Consultant

Job Description

Terms of reference for a consultant to support Nairobi Climate Resilience work package u nder the deep dive cycle 3 subgrant

March 202 5

Organization : World Resources Institute

Project : African Cities Climate Resilience (ACCR) Program: Deep dive cycle 3 subgrant

Location : Kenya

About WRI

Founded in 1982, World Resources Institute (WRI) is an independent, nonprofit global research organization that turns big ideas into action at the nexus of environment, economic opportunity, and human well-being. WRI works to address seven critical challenges that the world must overcome this decade to secure a sustainable future for people and the planet: climate change, energy, food, forests, water, sustainable cities, and the ocean.

WRI has been working in Africa for more than 30 years, supporting local partners and Africa governments to advance forest protection, landscape restoration and sustainable cities. Our vision for Africa is inclusive transformation so Africa’s people and landscapes flourish. To realize this vision, WRI works with partners to generate actionable knowledge across three strategic pillars: vital landscapes, thriving and resilient cities, and institutional and economic transformation.

About the Nairobi Climate Resilience Work package.

WRI is spearheading the African Cities Climate Resilience (ACCR) Program, a major initiative aimed to build urban resilience in African cities by promoting nature-based solutions (NbS) and or Green Gray Infrastructure (GGI). The ACCR program is thus expected to contribute towards cost-effective reduction of climate induced heat and water risks and shocks, boost social equality, and protect biodiversity by improving the health and coverage of ecosystems that provide resilience benefits to communities. WRI currently partners with cities in Kenya, Ethiopia, Rwanda, South Africa, DRC, ROC, Burundi, and Ghana. This initiative builds on the ongoing work of WRI's Urban Water Resilience Initiative[1] and Cities4Forests Initiative[2].

WRI climate resilience team in Nairobi, through the African Cities Climate resilience program, is supporting the Nairobi City County Government (NCCG) and Nairobi Rivers Commission (NRC) (through a deep dive initiative) to among others (1) identifying the City’s Gender, Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI) sensitive climate risks and vulnerabilities (2) scale up investments in Nature Based Solutions (NbS)/ Green- Grey Infrastructure (GGI) (3) Enhance awareness and build capacity of different stakeholders on related matters.

Scope, ac tivities and deliverables

With the foregoing, WRI is keen to hire a consultant with extensive experience and knowledge in policy analysis, GESI mainstreaming, projects design, projects finance sourcing, citywide urban and climate action planning, as well as development of citywide climate resilience strategic frameworks.

The specific activities to be executed by the consultant are:

1. Support the development of a GESI responsive Nairobi rivers NbS strategic framework[3] by August 2025, targeted to the NCCG, NRC and other climate actors, as a toolkit for providing practical guidance, tools, and resources to design, implement, and scale NbS projects. To achieve this, the consultant is expected to:-
2. Build on existing and ongoing WRI and open-source data work to assess GESI sensitive climate vulnerabilities (urban flooding, extreme heat, air quality and biodiversity loss) within Nairobi County’s Riparian Landscape, with a detailed focus on Nairobi rivers riparian.
3. Carry out an assessment of GESI responsive NbS opportunities, through analysis of the rivers riparian land uses, potential NbS interventions, typologies and sites, past and ongoing interventions by different actors, through a detailed opportunities matrix
4. Develop a matrix of the compatibility of the proposed government led affordable housing along the Nairobi riparian with the developed GESI responsive Nairobi rivers NbS strategic framework- including the identified climate vulnerabilities and NbS typologies.
5. Identify opportunities to integrate NbS and GGI interventions in the delivery of core urban services (mobility, storm water management, sanitation and solid waste management) to the proposed government led affordable housing along the riparian
6. Facilitating continuous stakeholders' engagement to scope, design and validate the mapped needs and opportunities for potential NbS and affordable housing interventions.
7. Facilitate at least 2 multistakeholder convenings: a) Draft stage convening (write shop) aimed at validating the WRI issue brief[4], scoping the needs and opportunities for potential NbS interventions; to review and enhance the situational analysis; and b) the validation stage convening, aimed at reviewing, enhancing and validating the GESI responsive Nairobi rivers NbS strategic framework
8. Support in resource mobilization efforts targeting GESI responsive catalytic climate resilient (GGI and NbS) projects, targeting the Nairobi Rivers. In particular, the consultant is expected to:
9. Support WRI in the scoping, prioritization, refinement and identification of 2 GESI responsive catalytic GGI/ NbS projects ideas working with multi-stakeholders
10. Support in further developing the identified potential 2 projects to an investor/donor ready level, while working with all the identified stakeholders. This will include among others assessment of viability as well as development of donor/investor pitching materials.
11. Facilitate investor and other stakeholder round tables and/or engagements towards financing of the developed GESI responsive catalytic projects
12. Conduct a Nairobi citywide GESI responsive NbS financial landscape analysis, detailing among others: actors, resources available, past and ongoing actions, trends, structures and financing options for NbS

Expected Deliverables

1. An inception report

The report will describe among others, the consultant’s understanding of the TORs, proposed methodology, execution strategy, detailed workplan, and road map to attain the expected work packages

1. Report on projects scoping and prioritization, including recommendations

It will include an analysis of existing GESI sensitive climate vulnerabilities, such as- flooding, extreme heat, air quality and biodiversity loss- in Nairobi city, with a detailed focus along the rivers riparian; and GESI responsive NbS opportunities through an analysis of existing riverine land uses, contextual NbS interventions/ opportunities at different zones, and ongoing interventions by different actors. It will also detail the identified (through different approaches e.g. stakeholder engagements), conceptualized, refined and prioritized GESI responsive catalytic climate resilient (GGI and NbS) projects, with detailed recommendations including implementation strategies, potential funding sources, potential actors and timelines, and other technical needs. This analysis will inform the development of the GESI responsive Nairobi rivers NbS strategic framework

1. C onvenings reports

Develop comprehensive convenings reports of the following: a) Inception stage convening, outlining the recommendations suggested for the high-level policy brief[5], and a detail of the proposal and acceptability of the GESI responsive Nairobi rivers NbS strategic framework concept, and the needs and opportunities for potential NbS interventions; b) Draft stage convening highlighting the review, validation and enhancement of the situational analysis, needs and opportunities mapping; c) the validation stage convening, detailing the validation of the NbS strategic framework, and d) investor round table convenings, detailing the financing options for the identified catalytic projects.

1. Specific developed project documents and supportive/annexed studies or reports and pitch materials

Develop reports on the 2 catalytic projects detailing among others the projects viability assessments, their financing options and implementation mechanisms, and best practices to serve as a guide for the actioning of the catalytic projects. Additionally, provide the developed project proposals, investment pitch materials for pitching for financial and technical resources for the catalytic projects.

1. A Nairobi citywide N bS financial landscape analysis report

This report will assess the Nairobi city NbS financing landscape, detailing among others - financing challenges/ shortcomings, successes, opportunities, actors, resources flows, past and ongoing actions, trends, structures and financing options for NbS.

1. GESI responsive Nairobi rivers NbS strategic framework

This NbS strategic framework will be informed by all other deliverables stated above. The GESI responsive Nairobi Rivers NbS strategic framework will serve as a toolkit for providing practical guidance, tools, and resources to design, implement, and scale NbS projects. It will provide a NbS needs assessment; highlight ongoing NbS initiatives along the rivers riparian; showcase existing NbS opportunities based on different river riparian land use typologies and zones; address NbS flooding, urban heat, air quality and biodiversity management strategies; NbS projects concepts (catalytic projects) for different priority areas; NbS recommendations; NbS project concepts implementation strategies through spatial and temporal scales; and NbS catalogues showcasing social- economic- environmental co- benefits, best practices and funding options, among other key analysis. It will be targeted at NCCG, NRC and other climate actors.

Timeline s and deliverables

This assignment is expected to be completed within six months from the date of signing of the contract and the inception meeting. The consultant, therefore, is required to prepare and submit the entire plan in a way that allows the achievement of all deliverables within the time frame.

Deliverable

Due Date

Inception report

Three weeks upon signing the contract

Draft report on projects scoping and prioritization, including recommendations

Six weeks upon signing the contract

Final report on projects scoping and prioritization, including recommendations

Two months upon signing the contract

Convenings reports

One week after each convening.

Specific developed draft project documents

Three months upon signing the contract

Specific developed final project documents

Four months upon signing the contract

Draft Nairobi citywide NbS financial landscape analysis report

Four months 2 weeks upon signing the contract

Final Nairobi citywide NbS financial landscape analysis report

Five months upon signing the contract

Draft GESI responsive Nairobi rivers NbS strategic framework

Five months two weeks upon signing the contract

Final GESI responsive Nairobi rivers NbS strategic framework

Six months upon signing the contract

Payment terms

Tranche

Milestone

15%

Upon submission of the inception report by consultant and acceptance of the same by the Client

20%

Upon submission by the consultant and acceptance by the client the final report on projects scoping and prioritization, incorporating feedback from review of the draft report

25%

Upon submission by the consultant and acceptance by the client the Specific developed final project documents

40%

Upon submission by the consultant and acceptance by the client the final Nairobi citywide NbS financial landscape analysis report; and the final GESI responsive Nairobi rivers NbS strategic framework

Requirements

The consultancy firm or team of consultants should demonstrate the following: -

Education:

1. A master's degree or higher in environmental science, climate resilience, urban planning, sustainable development, natural resource management, Geospatial Information System (GIS) or a closely related field. A Ph.D. in a relevant field is an added advantage.
2. Additional certifications or specialized training in climate adaptation, NbS implementation, urban ecology, environmental finance, or policy analysis are desirable.

Experience:

1) At least 8 years of hands-on experience in designing, implementing, and evaluating NbS and GGI projects, particularly in urban settings.

2) Proven ability to analyze climate vulnerabilities (urban flooding, extreme heat, air quality, and biodiversity loss) and recommend targeted NbS interventions.

3) Strong experience in developing citywide climate resilience strategies, toolkits, and high-level policy briefs.

4) Understanding of Nairobi’s urban governance, environmental challenges, and the role of key actors (e.g., NCCG, NRC) in climate action.

5) Demonstratable ability to coordinate and lead engagements with government agencies, community organizations, private sector actors, academia and development partners, among other actors.

6) Ability to identify funding opportunities, develop investor-ready project proposals, and engage with donors, philanthropies, and financial institutions.

7) Experience in embedding NbS interventions into core urban services (e.g., mobility, stormwater management, sanitation, and solid waste management) and housing projects.

8) Expertise in GESI mainstreaming and analysis in assessment of climate vulnerabilities, development of catalytic NbS and/ or GGI projects, and in policy review and recommendations.

9) Experience in designing, leading, and documenting technical workshops, policy convenings, and investor roundtables.

10) Proven ability to produce high-quality reports, technical documents, and investment pitch materials for climate adaptation projects.

11) Ability to assess NbS financial ecosystems, including mapping actors, resources, funding mechanisms, and policy structures.

12) Familiarity with GIS, remote sensing, and other spatial analysis tools for mapping climate risks and NbS opportunities.

13) Ability to work independently, manage multiple deliverables, and complete assignments within the six-month contract period.

14) Experience in working across different sectors such as climate resilience, housing, biodiversity conservation, and green- grey infrastructure planning.

Language:

Fluency in written and spoken English as well as excellent technical writing skills

Application process:

To apply for the consultancy, submit both the Technical and Financial Proposals online.

The technical proposal (maximum 10 pages excluding the CVs and annexes) should, among others, demonstrate:

1. Qualification and experience
2. General qualification
3. Experience relevant to the assignment and references of the same
4. Technical approach and methodology which includes an understanding of the assignment objectives, methodology for carrying out the expected activities and obtaining the expected output, and the degree of detail of such output.
5. A workplan highlighting the activities of the assignment, their breakdown and duration, phasing and interrelations, milestones and timelines. The proposed work plan should be consistent with the technical approach and methodology, showing understanding of the TOR and ability to translate them into a feasible working plan

The financial proposal (maximum 2 pages), among others should demonstrate:

1. A detailed final and all-inclusive total price offer for delivering the full range of services required, broken down into all major components associated with the services

Important note:

The Consultant is required to have the above-mentioned professional and technical qualifications. Only shortlisted applicants shall be contacted.

Expression of Interest, Deadline for Questions, and Proposal

All expressions of interest about this RFP must be submitted online by 5pm, 1 4 th April , 2025 .

DUTY STATION

The selected consultant shall not be required to be present at the WRI office (Nairobi, Kenya) and may work in his/her own office with coordinated visits to WRI’s office. The consultant should develop a work plan (including scheduled visits to comparators) and get it agreed to by the supervisor(s). This will help monitor work in progress.

1

[1] https://www.wri.org/initiatives/urban-water-resilience-africa

[2] https://www.wri.org/initiatives/cities4forests

[3] The GESI responsive Nairobi Rivers NBS strategic framework will be a toolkit for providing practical guidance, tools, and resources to design, implement, and scale NbS projects. It will provide a NbS needs assessment; showcase existing NbS opportunities based on different river riparian land use typologies and zones; address NbS flooding, urban heat, air quality and biodiversity management strategies; NbS projects concepts for different priority areas; NbS recommendations; NbS implementation strategies through spatial and temporal scales; and NbS catalogues showcasing social- economic- environmental co- benefits, best practices and funding options, among others.

[4] The WRI issue brief focuses on the March- April- May 2024 floods impact in Nairobi, drivers of the flood risks, and options (through practice and policy interventions) for enhancing Nairobi’s flood resilience, with a detailed focus on the City’s informal settlements.

[5] The high- level policy brief focuses on the March- April- May 2024 floods impacts in Nairobi, drivers of the flood risks, and options (through practice and policy interventions) for enhancing Nairobi’s flood resilience, with a detailed focus on the City’s informal settlements.