The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) is seeking for a national consultant to carry out a study on models of socio-environmental contracts provided for under the forest law (and FSC), RSPO certifications in Gabon and good practices existing in other countries. Complete applications must be submitted by 6 January 2020.

Under the project described above, co-financed by the French Development Agency (AFD) and WWF Netherlands, the study aims to analyze existing and proposed socio-environmental contract models (in terms of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT)), and to propose a model contract between companies and local communities that is compatible and integrates environmental and social commitments.

Specific objectives include:

- To synthesize bibliographic information related to existing socio-environmental contract models in the Congo Basin, as well as in the major palm oil production basins (Southeast Asia and Latin America).

- To highlight the normative framework (legal and voluntary) that establishes these agreements between companies and local communities in Gabon, including community rights;

- To highlight and analyze the common points and specificities of existing socio-environmental contracts;

- To make a SWOT analysis of existing socio-environmental contract models;

- Based on the SWOT analysis carried out, to issue an opinion on the terms of existing contracts.

- To propose a compatible and adapted contract model containing aspects related to environmental and social management between companies and local communities in Gabon.

- To propose a financial compensation mechanism comparable to that implemented in the logging sector.

- To propose a fair and adapted form of governance of the funds transferred by companies.

Duties of the Consultant

 The Consultant shall:

- Analyze the documents relating to existing socio-environmental contracts in Gabon (contractual requirements and social contract) and other relevant documents in other countries for the study;

- Organize a first restitution of the bibliographical synthesis to determine the aspects to be developed in the continuation of the study.

- Describe the normative framework (legal and voluntary) that establishes these agreements between companies and local communities in Gabon;

- List and describe the rights (constitutional and customary) of local communities and confirm (or not) that these are respected in the contracts.

- Analyze (SWOT - Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) the model;

- Consult with the following stakeholders: Direction Générale des Forêts (DGF), Direction Générale de l'Environnement et la Protection de la Nature (DGEPN), Direction Générale de l'Exploitation Minière (DGEM), Direction Générale des Hydrocarbures (DGH), Direction Générale de l'Agriculture (DGA), Foresters, Miners and oil and gas operators, Olam, WWF Gabon Forest Programme, CURFOD, civil society: Croissance Saine, Brainforest, AGNU, Muyissi environnement, CADDE, IDRC Africa, ClientEarth etc.;

- Propose the model as well as recommendations and adjustments.

- Submit an interim report presenting all the expected results of the study;

- Co-host (with WWF) a half-day workshop to present preliminary findings to stakeholders.

- Submit the final report after the workshop.

For further information, please download the document below:

02_TDR_Etude-modèle-de-Contrat-Socio-EnvConsultant_VF.pdf (659.3 Ko)