The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Mongolia Program is seeking a consultant to support evaluating the potential for saiga product trade in physical markets within and near the Mongolian saiga antelope range in Western Mongolia's four Aimag regions (Khovd, Zavkhan, Gobi-Altai and Uvs provinces). This initiative is part of WCS's broader project aimed at tackling saiga antelope product sourcing and trafficking in Mongolia through an evidence-based approach to improve law enforcement and policy enforcement activities.
Objectives of the Consultancy
- Work with the WCS Mongolia Governance team to design a scientifically robust methodology to assess the likelihood for saiga product trade to be occurring in physical markets in village (soum) and province (aimag) centers within and in close proximity to saiga distribution range. This includes designing a sampling approach, developing questionnaires, and establishing data collection techniques.
- Assist in the execution of fieldwork in Western Mongolia, ensuring effective data collection and coordination with local stakeholders and the WCS Governance team.
- Analyze the collected data and compile a comprehensive scientific report in English that presents research findings and provides evidence-based conservation recommendations.
Expected Outputs:
- A detailed methodological framework for assessing the likelihood of trade in saiga products in Western Mongolia, including a robust data collection strategy and questionnaires to evaluate current and historical trade probabilities (In English). Completed by end of February 2025.
- A field trip plan for data collection scheduled for mid-March 2025
- A scientifically rigorous report in English that includes:
- An analysis of the collected data using appropriate statistical methods to evaluate trade likelihood.
- Clear presentation of findings through tables, graphs, and charts to illustrate key trends and insights.
- Evidence-based conservation recommendations aimed at informing policy and enforcement strategies to mitigate illegal saiga horn trade.
Timeframe:
The consultancy must be completed by the end of May 2025.
Required Skills and Experience:
WCS Mongolia is looking for either an individual consultant or entity with the following skills and experience:
- A background in social sciences, preferably in areas related to wildlife trade and conservation.
- Proven experience conducting market surveys, including designing methodologies and data collection techniques.
- Strong analytical skills to interpret data and produce evidence-based reports.
Excellent written communication skills for crafting comprehensive reports in English and Mongolian.
Application Process:
Interested individuals or entities should submit the following documents to wcsmongolia@wcs.org in the subject line of your email submission with “Saiga Consultancy” by January 3, 2025 before 5 pm UB time:
- A detailed curriculum vitae or organizational profile highlighting relevant experience and skills.
- A cover letter detailing:
- Relevant experiences and how they align with the objectives of this consultancy.
- A brief project plan and timeline to reach the deliverables.
- A detailed budget proposal, including a daily rate for consultancy services (note that costs related to travel and fieldwork will be covered by WCS Mongolia).
- Examples of previous work related to these Terms of Reference, including any relevant reports or project plans.
Evaluation Criteria:
Applications will be evaluated based on:
- Relevant experience
- The quality of previous work examples.
- The feasibility and completeness of the project plan and timeline.
- The appropriateness of the budget proposal.
Follow-Up Instructions:
Applicants will be notified about the status of their application by January 15th, 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.
Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Mongolia Program
201 San Business Center, Amar Street-29, Small ring road, Sukhbaatar district, Ulaanbaatar 14200, Mongolia.
Tel: +976-11-323719.