ULS Livelihood Consultant at STEP March 2025 – Jobs in Tanzania

ULS Livelihood Consultant Opportunity at STEP March 2025

1. Background
Southern
Tanzania Elephant Program (STEP) is an NGO that works collaboratively
to conserve the incredible Udzungwa and Ruaha-Rungwa ecosystems of
south-central Tanzania, through targeted support to key protected areas
and the communities living around them. STEP is a member of a coalition
implementing a major new initiative, the Udzungwa Landscape Strategy
(ULS). The ULS is a 20-year commitment focused on ensuring the long-term
preservation of the globally significant biodiversity found in the
Udzungwa Mountains.

A central element of this strategy is the
engagement of local communities in the establishment and strengthening
of Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs). The aim of VSLAs is to
improve financial resilience and promote sustainable livelihoods among
forest dependent communities, thus supporting both conservation and
community development objectives. Another
critical component involves promoting sustainable cooking systems, this
work is led by ULS coalition partner Mazingira Alliance for Community
and Conservation (MACCO).

To further align community livelihoods
with conservation goals, STEP seeks a qualified consultant to conduct a
survey across 10 villages in Kilolo and Mlimba Districts where VSLAs and
sustainable cooking system projects have been established under the
ULS.

The survey will focus on understanding the current
livelihoods of VSLA members and households engaged in sustainable
cooking system projects, especially with regards to their
sustainability, climate resilience and environmental impact, and
identify and assess the feasibility of (alternative) livelihood
opportunities that promote community wellbeing while advancing
environmental conservation goals. Following the survey, the consultant
will recommend which interventions and investments in sustainable and
climate-resilient livelihood opportunities would have the greatest
impact for people and nature.

2. Objectives
The main objectives of this consultancy are to:
●
Assess the current livelihoods of VSLA members and households engaged
in sustainable cooking system projects in 10 villages, especially with
regards to their sustainability, climate-resilience, and environmental
impact.
● Identify and comprehensively assess economic feasibility,
community preferences, and potential for nature-positive outcomes of
livelihood alternatives that would be sustainable, climate-resilient,
and contribute positively to the environmental conservation objectives
of the ULS and are suited to the local socio-economic and environmental
context.
● Provide actionable recommendations for specific livelihood
interventions and investments that can be undertaken by the Udzungwa
Landscape Strategy that will result in more sustainable,
climate-resilient and nature-positive livelihoods.

3. Scope of Work
The consultant will:
●
Conduct a thorough desk review of relevant documents, including
published and grey literature and program documents, with a preliminary
identification of potential sustainable, climate-resilient, and
nature-positive livelihood options.
● Design surveys to assess
current livelihoods and evaluate their sustainability, climate
resilience and environmental impact. In the technical proposal, the
consultant should outline which standard livelihood assessment
methodology they intend to use and why (e.g., Sustainable Livelihoods
Framework, Household Economy Approach, Participatory Rural Appraisal),
and how the survey will be gender sensitive. The technical proposal
should also state how the consultant intends to assess economic
feasibility, community preferences and environmental impact of potential
livelihood alternatives, income-generating activities, and value
addition opportunities that would promote more sustainable,
climate-resilient and nature-positive livelihoods, as well as gender
equality and social inclusion (GESI).
● Conduct surveys in 10 villages with VSLA members and households engaged in sustainable cooking systems projects
● Analyze survey data and prepare a comprehensive report presenting findings and actionable recommendations.

4. Deliverables
The consultant is expected to deliver:
●
Interim deliverable: A 5-page report from the desktop review outlining
key findings and identifying potential sustainable, climate-resilient,
and nature-positive livelihood options, survey plan outlining
methodology and timeline, and copies of survey tools.
● A detailed final report presenting:
o
Results of livelihood assessment, with commentary on the main
challenges and opportunities faced by VSLA members and households
engaged in sustainable cooking system projects. A copy of the raw data
should also be provided to STEP.
o Results of assessment of the
economic feasibility, community preferences and environmental impact of
potential livelihood alternatives, income-generating activities, and
value addition opportunities that would promote more sustainable,
climate-smart and nature-positive livelihoods in ways that enhance
gender equality and social inclusion.
o Concrete recommendations and actions for implementation in future phases of the Udzungwa Landscape strategy.

5. Duration
The consultancy is expected to start no later than 7th April 2025 and be completed by 30th May, with a duration of 8 weeks.

6. Fee
The
consultancy fee for this assignment is TZS 9,500,000 inclusive of
withholding tax. Travel, food, and accommodation expenses for fieldwork
in Kilolo and Mlimba Districts will be covered according to STEP’s
standard rates.

7. Qualifications and Experience
The ideal consultant(s) should have:
● Demonstrated experience with livelihood assessment methodologies
● Demonstrated experience in implementation of sustainable and climate-resilient livelihood strategies and projects
● Familiarity with the socio-economic and environmental context of southern Tanzania
● Strong written and spoken communication and facilitation skills, including the ability to work with diverse stakeholders.
● Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to deliver work to a high standard and meet deadlines
● Fluency in English and Swahili (spoken and written)

8. Application Process
Interested candidates should submit the following:
● A cover letter outlining relevant experience and suitability for the assignment.
● A technical proposal outlining the proposed approach, methodology, and timeline for the consultancy.
●
CVs of the lead consultant and any team members (if applicable)
detailing track record, credentials and references. References of
shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
● Examples of previous similar work would strengthen the application.

All applications must be submitted by 30th March 2025 to applications@stzelephants.or.tz Please write ‘ULS Livelihood Consultant’ in the email subject.
Interviews will be scheduled shortly after the application deadline. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

9. Contact Information
For enquiries, please email: applications@stzelephants.or.tz.