LIFE-AR MEL Framework

Terms of Reference for IUCN Consultancy Title: Consultancy to Update the National LIFE-AR Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Framework to Support Formulation of the LIFE-AR Adaptation Fund Full Project Proposal Objective of the Consultancy This consultancy has the following objective(s): The overall objective of the consultancy is to review and update the existing LIFE-AR Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Framework to ensure that it supports effective monitoring, evaluation and learning in implementation of the Devolved Climate Finance (DCF) mechanism, aligns with the Adaptation Fund Results Framework and Environmental and Social Policy requirements, and strengthens tracking of climate-resilient local government service delivery and community-led adaptation investments. Review the Adaptation Fund Strategic Results Framework, Environmental and Social Policy (ESP), Gender Policy and Evaluation Policy to inform alignment and compliance of existing LIFE-AR MEL processes with the Fund's guidelines, priorities and funding criteria under the Locally Led Adaptation (LLA) window, underpinned by LIFE-AR principles and the LDC Asks and Offers. Develop and integrate comprehensive monitoring indicators and locally led adaptation principles, tracking project performance including local government service delivery, implementation of Unidentified Sub-Projects (USPs), environmental and social safeguards, gender equality and social inclusion, DCF tracking, contract performance, fiduciary compliance, climate resilience outcomes, and community feedback. Strengthen the learning, knowledge management and adaptive management functions of the MEL Framework by establishing mechanisms for evidence generation, knowledge management, learning, reporting and continuous improvement throughout project implementation. Develop practical monitoring, reporting and accountability tools that enable national and local governments to monitor, report and learn from implementation progress, assess project effectiveness and support evidence-based decision-making in accordance with Adaptation Fund reporting requirements. Enhance institutional capacity for results-based monitoring and evaluation by identifying capacity gaps and recommending appropriate systems, procedures and training for effective implementation of AF-aligned MEL processes. Background Project Reference: [IUCN Project Number from Project Portal – to be inserted] Donor reference: [Donor project reference, where applicable – to be inserted] About IUCN IUCN is a membership Union uniquely composed of both government and civil society organisations. It provides public, private and non-governmental organisations with the knowledge and tools that enable human progress, economic development and nature conservation to take place together. Created in 1948, IUCN is now the world's largest and most diverse environmental network, harnessing the knowledge, resources and reach of more than 1,400 Member organisations and around 15,000 experts. It is a leading provider of conservation data, assessments and analysis. Its broad membership enables IUCN to fill the role of incubator and trusted repository of best practices, tools and international standards. IUCN provides a neutral space in which diverse stakeholders including governments, NGOs, scientists, businesses, local communities, indigenous peoples organisations and others can work together to forge and implement solutions to environmental challenges and achieve sustainable development. Working with many partners and supporters, IUCN implements a large and diverse portfolio of conservation projects worldwide. Combining the latest science with the traditional knowledge of local communities, these projects work to reverse habitat loss, restore ecosystems and improve people's well-being. www.iucn.org https://twitter.com/IUCN/ About the Project Uganda is among the frontrunner countries implementing The Least Developed Countries Initiative for Effective Adaptation and Resilience (LIFE-AR) programme over a ten (10) year tenure to build adaptive capacity and reduce vulnerability, aimed at generating impacts of resilient economies, resilient landscapes and resilient people. The programme seeks to enhance the effectiveness of adaptation finance through locally led adaptation processes that channel climate finance to the most vulnerable communities, facilitating implementation of locally led adaptation investments in 12 pilot districts, starting with a first cohort of four districts (Kibaale, Kalungu, Pader and Kaabong). Uganda's delivery mechanism for LIFE-AR is a Decentralized Climate Finance (DCF) mechanism comprised of four components: (i) the Climate Resilient Fund, a performance-based grant managed by district local government, serving as a conditional grant from the central government to parishes; (ii) Participatory Whole of Society (WOS) planning committees established at various local government levels to identify and prioritize investments for enhanced climate resilience; (iii) climate information and resilient planning tools to guide decision making; and (iv) Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning. To scale up implementation of this highly impactful initiative in the four districts of Kibaale, Kalungu, Pader and Kaabong, the Government of Uganda applied for additional funding from the Adaptation Fund by submitting a concept which was approved. This implies progression to the stage of Proposal Development to elaborate the proposed project based on evidence, preparedness to implement and report, and clear alignment with the Adaptation Fund Strategic Results Framework. [...] Procurement details Reference: IUCN-26-10-LIFE-AR MEL Framework-1036 Procedure: SOP1 - Open Procedure Procurement type: Consulting IUCN office (lead): ESARO Uganda Requisitioning unit: Uganda - Programme (UG) Project: P04810 LIFE-AR Country of performance: Uganda Expected contract duration: 3 months Estimated contract value: <25,000 CHF Currency of proposals: USD - United States dollar Language of documents: English Donor requirements: Donor permits use of IUCN procurement process Deadline for questions: 09 October 2026 20:59 UTC Deadline for technical and financial proposals: 19 October 2026 13:00 UTC Expected contract award date: 30 October 2026 20:59 UTC Documents - Terms of Reference: Final- TOR for MEL.docx - Conditions for Participating: Conditions for Participating ENG-SPA-FRA v23-09-26.pdf - Standard contract: Standard Agreement.docx The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is a membership union of government and civil society organisations working on nature conservation and sustainable development. IUCN procures consulting services, goods and works for its projects worldwide through the IUCN Procurement Portal. For all contracts above CHF 25,000 IUCN selects contractors through a formal competitive tendering process under its Standard Operating Procedure 1 (Open Procedure). Interested bidders must register on the portal, review the Terms of Reference, the Conditions for Participating and the standard contract, and submit their technical and financial proposals through the portal before the stated deadline. Questions must be raised through the portal's Q&A function before the deadline for questions.