Request for Proposals - Social Expert

at  Emirates NatureWWF

1. BACKGROUND AND PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Emirates Nature-WWF, together with local partners, is implementing a project that aims to support a sustainable economic development model for rural communities that supports Nature-based Solutions (NbS). The project aims to play a pivotal role in fostering a more sustainable economic growth rooted in the area’s natural capital, while also celebrating its local history and culture.
To effectively guide this project, it is essential to understand the socio-economic dynamics of local communities, including their social structures, interactions, and perceptions of the project’s potential impact on their environment. The Social Expert will be responsible for overseeing and guiding a socio-economic assessment, collecting and analyzing data, mapping stakeholders, and developing a community engagement plan. The Social Expert will also identify existing traditional practices and local tourism businesses with development potential. The goal is to ensure that communities benefit from ecotourism opportunities to improve their livelihoods while preserving natural resources.

6.1 REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Consultants interested to apply should have the following required qualifications:

• Arabic speaking
• Experience working in the UAE or MENA region
• Experience in social data collection and methods (socio-economic surveys)
• A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in socio-economic assessments, preferably within the context of community development, rural development, or ecotourism.
• Demonstrated experience working on similar projects and technical understanding of environmental and socio-economic topics.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement, particularly with local communities, including experience in participatory approaches and community consultations.

6.2 EDUCATION

A degree in social sciences, sociology, development studies, economics or the environmental field, is preferable

The Social Expert shall perform all the services/work necessary to fulfil the objectives of the consultancy contract as per the assigned tasks below:

• Task 1: Guide the understanding of the socio-economic dynamics of the study area
• Task 2: Guide the stakeholder identification, mapping, and engagement
• Task 3: Develop a local community perception survey, design the sampling and analyse the data collecte

The Social Expert will be responsible for the following:

• Developing a community and stakeholder engagement plan
• Guiding data collection to understand social and economic dynamics
• Mapping existing traditional practices and tourism-related businesses with potential for development and exploring new income opportunities through ecotourism
• Proposing recommendations to improve ecotourism activities and related products to create attractive ecotourism offerings for tourist