Cultural Studies of Kahuzi-Biega National Park for Conservation, Peace, and Reconciliation of local communities.

• Kahuzi-Biega National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo
• Position Type: Consultancy.
• Reports to: Head of Community Conservation Manager
• Date: 15th April 2024

About the Consultancy.

The overarching goal of this consultancy is to carry out in-depth analysis of cultural heritage and associations of different ethnic groups to KBNP, the role of traditional ecological knowledge and culture heritage to achieve sustainable peace and reconciliation of different ethnic groups and effective management of the park. The blended participatory and expert research seeks to empower IPLC organizations or individuals to play an active role in the study process.

Specific objectives are.

1. Collect and analyse traditional ecological knowledge, cultural use resources and practices of Bantu and Batwa communities around the park.
2. Document the cultural importance of the park for communities and how people interact with the park and its resources.
3. Build capacity of identified IP organizations and/or individuals to actively participate in documentation of IPLC stories and songs including training on use of digital devices for data collection, recording of songs, stories
4. Collect, Collate, and analyze community stories, songs, tales, artefacts etc. linked to the park and the surrounding forest and design information, communication, and education (IEC) materials (e.g pictorials, audio-visuals, murals, paintings) to be shared with different segments of the local population.

Deliverables

1. Documentation of community stories, songs, tales, artefacts, and natural resources of cultural importance to Batwa and Bantu communities.
2. Training of selected IP and non-IP individuals on storytelling, use of digital devices for data collection and participatory research methods.
3. Production by Batwa communities of participatory maps documenting their perception and understanding of important cultural and natural resources around the park.
4. In collaboration with WCS’s communications, community conservation teams, Batwa and other communities’ produce IEC materials for dissemination to the local population, based on the above
5. Technical report summarizing findings and providing recommendations on further practical actions WCS, and partners can take to promote cultural heritage for peace, reconciliation and effective management of the park, including identifying traditional institutions to engage.

Qualification

1. At least master’s degree in Anthropology, Cultural studies, Peace, and Conflict, social studies with 3 years relevant experience in this field or degree in same field with 5 years professional experience.
2. In-depth knowledge and at least 2 years’ experience in participatory action research with Indigenous people and local communities preferably in eastern DRC
3. Experience in documentation of Indigenous ecological knowledge, cultural research and community led peace building initiatives.
4. Fluency in written and spoken French and Swahili and local languages an advantage (e.g. Mashi)

Application and Evaluation Process.

Qualified and interested consultancy could apply by submitting a max 4-page application, explaining.

1. Their understanding of the result sought in the ToR.
2. Proposed methodology to carry-out this assignment, including a clear work plan.
3. Estimated detailed budget for the work.
4. Curriculum vitae of key individuals to be involved in the study.
5. Evaluation Process.

Applications will be evaluated by a selection committee composed of representatives of WCS DRC and Central Africa. The technical evaluation of the bids will be based on their compliance with the terms of reference and the following criteria: understanding and interpretation of the ToR, methodology, and the consultants’ qualifications. Each compliant proposal will be assigned a technical score. Proposals that do not address critical aspects of the ToR, or do not achieve a minimum technical score, will be rejected at this stage. Tenders that are technically valid will be subject to a financial analysis to determine the best offer.

Evaluation Criteria Scores

Technical Proposal :Quality of methodology proposed, Clarity on understanding of the assignment. 50%

Statement of Capacity

Both academic (Master in Anthropology, cultural and peace studies, social studies) and 3 years professional experience of similar work.

Bachelor’s degree with 5 years professional experience. 30%

Cost proposal : Suitability of the budget proposed 20%

Grand total :100%

Comment postuler

All applications should be addressed to [email protected]with subject clearly marked application for Cultural Studies of Kahuzi-Biega on or before 15th April 2024, 1600hrs. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis on receipt.