Recruitment of a Consultant to identify and analyze the approaches used to ensure effective participation of local communities in the implementation of ABS in Africa  

Background and rationale 

Africa is home to rich biocultural diversity and continues to provide important genetic resources that are used in research and development activities. These resources are often located in territories inhabited and co-managed by Indigenous Peoples and local communities, where they are intricately linked to their livelihoods and way of life.  

Under national Access and Benefit-sharing (ABS) laws, aligned with the Nagoya Protocol of the Convention on Biological Diversity – which some African countries have ratified – access to genetic resources and traditional knowledge requires the prior, informed consent of communities. This process must respect traditional values, local customary laws and practices. Therefore, ABS holds significant potential for sustainable resource use, recognising local values and benefits, and affirming the critical role and rights of communities as custodians of biodiversity. 

Before engaging in ABS processes, communities often need support to strengthen their organizational and negotiation capacities. Different communities have developed and used tools like Biocultural Community Protocols (BCPs) to clarify local governance structures, outline processes for granting consent, and to specify terms and conditions under which the community will interact with external actors regarding access to genetic resources and traditional knowledge. In some instances, other alternative tools or approaches are adopted, usually due to limited capacities and means to support the preparation of communities.  

However, information on these alternative tools and approaches remains limited, as does guidance on their effective use within in the ABS context. This lack of data and methodology limits the ability to document and share good practices, which could otherwise inform and enhance other ABS initiatives. Furthermore, there is often inadequate guidance for integrating and monitoring the individual and collective rights of communities throughout the ABS process. 

To this end, a multi-country study is being conducted with the aim of analysing the existing approaches used in Africa, focussing on experiences specifically in Madagascar, Kenya and South Africa. This study aims to ensure the meaningful participation of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in the implementation of ABS and to strengthen their capacity to engage effectively. Its findings are expected to provide valuable insights and practical guidance for those committed to supporting communities in their involvement with ABS mechanisms. 

Responsibilities of the consultant in relation to the study  

In collaboration with Natural Justice’s team, the consultant will be responsible for:  

• Compiling and analysing information on existing tools and approaches to facilitate community participation in ABS implementation, including their possible benefits and limitations, as well as alternative tools and approaches to Biocultural Community Protocols. 

• Identifying capacity-building elements necessary for more effective community participation in the implementation of ABS and to strengthen collaboration with different sectors in the valuation of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge.  

Expected deliverables  

The consultant is to deliver a regional analysis report based on the data and information collected from case studies and interviews carried out by Natural Justice. It includes: 

• A list of detailed existing tools and approaches, fully analyzed to strengthen community participation in the implementation of ABS, covering processes before, during and after ABS negotiation, and highlighting alternative approaches to BCPs; and 

• A compilation of identifying capacity-building elements required for more effective community participation in ABS implementation.  

Qualifications 

• A minimum of five years of experience in the biodiversity sector, with a focus on supporting local communities, the ABS mechanism and/or biodiversity-based value chains.  

• Preferably, demonstrated experience in completing at least two similar assignments on related topics.    

• Proven knowledge of the ABS mechanisms, communities’ rights and participation, including the use and formulation of BCPs in benefit sharing mechanisms and in biodiversity-based value chains in Madagascar, South Africa and Kenya and related sectoral policy and legal frameworks.  

• A master’s or PhD degree in forestry, environment, law, environmental economics or other relevant field of social sciences.  

How to apply 

Interested candidates must submit the following: 

• A technical proposal including indicating their understanding of the mandate, the proposed methodology for the study and a proposed timeline for implementation; 

• A financial proposal detailing consultancy fees only (costs related to any field visits and meetings/workshops will be covered directly by Natural Justice); 

• A CV with three references, 

The application must be sent to admin@naturaljustice.org with the subject line “Africa ABS Consultant“.  

Due Date: 10 January 2024  

(Please note that the office will be closed from 20 Dec – 6 Jan 2025. Please direct any questions to jacqueline@naturaljustice.org, sophie@naturaljustice.org and jazzy@naturaljustice.org from 6 Jan onwards).