Integrated Water Restoration Plan Consultancy

NOTE: Any questions or requests for clarification regarding this Terms of Reference should be submitted to [email protected] , [email protected] and [email protected] Click here to download complete ToR in pdf: TERMS OF REFERENCE PROJECT: SAFEGUARDING FOREST AND WATER RESOURCES THROUGH STRATEGIC PROTECTION AND RESTORATION SOLUTIONS IN THE MACAL AND MOPAN RIVER WATERSHEDS. OUTPUT: Water Restoration Strategy for the Macal and Mopan Rivers developed and implemented. ACTIVITY: DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT WATER QUALITY MONITORING FOR THE MACAL AND MOPAN RIVERS. RESPONSIBLE: The NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY OFFICE 1. Background As a low-lying developing state, Belize is highly vulnerable to the climate change impacts such as sea level rise, erosion, storm surges and flooding. A 2014 assessment categorized Belize’s vulnerability index to climate change as extremely high: country’s high risk to climate change based on its adaptive capacity linked to the vulnerability of the agriculture sector. Belize is ranking 9th on the list of 38 other countries in Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF, 2014). The assessment highlighted the seasonally affected by tropical storms and hurricanes, which on average, according to scientific reports, are becoming more intense each year because of human-induced global warming and higher sea surface temperatures. Belize is also highly exposed to other natural hazards such as flooding and drought, more pronounced in inland areas. These can lead to infrastructure and economic losses, especially in agricultural and inhabited areas during the hurricane season. There has also been evidence that the average annual temperature of Belize has been rising and is projected to rise further. To effectively address these issues, the threat of climate change requires multilateral action from policy makers, technical experts, the private and public sector as well as local communities, to seek solutions and make changes to effectively adapt to climate change impacts. To reduce vulnerability and enhance resilience to future climate risks and hazards Belize must devise mechanisms to adapt to the imminent changes affecting economic sectors, livelihoods, and natural ecosystems. The Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) has received grant funding from the Adaptation Fund (AF) for the project “Building Community Resilience via Transformative Adaptation,” under the Enhanced Direct Access (EDA) funding window. The goal of this project is to improve Belize’s long-term capacity to protect communities from climate threats posed by drought, unpredictable water availability, floods and improper wildfire management. The Project is being executed by PACT and will function as an on-granting mechanism for climate finance in country, targeting five interlinked project components: Component One: Safeguarding Forest and Water Resources through Strategic Protection and Restoration Solutions. Component Two: Combating Wildfires through Adaptive Management. Component Three: Creating Opportunities to Support Alternative Livelihoods. Component Four: Building National Capacity to Access Adaptation Finance. Component Five: Community Disaster Risk Management. 2. Purpose The National Biodiversity Office within the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Solid Waste Management (MSDCCSWM) through the Adaptation Fund’s “Building Community Resilience via Transformative Adaptation” project is implementing the sub-project entitled “Safeguarding Forest and Water Resources through Strategic Protection and Restoration Solutions in the Macal and Mopan River Watersheds.” This sub-project forms part of Belize’s broader strategy to strengthen ecosystem-based adaptation by addressing water security, forest degradation, and climate-related vulnerabilities in two of the country’s most important watersheds. To support this initiative, PACT is seeking consultancy services to develop and implement a technically sound and integrated water quality restoration and monitoring strategy across selected sites in the project implementation region. 3. Objectives The consultancy aims to support the National Biodiversity Office (NBIO) in the design and implementation of an integrated water quality restoration and monitoring strategy for the Mopan and Macal River Watersheds, generating data to guide restoration interventions and adaptive water resource management. The strategy should be designed to integrate a citizen science approach, ensuring meaningful community participation at all levels to ensure the long-term sustainability of monitoring efforts. This consultancy will directly build on the findings of the Micro and Macro Invertebrate Assessments previously conducted. 4. Scope of Work The consultant will work closely with the National Biodiversity Office and the Forest Department, and in close coordination with relevant stakeholders and community partners operating within the Mopan and Macal River Watersheds. The consultancy will adopt an evidence-based watershed management approach; the assignment will involve the following activities: Site Selection and Sampling Design Identify water quality monitoring sites within five (5) communities along the Mopan and Macal Rivers, based on the methodology used in the preliminary assessments and consultation with the National Biodiversity Office and the Forest Department. Apply a stratified sampling design with quarterly sampling at each site to capture spatial and seasonal variability. Finalize a network of priority monitoring locations aligned with identified water quality restoration intervention areas. Develop standardized field protocols to ensure replicability and consistency. Integrated Water Quality Restoration and Monitoring Strategy Review existing baseline data and preliminary assessments to strengthen baseline conditions for each monitoring site. Establish a water quality monitoring framework that defines indicators, methodology, and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) procedures. Ensure alignment of the monitoring framework with national standards and relevant regional and international best practices. Field Sampling and Data Collection Conduct quarterly water quality assessments at all designated monitoring locations throughout the consultancy period. Collect and analyze water samples for agreed key chemical and biological parameters. Maintain detailed field logs and laboratory records for all sampling activities. Data Analysis and Interpretation Compile and analyze water quality data following each quarterly data monitoring cycle. Assess trends in selected water quality parameters across monitoring sites. Identify key drivers of water quality change within the project implementation region. Evaluate the effectiveness of existing water quality restoration interventions. Community and Outreach Develop and implement a training programme for community members in water quality monitoring, supporting the transition toward a community-based citizen science programme. Design and implement a communication and outreach plan for water quality restoration in collaboration with participating communities. Translate technical findings into accessible communication products, including infographics and presentations. 5. Deliverables Activity 1: Inception Meeting Expected Output: Inception Report with Year 1 Workplan (including identified monitoring sites) Proposed Completion Date: 1 month after contract signing Activity 2: Field Assessment and Development of Integrated Water Quality Restoration and Monitoring Strategy Expected Output: Integrated Water Quality Restoration and Monitoring Strategy, including a Training Programme for Citizen Scientists and Community Members Proposed Completion Date: 2 months after contract signing Activity 3: Ongoing Water Quality Monitoring Site Visits and Data Analysis (28 Months) Expected Output: Quarterly Technical Reports over two years, incorporating site observations and analysis of trends and findings across monitoring sites Proposed Completion Date: Submitted at the end of each quarter following approval of the Inception Report Activity 4: Community Outreach and Engagement Expected Output: Community Engagement Plan outlining engagement strategies Proposed Completion Date: 4 months after contract signing Activity 5: Mid-Term Progress Assessment Expected Output: Mid-Term Progress Report assessing restoration progress, monitoring effectiveness, and engagement outcomes Proposed Completion Date: Midpoint of implementation period (approximately August 2027) Activity 6: Annual Technical Reporting Expected Output: Two (2) Annual Technical Reports compiling annual field data, trends, restoration outcomes, and monitoring findings Proposed Completion Dates: End of Year 1: June 2027 End of Year 2: June 2028 Activity 7: Final Project Report Expected Output: Final Technical Report including a synthesis of 28 months of results Proposed Completion Date: October 2028 6. Qualifications and Experience Requirements Advanced degree (Master’s or higher) in freshwater ecology, entomology, aquatic biology, or a closely related field. Proven experience in bioassessments, including macroinvertebrate sampling, identification, and ecological monitoring. At least 5 years of experience conducting field studies and ecological assessments in tropical freshwater systems. Knowledge of Belizean ecosystems, biodiversity, and relevant environmental regulations is highly desirable. Demonstrated experience in producing high-quality scientific reports and technical documentation. 7. Skill Requirements Proficiency with GPS and GIS tools for site mapping. Experience using statistical software for ecological data analysis. Strong organizational skills Ability to communicate complex ecological findings clearly in both written and oral formats. Attention to detail and capacity to maintain high standards of data quality and reporting. 8. Reporting and Supervision The project is expected to be completed within a twenty-eight (28) month period, aligning with the remaining duration of the overarching three (3) year project, allowing for both seasonal sampling rounds and adequate time for laboratory analysis and reporting. The selected consultant/team will report directly to the Project Coordinator or designated officer of the National Biodiversity Office and work closely with the Forest Department. 9. Payment Schedule Payment will be disbursed on an annual basis and will be contingent upon the approval of a Yearly Work Plan for each contract period. Disbursements within each year will be linked to the satisfactory completion and approval of deliverables outlined in the corresponding approved Yearly Work Plan. 10. Proposal Package should be comprised of the following: A cover letter detailing interest in and suitability for the consultant. The letter should indicate availability and commitment for the duration of the consultancy. A CV highlighting professional qualifications and relevant experience in freshwater ecology, entomology, or a related field. Experience working with government agencies, local communities, and diverse groups in participatory planning processes, including the application of the principles of the Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) protocol, should be clearly outlined The technical proposal should clearly outline the proposed methodology and approach, including but not limited to: Proposed water quality monitoring framework, including draft indicators, sampling frequency, analytic methods and quality control procedures. Methodology for selecting and validating monitoring sites along the Mopan and Macal Rivers. Approach to field sampling, record keeping layouts, and data management plan clearly detailing how the work will be done by year. Methods for analyzing spatial trends and drivers. Approach to community training and outreach. Draft workplan and timeline outlining key activities, milestones, and deliverables across the project implementation period. The financial proposal must provide a detailed breakdown of all consultancy fees and associated costs. This should include expenses related to research and data collection, travel, accommodation, per-diems, training materials, local taxes (internation taxes 25% if applicable), and administrative costs. Cost related to community engagement (including venue, transportation, food for participants and printing) as well as standard water quality testing materials should be excluded from the financial proposal, as these will be covered by the project.

Application deadline is 15 June 2026.

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