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I. WCS ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is a US non-profit, tax-exempt, private organization established in 1895 that saves wildlife and wild places by understanding critical issues, crafting science-based solutions, and taking conservation actions that benefit nature and humanity. With more than a century of experience, long-term commitments in dozens of landscapes, presence in more than 60 nations, and experience helping to establish over 150 protected areas across the globe, WCS has amassed the biological knowledge, cultural understanding, and partnerships to ensure that vibrant, wild places and wildlife thrive alongside local communities. Working with local communities and organizations, that knowledge is applied to address species, habitat, and ecosystem management issues critical to improving the quality of life of vulnerable rural people whose livelihoods depend on the direct use of natural resources.

II. WCS MONGOLIA PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Established in Ulaanbaatar in 2003, WCS Mongolia has dedicated over two decades to the conservation of Mongolia’s rich wildlife and expansive landscapes. The organization focuses on science-driven, landscape-level conservation, with key efforts in the Southern Gobi and Eastern Steppe, alongside initiatives in Central Mongolia.

At the national level, WCS Mongolia collaborates with government, community groups, civil society organizations, and the private sector to promote biodiversity preservation, landscape connectivity, and sustainable natural resource management. In 2024, WCS Mongolia launched a five-year strategy focused on three key pillars: enhancing ecological function, strengthening landscape connectivity, and building resilience to climate change. These pillars guide the organization’s work, with the overarching vision of ensuring Mongolia’s ecological integrity for future generations.

III. PROJECT BACKGROUND

The GEF-funded ‘Rehabilitating and conserving the mountain landscapes in Khangai region of Mongolia for improved ecosystem services and community livelihoods’ project aims to rehabilitate degraded lands and promote community-based natural resource management in the Khangai mountain landscapes of Mongolia to reduce land degradation and biodiversity loss, improve ecosystem services, and support sustainable community livelihoods.

The project is implemented through four interlinked components aimed at achieving the targeted results over the five-year implementation period, as follows.

• Component 1, the project will support integrated land management with emphasis on ecosystem restoration, sustainable land management and biodiversity conservation.
• Component 2, the project will implement interventions to rehabilitate degraded lands for protection and reinstatement of functioning ecosystem services.
• Component 3, the project will promote community-based management of natural resources and ecosystem services by strengthening community-based organizations and related incentive mechanisms and value chains.
• Component 4, the project will implement a knowledge management and communication strategy to share approaches and practices applied by the project, and highlight innovations and disseminate best practices.

The project is implemented by Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and executed by WCS Mongolia as the Operational Partner, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC) and other relevant government agencies. Under its role as Operational Partner, WCS Mongolia commissions consultancies and service providers to deliver specialized expertise, support technical implementation, and ensure that project outputs meet GEF, FAO, and WCS quality standards.

IV. OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The overall objective of this assignment is to conduct a KAP survey to be used to set a baseline for key project indicators related to Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP). The results will be used to monitor and evaluate the project's success (mid-term and end-line) and inform project knowledge management (KM) and communication strategy.

The consultant will achieve the following specific objectives:

• Collect rigorous quantitative and qualitative data to establish baseline values for indicators related to project Outcomes and Outputs, particularly those measuring changes in awareness, perception, and behavior, aligned with the project’s results framework and indicators.
• Identify critical gaps in knowledge, harmful attitudes, and detrimental practices related to environmental conservation and sustainable livelihoods.
• Generate evidence-based findings and actionable recommendations for designing, adjusting, and implementing project activities, improving training design and project KM and communication strategies to empower national and local stakeholders to rehabilitate degraded lands and promote community-based natural resources management for sustainable livelihoods.

V. SCOPE OF THE WORK

The consultancy will perform the following main tasks to verify required information needs and design data collection methodologies:

• Review project documents (logframe, M&E plan, indicators) to identify and verify the baseline values required, ensuring alignment with project objectives, outcomes, and outputs.
• Develop the survey methodology and tools (questionnaires, sampling framework, interview guides) in close consultation with the Project Management Unit (PMU), WCS, and FAO experts, including iterative review and refinement of tools based on feedback.
• Share inception report.
• Provide technical oversight, guidance, and quality assurance for field data collection. Primary data collection will be carried out by the WCS Mongolia project team and locally recruited coordinators/enumerators; no fieldwork or travel by the consultant is required under this assignment.
• Support the planning of data collection activities, including enumerator training materials, piloting guidance, supervision protocols, data interpretation and data quality checks, in coordination with the WCS Mongolia team.
• Analyze collected data and generate baseline values for all agreed indicators, disaggregated by gender, age, and relevant social groups.
• Present preliminary findings to the project team for validation and feedback.
• Prepare and submit draft and final KAP survey report in both Mongolian and English, incorporating feedback from project partners and stakeholders.

VI. PROPOSED SURVEY METHODOLOGY

The KAP survey needs to utilize both quantitative methods (structured questionnaires) and qualitative methods (Focus group discussion (FGDs), Key Informant interview (KIIs), and observations) to ensure comprehensive, robust, and reliable findings. To design effective questionnaires and interview tools, the key information areas must be directly derived from the project's objectives, outcomes, and (where necessary) outputs. Crucially, these areas must be aligned with the expected changes detailed in the project's results framework. The scope of data collection must cover key information from both herders and relevant governmental officials, specifically addressing the topics proposed below that directly relate to the project's goals.

Key Information Areas for the KAP survey

Component	Key Points to Measure (KAP)	Impact Indicator Focus
Component 1 & 2: Land Management, Ecosystem Restoration, and Rehabilitation	Knowledge: Awareness of sustainable land management (SLM) techniques. Knowledge of the causes and effects of land degradation and the value of specific ecosystem services (e.g., clean water, soil fertility). Attitude: Perceived importance of ecosystem restoration and biodiversity conservation (versus short-term economic gains). Willingness to invest time/resources in rehabilitating degraded land. Practices: Adoption rate of new SLM and restoration practices by users (e.g., number of households using specific techniques). Change in land use practices.	Change in local understanding of environmental health and SLM principles. Shift towards a conservation-oriented mindset and long-term planning. Quantifiable on-the-ground changes in land use and adoption of new techniques
Component 3: CBM and   Incentives	Knowledge: Awareness of the roles and responsibilities of community-based organizations (CBOs) in natural resource management (NRM). Knowledge of the value chains/incentive mechanisms promoted by the project. Attitudes: Perception of the effectiveness and fairness of the CBOs and local NRM rules/by-laws. Trust in the incentive mechanisms (e.g., value chains, micro-finance) to improve livelihoods. Practices: Participation rate in CBOs and NRM planning/decision-making. Engagement in project-supported value chains or other incentive-based activities. Compliance with local NRM rules and regulations.	Understanding of local governance structures and market opportunities. Level of social cohesion and perceived equity in resource management Active involvement in governance and economic activities linked to sustainability.
Component 4: Knowledge Management and Communication	Knowledge: Recall and understanding of key messages and best practices disseminated by the project. Knowledge of where to access information (e.g., extension services, project communication channels). Attitudes: Willingness to share personal practices and innovations with others. Perception of the relevance and usefulness of the knowledge provided by the project. Practices: Application/replication of 'best practices' learned from the project in their own setting. Participation in knowledge-sharing events (workshops, farmer field days, etc.).	Effectiveness of communication channels and reach. Openness to learning and replication of successful approaches. Evidence of knowledge transfer and behavioral change driven by information.

 

Project Target Areas and Key Survey Respondents

The proposed geographical area for this KAP survey includes eight soums across three aimags: Bulgan, Chuluut, Ikhtamir, and Tsenkher soums in Arkhangai aimag; Erdenetsogt and Galuut soums in Bayankhongor aimag; and Bat-Ulzii and Uyanga soums in Uvurkhangai aimag.

The core target group for the survey is the herder population in these eight soums, estimated to include 30,000 herders/members of herder households (approximately 41% of whom are women). This group, being the project's key beneficiary, is essential for assessing project-induced changes.

The baseline survey must cover a statistically representative sample of these herder households to ensure the reliability and validity of the findings. Key respondents will include representatives from the following groups, covering both institutional stakeholders and targeted beneficiaries.

Minimum Sampling Requirements

A minimum of 10% of total households per soum will be included in the survey. The sample must be stratified by gender and age to ensure balanced representation of women, men, vulnerable group and youth within the target communities. The final sample size and stratification approach must be determined and agreed upon in close consultation with the Project Management Unit (PMU) experts prior to field data collection, ensuring statistical validity and alignment with project objectives.

VII. DELIVERABLES

The consultancy firm is expected to deliver the following documents:

1. Inception Report (methodology, tools, sampling, work plan).
2. Survey instruments (questionnaires, FGD/KII guides).
3. Training of enumerators and field piloting. (to be conducted jointly with, or led by, the WCS Mongolia team, with the consultant providing technical guidance, materials, and remote or in-country facilitation as agreed; the consultant is not expected to independently deploy field teams).
4. Dataset with codebook (SPSS/Excel) and interview notes.
5. Draft baseline survey report (analysis, findings, tables/figures).
6. Final report (English & Mongolian), incorporating feedback by WCS Mongolia, FAO, and relevant stakeholders
7. Presentation slides summarizing key findings and recommendations.

VIII. REPORTING AND SUPERVISION

The consultant/firm will report to the WCS Mongolia Lead Technical Advisor and work closely with WCS’s Khangai team through regular coordination meetings and iterative technical review processes throughout the assignment. Regular progress meetings (virtual or in person) will be scheduled, with at least three to five meetings conducted over the course of the assignment.  

IX. DURATION OF THE WORK

The assignment is expected to be carried out over a total of 35 working days during the period from 5 March to 25 May 2026.

X. The consultant or team should meet following criteria

Education: Advanced degree (Master’s or higher) in Social Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Statistics, Monitoring and Evaluation, or a related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of five (5) years of proven experience in leading and conducting quantitative and qualitative research, including KAP surveys or similar large-scale household surveys.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the subject matter (e.g., environment, livelihoods)
• Extensive experience with statistical data analysis software (e.g., SPSS, Stata) and excellent analytical and report-writing skills in Mongolian and English.
• Previous experience with GEF or FAO projects, or working with government agencies and international organizations in Mongolia, is a significant advantage.

Ethical Standards: Demonstrated commitment to ethical research, including 'Do No Harm' principles and ensuring respect for the security, dignity, and self-worth of respondents.

XI. Payment schedule:

Deliverables	Payment	Due date of submission
Deliverables 1, 2	20%	March 25
Deliverables 3, 4, 5	40%	April 25
Deliverables 6, 7	40%	May 25

 

XII. Submission details

Interested consultants or firms are invited to submit a single PDF document containing:

1. Technical Proposal: Outlining the consultant's understanding of the TOR, the proposed detailed methodology, work plan, and a proposed team structure (if applicable).
2. Technical capacity: Detailed CV(s) of the lead consultant and key team members, highlighting relevant experience.
3. Project related experience of proposed staff; Examples of similar work conducted. Please use the Contractual experience information template as Annex I.
4. Financial Proposal: A detailed budget, clearly itemized by level of effort (person-days) and professional fees per deliverable/output. The financial proposal should be structured by deliverables/outputs. Costs related to field data collection, including local travel, accommodation, per diem, enumerator fees, and logistics, will be covered directly by WCS Mongolia and should NOT be included in the financial proposal. Financial proposals should therefore reflect consultant time inputs only (e.g., design, tool development, training support, data analysis, reporting, and coordination), and not be structured as a lump-sum field implementation budget.
5. Profile/Legal Documents: including company registration certificate (for firms) or ID copy (for individuals).
6. Work Samples: References or samples of previous similar KAP or survey reports conducted.

All proposal must be submitted electronically to WCS Mongolia by 5 p.m., 26 February 2026 via email at procurementmongolia@wcs.org and please include the subject line: “Consultancy Proposal – [conducting KAP survey]”. Only complete applications submitted by the deadline will be considered. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview or follow-up discussion.

XIII. CRITERIA FOR SELECTION

Selection Process:

• WCS will review and evaluate all proposals to determine each proposer's rating.  This evaluation may include a request by WCS to interview proposers and visit their offices for purposes of clarifying their proposals.
• The proposal offering the most advantageous terms based on the criteria below will be selected for the award.  WCS may reject any and all proposals if, in its sole opinion, no proposal satisfies its criteria.

Evaluation Criteria:

The evaluation criteria and weight will be as follows:

• Technical Proposal (25%);
• Technical capacity (20%);
• Project related experience of the proposed staff (30%);
• Financial proposal (20%);
• Client references (5%);