Consultancy Service for Scoping in Tawi-Tawi Province and the BARMM

BACKGROUND

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Philippines will be implementing the project, From Vulnerability to Resilience: Securing Food and Climate Futures for Philippine Small Island Communities, through the UK Climate and Ocean Adaptation and Sustainable Transformation (COAST) Initiative, which is being implemented in the Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion (SSME), a globally significant marine area recognized under the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries, and Food Security (CTI-CFF).

Expanding its conservation and development impact in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), particularly in small island provinces like Tawi-Tawi Province, WCS intends to conduct a scoping activity to identify opportunities for engagement that align with WCS's thematic priorities on coastal and marine governance, sustainable tourism, nature-based livelihoods, community and people's organization development, and the blue economy. The findings will refine WCS's future program design, partnership strategy, and resource mobilization in BARMM.

PURPOSE OF ENGAGEMENT

The overall objective of the consultancy is to conduct a comprehensive scoping study in Tawi-Tawi and BARMM to identify key priorities, potential partners, and strategic entry points for WCS's engagement in marine conservation and coastal resource management activities under the COAST project.

Specific objectives include:

1. Assessing the current environmental, social, and economic context of the province with a focus on fisheries, tourism, and coastal livelihoods.

2. Mapping relevant government agencies, people's organizations (POs), NGOs, academe, private sector, and other relevant stakeholders active in fisheries, marine conservation, livelihoods, and tourism.

3. Identifying opportunities and challenges for promoting sustainable and inclusive blue economy initiatives.

4. Recommending priority sites for engagement, thematic focus areas, and partnership models for WCS interventions.[MM1]

SCOPE OF WORK

The consultant will undertake the following tasks:

1. Desk Review. Collect and review existing studies, policies, and project documents relevant to Tawi-Tawi and BARMM's marine and coastal sectors.

2. Stakeholder Mapping. Identify key institutions, NGOs, people's organizations, and individuals engaged in biodiversity conservation, coastal resource management tourism, and community development.

3. Field Consultations and Key Informant Interviews. Conduct interviews and focus group discussions with government agencies, people's organizations, private sector actors, and other relevant partners.

4. Site Assessments. Visit selected areas to gather insights on potential sites for engagement in coastal and marine governance, sustainable tourism, and nature-based livelihoodsthat take into consideration biodiversity and socioeconomic prioritization metrics.

5. Analysis and Prioritization. Develop criteria for scoping to identify priority areas and entry points for WCS engagements.

6. Reporting and Recommendations. Prepare and present a comprehensive Scoping Report and presentation summarizing key findings, opportunities, challenges, and recommendations for interventions or partnerships.

DURATION AND DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS

The engagement will run for five months from November 2025 to March 2026. It will include field visits, consultations, and report preparation. The consultant is expected to submit the following:

Deliverable Description Timeline

1. Inception report - Outlining methodology, workplan, proposed scoping criteria (Within 2 weeks after contract signing)

2. Stakeholder Map and Summary of Consultations - Consolidated list and profiles of stakeholders and institutions (January 2026)

3. Draft Scoping Report - Preliminary findings, priority areas, and recommendations (February 2026)

4. Final Scoping Report and presentation - Comprehensive report and presentation with scoping criteria, stakeholder map, recommendations, and proposed interventions (March 2026)

The consultant will report to the Policy and Governance Unit and work in close coordination with Program Implementation Unit.[SM2]

The final Scoping Report must include:

• Criteria for scoping and site selection
• Stakeholder map and engagement summary
• Analysis of key opportunities and challenges
• recommendations for priority interventions and partnerships in sustainable tourism, livelihoods, and the blue economy

OTHER DUTIES RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Coordinate with the consultants for ESMF and GEDSI for Tawi-Tawi to ensure alignment of approaches.

2. Coordinate with local partners: Engage with government agencies (BARMM) and Tawi-Tawi provincial and municipal local governments.

3. Develop and apply research protocols, and participatory assessment tools, as needed.

4. Ensure compliance with social safeguards mechanisms. Adhere to the BIPRA, EIA, and social safeguards policies.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

The consultant (individual or firm) should have the following qualifications:

• Advanced degree in environmental management, sustainable development, social sciences, or related field;
• At least 7 years of experience in project scoping, baseline assessments, or program design related to conservation, livelihoods, or tourism;
• Demonstrated understanding of marine conservation, blue economy, and community-based development approaches in the Philippines;
• Familiarity with the governance and cultural context of BARMM and Tawi-Tawi;
• Excellent research, facilitation, and report-writing skills;
• Proven ability to engage multi-sectoral stakeholders, including LGUs, POs, and NGOs.

CONFIDENTIALITY AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

All materials and outputs produced under this TOR are the property of WCS. The consultant shall treat all documents and information obtained during the engagement as confidential and shall not disclose them without written consent.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Interested applicants must submit:

• Updated Curriculum Vitae highlighting relevant experience
• Brief cover letter or proposal outlining suitability for the role, proposed changes to the timeline, and approach to the assignment

Submit the requirements to

Job Type: Temporary

Contract length: 4 months

Application Question(s):

• IMPORTANT:

Interested applicants must submit:

● Updated Curriculum Vitae highlighting relevant experience

● Brief cover letter or proposal outlining suitability for the role, proposed changes to the timeline, and approach to the assignment

● Please submit proposal to /

Work Location: In person

Application Deadline: 11/30/2025