Summary of Objectives, Scope, Technical and Skills Requirements of the Tender

Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to select a strategic partner to serve as the Sub-Executing Agency (SEA) responsible for the effective implementation of the GEF8 and GBFF projects focused on establishing and managing Mega Living Landscapes (MLLs) in South Africa. The overarching goal is to catalyze the creation of three transformative MLLs that will conserve approximately 2 million hectares of biodiversity-rich land, foster sustainable socio-economic opportunities for local communities (with emphasis on women and youth), strengthen conservation institutions, and demonstrate the long-term viability of the MLL concept aligned with South Africa’s Vision 2040 and global biodiversity commitments.

Scope

• Support the development and operationalization of institutional governance structures for each MLL, including stakeholder participation platforms and multi-stakeholder forums.
• Develop and implement landscape-level Vision & Framework Plans, Investment Frameworks, and long-term financial models for each MLL, ensuring participatory processes and stakeholder engagement.
• Facilitate the declaration and effective management of protected areas through stewardship, land acquisition, and safeguards compliance, covering approximately 210,000 hectares of new protected areas and improving management of existing PAs.
• Promote socio-economic development by supporting community enterprises, SMMEs, and livelihood initiatives in sectors such as ecotourism, sustainable agriculture, and wildlife economy, with emphasis on gender and youth inclusion.
• Strengthen conservation management institutions, including capacity building, knowledge sharing, and establishing Communities of Practice across the landscapes.
• Ensure environmental and social safeguards are integrated into all activities, including stakeholder engagement, gender inclusion, and social inclusion plans.
• Implement a robust Monitoring & Evaluation framework to track progress, adapt strategies, and document lessons learned for replication.

Technical Requirements

• Demonstrated experience in landscape-level conservation planning, institutional capacity building, and multi-stakeholder governance.
• Proven ability to develop and implement strategic frameworks, investment plans, and financial models aligned with biodiversity and socio-economic objectives.
• Capacity to facilitate protected area declarations, land management agreements, and safeguard compliance, including environmental and social safeguards.
• Expertise in socio-economic development, enterprise incubation, and community engagement, especially with marginalized groups such as women and youth.
• Strong knowledge of biodiversity management, ecosystem restoration, and climate resilience strategies.
• Experience in monitoring, evaluation, and knowledge management, including documenting best practices and lessons learned.
• Ability to coordinate effectively with government agencies, NGOs, private sector, traditional authorities, and local communities.

Skills Requirements

• Leadership and strategic planning skills, with a track record of managing large-scale conservation or sustainable development projects.
• Expertise in stakeholder engagement, participatory planning, and social inclusion, with gender mainstreaming experience.
• Financial and institutional capacity building skills, including developing financial models, investment frameworks, and resource mobilization strategies.
• Technical knowledge in biodiversity conservation, ecosystem management, and climate adaptation.
• Strong communication, facilitation, and reporting skills, with ability to produce high-quality technical reports and knowledge products.
• Experience working with diverse stakeholders, including government, communities, NGOs, and the private sector.
• Capacity to implement safeguards and social inclusion plans effectively.

Summary

The selected partner must demonstrate comprehensive technical expertise, proven experience in landscape and institutional management, capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and financial planning. The partner should be capable of delivering integrated, participatory, and sustainable solutions that align with national and global biodiversity targets, ensuring long-term ecological and socio-economic benefits in South Africa’s Mega Living Landscapes.