Consultancy Assignment - Study to rapidly scale up Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration in Myanmar, to include sustainable finance mechanisms

Supervised by: Sustainable Finance Programme Manager

Duration: October 2021 – March 2022

Location: Home-based

Background

Agriculture is a critical sector in Myanmar, together with Forestry and Fisheries estimated to account for around 25% of the GDP in 2020, with agriculture employing about 50% of the workforce in 2020 (World Bank). Farmer-managed natural regeneration (FMNR) is a low-cost, sustainable land restoration technique used to combat poverty and hunger amongst poor subsistence farmers in developing countries by increasing food and timber production, and resilience to climate extremes. More information can be found at the FMNR Hub - https://fmnrhub.com.au/home/about-us/ FMNR was launched as a pilot by World Vision in 16 villages in the Magway Region – 8 villages each in Yenanyaung and Chauk in 2010. Other groups have also initiated FMNR projects in Myanmar. An initial analysis has indicated that FMNR has the potential to deliver transformational impact for smallholder farmers and other groups in Myanmar, while significantly improving the natural environment and ecosystems where it is implemented. **

WWF Myanmar seeks to explore the possibility of developing FMNR in Myanmar on a large-scale (million(s) hectares) and a long-term (decade(s) long) basis.

Objective

The objective of this study is to inform a roadmap for the implementation of FMNR in Myanmar, and should answer the following key questions:

1. What is the current state of FMNR in Myanmar?

2. Who are the stakeholders for FMNR in Myanmar?

3. What are the opportunities and challenges in developing FMNR in Myanmar?

4. What should WWF Myanmar’s goals be for FMNR in Myanmar, considering
   our large-scale - long-term aspirations, and taking into account (1), (2) & (3)?

5. What key hurdles are foreseen, towards WWF Myanmar achieving the goals
   determined in (4)?

The Key Responsibilities & Deliverables are expressed in details at https://www.wwf.org.mm/en/myanmar_career_page/

Requirements

· Qualifications in Agriculture and/or related fields, at post-graduate level

· Understanding of the economic and social context in Myanmar

· Prior track record in conducting / leading FMNR projects in Myanmar

· Successful completion of assignments in the development sector, with a focus on agriculture

· Ability to engage and liaise with multiple stakeholders

· Ability to effectively engage with internal and external specialists / service providers, as needed.

· Knowledge of Myanmar language and dialects would be favourable.

How to apply:

Closing Date: 11^th October 2021 (Monday)

To bid for this consultancy assignment, please submit the CVs and Financial proposal – to include a schedule with the number of days and rate per day in USD (Your bid amount should be inclusive of all costs to be incurred) by email to: vacancy.mm@wwf.org.mm and nanmyintzu.khaing@wwf.org.mm by 5 pm Myanmar Time on 11 October, 2021.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.