RECRUITMENT OF A CONSULTANT SPECIALISING IN THE PREPARATION OF PROJECTS TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT FACILITY (GEF) IN SUPPORT OF THE COORDINATION UNIT OF THE REGIONAL PROGRAMME FOR THE INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT OF THE FOUTA DJALLON HIGHLAND (MASSIF)

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (CONSULTING SERVICES) COUNTRY: NIGERIA FUNDING: ECOWAS COMMISSION Title of the mission: Recruitment of an individual consultant specialized in the development of projects to be submitted to the Global Environment Facility (GEF), in support of the Coordination Unit of the Regional Integrated Development Programme of the Fouta Djallon Massif (PRAI-MFD) Reference Number: PP-CS-2025-IN-027 The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS Commission) has made a provision in its 2026 budget to cover the costs relating to the above-mentioned assignment. The consulting services ("the Services") consist of supporting the PRIA-MFD Coordination Unit in the design and submission of one to two projects eligible for the Global Environment Facility (GEF), aligned with the priorities of the Fouta Djallon Regional Programme and the GEF guidance for the period 2026-2030. The Consultant will analyse the GEF programmes, priorities and eligibility criteria, review relevant experiences and documents, conduct consultations with stakeholders and develop comprehensive concept notes. These will include a theory of change, a logical framework with SMART indicators, a detailed budget and co-financing plan, as well as an implementation strategy covering partnerships, timeline and risks. The Consultant will also ensure environmental and social compliance, gender mainstreaming and social inclusion, and will support the validation, finalization, submission and follow-up of proposals to the GEF or its implementing agencies. The main deliverables will include a preliminary and opportunity report, an interim report with one or two draft concept notes, a draft final report with a practical guide for setting up and submitting, as well as a final report including the project to be submitted, the required annexes, a checklist and an accompanying roadmap. The assignment is expected to be completed within five (5) months, for a total mobilization of eighty-five (85) Man- days. It will be carried out in close collaboration with the Coordination Unit, with possible missions in the Fouta Djallon massif. The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for each lot of the assignment can be found at the following website: https://www.ecowas.int/procurement/procurement_m/intellectual-services/ The ECOWAS Commission now invites eligible Individual Consultants (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services. Expressions of interest shall include: (i) a signed letter of expression of interest stating the assignment title; (ii) a detailed, dated and signed curriculum vitae highlighting relevant qualifications and similar assignments; (iii) copies of the required degrees and relevant certificates; and (iv) documentary evidence of similar assignments, such as contracts, certificates of satisfactory completion or reference letters, etc. Page 1 of 2The ECOWAS Commission reserves the right to reject any application that is not accompanied by the required supporting documents. The evaluation criteria are (all claims must be supported with evidence): The Individual Consultant should: - Hold at least a university degree at Bac+5/Master's level or equivalent in environment, sustainable development, project management, economics, or a related field. A specialization in climate finance will be an asset. - Have at least ten (10) years of experience in setting up projects for international donors (including GEF, the World Bank, the European Union or AFD, etc.), in the management of environmental and climate projects and in coordination with GEF implementing agencies such as UNDP, UNEP or FAO etc. - Demonstrate good knowledge of key applicable community policy documents, including the ECOWAS Water Resources Policy, Environmental Policy and Regional Climate Strategy. - Documented experience in preparing, financing or submitting projects to the Global Environment Facility will be an asset. - Demonstrate proficiency in key GEF project preparation tools, including theory of change, logical framework and detailed budgeting. - Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of GEF’s eligibility criteria, including its thematic priorities as well as its requirements for environmental and social assessment, gender and inclusion. - Demonstrate relevant experience in conducting environmental and social assessments. (SEA) - Professional experience in the Fouta Djallon massif or, more broadly, in West Africa will be an asset. - Proficiency in English at a professional level, both written and oral, and excellent writing and analytical skills as well as an ability to work in multicultural teams. Professional proficiency in French or Portuguese at a professional level will be a major asset. - Experience in advocacy and/or co-financing mobilization would be an advantage. - Proficient in the Microsoft