The World Resources Institute (WRI) invites applications from experienced consultants to support the implementation of the Nairobi Climate Resilience Work Package under the African Cities Climate Resilience (ACCR) Program. This consultancy focuses on developing a Gender, Equity, and Social Inclusion (GESI) responsive strategy that will guide and scale nature-based solutions (NbS) along the Nairobi riparian zones to address urban climate vulnerabilities and integrate green-gray infrastructure (GGI).
Founded in 1982, WRI is a global nonprofit research organization that seeks to promote environmental sustainability, economic opportunity, and human well-being. Through strategic partnerships and innovative research, WRI supports initiatives in Africa across three pillars: vital landscapes, thriving cities, and institutional transformation.
Program Background
The ACCR Program supports urban climate resilience in African cities by promoting NbS and GGI to mitigate risks such as extreme heat, flooding, and biodiversity loss. WRI’s Nairobi team works closely with the Nairobi City County Government (NCCG) and the Nairobi Rivers Commission (NRC) to enhance resilience efforts through inclusive and practical climate action planning. This consultancy will directly support the third cycle of the program’s deep dive subgrant.
Consultancy Overview
WRI is seeking a highly qualified consultant with extensive experience in environmental planning, NbS implementation, GESI mainstreaming, and climate finance. The consultant will work over a six-month period to co-develop strategic planning tools, conduct stakeholder engagements, produce technical reports, and identify funding mechanisms for catalytic NbS/GGI projects along the Nairobi riparian corridors.
Key Responsibilities and Deliverables
1. GESI-Responsive Nairobi Rivers NbS Strategic Framework
- Analyze climate vulnerabilities (urban flooding, heat, air quality, biodiversity loss) in Nairobi’s riparian zones using WRI/open-source data.
- Map current land uses and identify NbS intervention typologies, opportunities, and ongoing efforts.
- Assess compatibility of proposed affordable housing along riparian zones with NbS framework.
- Recommend integration strategies for NbS/GGI in stormwater, sanitation, and mobility systems.
- Facilitate validation meetings and co-design workshops with stakeholders.
2. Catalytic Project Identification and Development
- Prioritize and refine two catalytic NbS/GGI projects through stakeholder engagement.
- Develop detailed project documents including viability assessments and investment pitches.
- Organize investor roundtables to attract funding for the developed projects.
3. Financial Landscape Assessment
- Conduct a comprehensive analysis of Nairobi’s NbS financing ecosystem including:
- Key actors and institutions
- Ongoing/past initiatives
- Trends, gaps, and potential funding sources
4. Multi-Stakeholder Engagement and Convenings
- Host a series of consultative workshops:
- Draft stage (issue brief write-shop)
- Strategic framework validation
- Donor/investor roundtables
- Prepare detailed reports for each convening session.
5. Documentation and Reporting
- Deliver reports on:
- Inception, methodology, and work plan
- Scoping of NbS opportunities
- Finalized catalytic project proposals
- NbS financial landscape
- Final strategic framework
Timeline and Deliverables
| Deliverable | Due Date |
|---|---|
| Inception Report | 3 weeks after contract signing |
| Draft Scoping Report | 6 weeks after contract signing |
| Final Scoping Report | 2 months after contract signing |
| Convenings Reports | 1 week post each convening |
| Draft Project Documents | 3 months after contract signing |
| Final Project Documents | 4 months after contract signing |
| Draft Financial Landscape Report | 4.5 months after contract signing |
| Final Financial Landscape Report | 5 months after contract signing |
| Draft NbS Strategic Framework | 5.5 months after contract signing |
| Final NbS Strategic Framework | 6 months after contract signing |
Payment Terms
| Milestone | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Inception report accepted | 15% |
| Final scoping report accepted | 20% |
| Final project documents submitted | 25% |
| Final NbS Financial Analysis & Strategic Framework submitted | 40% |
Requirements
Education
- Master’s degree or higher in: Environmental Science, Climate Resilience, Urban Planning, Sustainable Development, or related fields.
- PhD is an added advantage.
- Specialized training in NbS, urban ecology, environmental finance, or policy analysis is desirable.
Experience
Candidates must demonstrate:
- At least 8 years of experience in NbS/GGI project development, especially in urban settings.
- Proven ability to assess climate vulnerabilities and propose GESI-sensitive solutions.
- Expertise in crafting citywide climate strategies and high-level policy briefs.
- In-depth knowledge of Nairobi’s urban governance and environmental challenges.
- Strong stakeholder coordination and facilitation skills.
- Competence in developing investor-ready project pitches and securing funding.
- Experience integrating NbS into urban infrastructure and services.
- Advanced understanding of GESI principles in climate adaptation.
- Workshop planning and documentation expertise.
- High-quality report writing and technical documentation.
- Financial ecosystem analysis for climate resilience projects.
- Proficiency in GIS, remote sensing, and spatial mapping tools.
- Excellent time and project management skills.
- Cross-sector experience across resilience, housing, biodiversity, and infrastructure.
Language
- Fluency in English with excellent technical writing skills.
Application Process
Interested candidates must submit both a Technical Proposal (max. 10 pages, excluding annexes) and a Financial Proposal (max. 2 pages) online by 5:00 PM on 14th April 2025.
The Technical Proposal Should Include:
- Qualifications and relevant experience
- Understanding of the assignment and methodology
- Workplan with timelines and milestones
The Financial Proposal Should Include:
- Final total price for full services
- Breakdown of cost components
Duty Station
The consultant will work remotely but must coordinate visits to WRI’s Nairobi office and project sites as agreed upon in the work plan.
How to Apply
Interested consultants should submit their proposals via the official online submission platform before the deadline. Ensure all technical and financial documentation is included.
