analysis and flight procedures.

1. Oversee and verify the calibration of the aircraft.
2. Supervise survey data capture and up/loading of raw data including checking of all digital data and create data backups for all downloads.
3. Advise the Principal Ecologist and ecologists on harmonization/validation of the raw data.
4. Oversee compilation of data, analysis and/or scientific interpretations of the findings of the survey data for technical report write-up.
5. Review draft aerial survey technical report prepared by DNPW Ecologists.

6. Application method

Interested individuals / companies should submit a cover letter of expression of interest, technical proposal including CVs of the lead consultant and key team members and a budget proposal to WWF Zambia via email to [email protected].

Closing date for applications is 30^th September 2019