Consultancy “Developing a methodology for a Cost-Benefit Analysis of prevention vs. mitigation of wildfires in the tropics”

Download and read the full Terms of Reference (ToR) here
Deadline to apply: July, 19

Scope of work, tasks and responsibilities

Objectives

The objective of the consultancy is to develop a methodology for a C/B Analysis of wildfire prevention - following the TBI approach for fire management- vs. mitigation.

Once developed, this methodology will be used for CBA in the five landscapes in Indonesia, Bolivia, Uganda, Ghana and Ethiopia. Conducting the study itself is nót part of this assignment, this assignment is about developing the methodology.

Scope

The consultant is expected to develop a methodology for C/B analysis collaboratively with the five countries involved in the programme and the secretariat.

Focus of the methodology should be the four components on the TBI approach for fire management. The following elements should be considered for developing a method for conducting CBA for wildfire prevention versus mitigation (following Mechler 20053):

1. Method for a wildfire risk analysis, without preventative measures, including estimating and combining hazard(s), exposure and vulnerability to an estimate of wildfire risk occurrence.
2. Identification of wildfire risk prevention measures and associated costs in the framework of the 4 components that were described as part of the FSLGP. The list of the different alternatives already developed by the partners in the countries (again within the 4 components) should be identified and the costs assessed.
3. Method for assessing the impact of wildfire risk reduction measures, reduction of wildfire risk. As disaster risk is a downside risk, benefits are the risks avoided. The core benefits generated by investments in wildfire risk reduction are reductions in future impacts and losses.
4. Calculation of the net present value and the benefit-cost ratio, combining wildfire risk scenarios, and contrasting wildfire prevention versus mitigation and recovery of wildfires to determine economic efficiency. The set or group of prevention actitivies will be agreed between the five countries in order to avoid a long list of possibilities.
5. Finally, economic efficiency is assessed by comparing benefits and costs using different metrics.
6. Identification and qualitative valuation of benefits and costs.
7. Quantitative assessment and valuation of costs and benefits, including direct, indirect and/or intangibles categories.
8. Possibility: during the development of the methodology, use one country to pilot to ensure the method works?

The consultant should provide the methodology based on information that the countries can provide during 2024 or information that the countries already have and should take into account the information that is available in the 5 countries. The methodology should consider whether it is feasible to perform a quantitative assessment or whether, on the contrary, given the availability or feasibility of accessing information, a qualitative analysis can be performed.

Expected outputs and deliverables

Throughout the consultancy period the consultant is expected to deliver:

First month: A proposal for the set-up of the process including fine tuning this ToR, proposed research questions, preliminary idea of the methodology and initial data needed. TBI team will organise inception meetings with the consultant to give all the information and clarify the scope of the FSGLP. This proposal should include some key choices for the analysis.

At the end of the consultancy:

• A methodology to analyse the cost-benefit ratio of prevention vs. mitigation, including literature and interview findings.
• A list of the necessary data for the CBA to be collected during 2024 or existing data in the different countries.
• A set of recommendations to carry out the study.

Proposed activities

• Meetings with TBI team members to fine-tune the objective and outcome of the consultancy.
• Quick scan of literature review of B/C of prevention vs. mitigation methodologies.
• Interviews with the TBI partners in each country to get a good understanding on:
• Country specific activities carried out on wildfire prevention.
• Country specific data or information existent or that can be gathered during 2024.
• Presentation to the team and countries of the methodology and information needs to collect additional input.
• Presentation of final report.

Expertise required

For the above objectives, TBI is looking for a qualified researcher with a background in economy or financial engineering to conduct the study. Potential candidates are with the following criteria:

• Proven experience in conducting cost-benefit studies.
• Familiarity with the topics of forest fires, and wildfires in the tropics.
• Demonstrated English writing skills through a good track record of publications on topics or issues in the tropical countries.
• The researcher is expected to have access to libraries and literature
• Individuals employed at an organisation are eligible as long as there is consent and approval for this consultancy including to produce publication under TBI name and are available during the contract period.

Timeline/workplan

The successful candidate will be contracted by TBI for the duration of July to September with a total of 30 working days.

Inputs

During the contracting period, TBI will:

• Provide secretarial and logistical support (in consultation and within reason), including relevant contacts
• Keep consultant informed of all activities and documents relevant to the performance of his/her duties.

Throughout the assignment, there will be close working relation with the Thematic Coordination Team composed of Rosalien Jezeer and Humberto Gómez.

Procedure

We seek to receive the following information from the candidate:

• A brief proposal and planning of the assignment, including the delivery of the products;
• Budget
• CV

Awarding

The contract will be awarded to the “most advantageous tender” using the following criteria:

• Quality of the proposal
• Competence of the candidate
• Price

Tropenbos International reserves the right to cancel the procurement procedure, without candidates being entitled to claim any compensation. Publication of this procurement notice does not commit Tropenbos International to implement the programme or project announced.

Deadline and contact details 

Proposals from candidates should be submitted by Friday, 19 July 2024 EOD CEST, for the attention of Humberto Gómez (humberto.gomez@tropenbos.org).

Download and read the full Terms of Reference (ToR) here