JOB DESCRIPTION:
TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR)
Development of the architecture and roadmap for the implementation of a national biodiversity MRV system in Ghana
Project: Nature-based Climate Adaptation in the Guinean forests of West Africa
Work package
Consultancy
Consultant type
National
Location
Home-based (with the possibility of traveling across Ghana)
Workload
25 working days
Duration
Over a period of 2 months
Application deadline
June 7, 2026
Expected Starting date
July 1, 2026
Background
The Nature-based Climate Adaptation in the Guinean forests of West Africa is a three-year collaborative initiative implemented by World University Service of Canada (WUSC) and the Centre for International Studies and Cooperation (CECI) as a consortium. It will contribute to improving the adoption of inclusive and gender-responsive nature-based solutions (NbS) for Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) among communities residing in the Guinean forest region of Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Guinea, specifically in the landscapes of Wassa Amenfi and Lake Bosumtwi in Ghana, the landscapes surrounding Taï National Park (Nawa) and Divo Botanical Reserve (Lôh-Djiboua) in Côte d’Ivoire, and the landscapes surrounding Kounounkan and Madina Oula Forest Reserves in Guinea.
Methodology
Stages
Activities
Number of days
Literature review and documentary
05
Stakeholder consultation
08
Drafting of deliverables
Draft the report, including:
08
Validation workshop
02
Submission of final deliverables
02
Scope and description of the consultant’s duties
Under the leadership of WUSC and CECI and in collaboration with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, the consultant will be responsible for:
Design of the collection and monitoring mechanism
Expected Deliverables
The consultant shall provide the deliverables listed below.
Deliverables
Description
Inception Report
Rapport incluant la méthodologie et le chronogramme validé lors de la réunion de cadrage.
Draft of report
This draft of the final report must include the following sections:
Draft of technical tools
Final Report + Final Technical Tools
All deliverables must be submitted in electronic format and approved by WUSC and CECI.
Duration of the assignment
• Map existing biodiversity data sources, existing biodiversity MRV systems, platforms and standards at national, regional and international levels;
• Identify and analyze stakeholders involved in the ownership, production and use of biodiversity data;
• Assess the current institutional framework and governance related to biodiversity data management;
• Analyze national biodiversity data needs (indicators, ecosystems, uses, stakeholders) as well as international biodiversity-related commitments;
• Define the indicators to be considered;
• Define the methodology, including:
• data collection protocols (taxonomy, field data collection techniques, spatial imagery techniques, etc.);
• data standardization approaches (Darwin Core, GBIF interoperability, geospatial ISO standards, Open Geospatial Consortium standards, etc.);
• Propose a technological architecture (database, GIS, mobile data collection, MRV platform, AI, etc.);
• Propose a verification and quality control protocol;
• Define the institutional mandate and governance framework for the MRV system;
• Take into account traceability, access to and utilization of genetic resources, as well as associated genetic data, in accordance with the national Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) framework;
• Propose a roadmap including tasks, responsibilities (lead and contributing entities), timelines, deliverables and costs for the operationalization of a biodiversity MRV system aligned with Côte d’Ivoire’s national biodiversity priorities
• Review the literature (Convention on Biological Diversity, Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, etc.);
• Analyze Ghana updated National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs);
• Analyze any other documents provided by sectoral ministries and agencies including MEST, EPA, CREMA, Water and Forests, and Agriculture related to biodiversity, platforms, and/or existing /MRV systems in Ghana, sub-regional or international;
• Consult the Nagoya Protocol and any other documents relating to access to and use of genetic resources and associated genetic data;
• Consult any other relevant document on biodiversity and/or the implementation of MRV.
• Identify stakeholders to be consulted;
• Have this list of stakeholders validated by WUSC and CECI and relevant ministries and agencies;
• Conduct consultations with stakeholders (public sector, private sector, and NGOs etc.).
• Summary of the analysis of existing MRVs (including a SWOT analysis);
• Mapping of stakeholders and data flows;
• Governance of the biodiversity MRV;
• Data collection and verification protocol;
• Architecture of the national biodiversity MRV;
• Roadmap for the operationalization of the MRV.
• Provide support in engaging stakeholders for the workshop;
• Present the results of the consultation, the MRV governance framework, the data collection and verification protocol, the MRV nomenclature and architecture, and the roadmap for the deployment of the national biodiversity MRV;
• Organize breakout sessions to analyze the deliverables;
• Facilitate discussions during the workshop;
• Compile the results of the group work, observations, suggestions, and recommendations from the workshop.
• Incorporate all feedback and recommendations from the validation workshop, finalize, and submit the final deliverables.
• Identify and analyze existing MRV systems related to biodiversity (forests, wildlife, protected areas, ecosystems, etc.);
• Analyze how Access and Benefit Sharing requirements are taken into account in existing MRV systems, particularly with regard to genetic resources and sequencing data.
• Analyze the BOLD systems platform, Darwin Core standard, the Global Biodiversity Information Facility, and other biodiversity data platforms ;
• Conduct a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis of existing systems;
• Document lessons learned and best practices applicable to Ghana context.
• Identify key stakeholders (public institutions, NGOs, universities, projects, private sector, local communities, etc.);
• Map biodiversity data holders, producers, and users;
• Analyze the types of data available, quality, and accessibility;
• Document how data is transmitted to the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology or any other agency;
• Produce a stakeholder engagement matrix.
• Examine the institutional framework (APA Focal Point, Biodiversity Focal Point, National Floristic Center, EPA, CREMA, MEST, Institutes and Universities, Local Authorities and Communities, Technical and Financial Partners (TFPs), etc.)
• Analyze the legal framework (ratification of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), management, and financing of national parks and nature reserves, law on climate change, updated National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), etc.
• Analyze coordination, data sharing, and decision-making mechanisms.
• Propose a clear, inclusive, and representative governance framework for biodiversity MRV.
• Define key biodiversity indicators that align with the Kunming-Montreal Framework;
• Determine data collection methods and tools;
• Ensure that data collection mechanisms involving genetic resources, including DNA barcoding and environmental DNA (eDNA), comply with national prior consent procedures and mutually agreed terms;
• Propose the frequency of data collection and updating;
• Define the roles and responsibilities of the various stakeholders;
• Propose a data quality assurance mechanism.
• Develop the architecture of the biodiversity MRV system;
• Describe the measurement, reporting, and verification processes;
• Describe the functional interactions between the biodiversity MRV system and the national Access and Benefit-Sharing mechanism;
• Propose a roadmap for the operationalization of MRV.
• Present deliverables to stakeholders;
• Gather comments and feedback;
• Improve deliverables and submit final versions.
• summary of analyses of existing MRVs (including the SWOT analysis);
• Mapping of stakeholders and data flows;
• Governance of biodiversity MRV;
• Technical note on the integration of Access and Benefit-Sharing into the MRV system, including risk analysis, mechanisms for compliance with the Nagoya Protocol, and operational recommendations.
• Data Collection and Verification Protocol;
• Biodiversity MRV Architecture;
• Roadmap for the Implementation of a National Biodiversity MRV System.
• Final deliverables + A PowerPoint presentation on the tools;
• A consolidated final report incorporating all comments and recommendations from the workshop.
• The total duration of the assignment is estimated at 25 days, spread over a period of 2 months from the date of signing the contract.
REQUIRED SKILLS:
• At least a Master’s degree in biodiversity, environment, natural resource management, GIS, or a related field;
• At least 5 years of experience in setting up MRV or environmental monitoring systems;
• Proven experience in analyzing data systems and environmental governance;
• Good knowledge of biodiversity issues in West Africa, ideally in Ghana;
• Proficiency in data management and/or GIS tools;
• Excellent analytical, writing, and summarizing skills;
• Fluency in English is mandatory; knowledge of French is an asset.
HOW TO APPLY:
How To Apply
Application Process
Candidates are invited to submit a technical proposal describing their proposed approach to carrying out the consulting assignment, accompanied by their CV and a financial offer. Selected candidates will be invited to present their proposed approach during the interview process.
To submit a complete application, please click on the link: https://wusc.bamboohr.com/careers/316
Qualifications
Master’s Degree
Experience Required
5 years
