The Biodiversity Expert holds a pivotal role in the Tuhifadhi Maliasili Mid-term Evaluation, ensuring that the project’s ecological impact is comprehensively assessed. Entrusted with a blend of technical, analytical, and collaborative duties, this expert will delve deep into biodiversity metrics while aligning findings with the broader goals of the evaluation. Their responsibilities, as outlined below, encompass a range of tasks that underline the significance of biodiversity in the context of the project and its overarching objectives.

• Provide specialized knowledge on biodiversity conservation, ecosystem management, and related topics during the evaluation process.
• Conduct field visits to validate and assess the quality of existing data on biodiversity indicators, habitat quality, species richness, and other relevant metrics.
• Collaborate with local stakeholders and data providers to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness of the collected information, and identify any gaps or areas for further exploration in future initiatives.
• Analyze collected data to assess the progress of the Tuhifadhi Maliasili Activity on biodiversity conservation in the target areas.
• Engage with local communities, conservation organizations, and government bodies to gather insights on biodiversity-related issues and interventions.
• Collaborate with the Team Lead  to ensure the evaluation report comprehensively covers biodiversity aspects, presenting findings, insights, and actionable recommendations.
• Propose evidence-based recommendations for improving biodiversity conservation outcomes in the project’s future phases.
• Work closely with other evaluation team members, sharing expertise and integrating biodiversity considerations into broader evaluation objectives.
• Offer guidance and, if necessary, training sessions to the evaluation team on biodiversity-related topics to enhance the team’s overall understanding.
• Engage with key stakeholders to gather insights and feedback regarding the Tuhifadhi Maliasili Activity.
• Conducting desk review and identifying additional information required for analysis.
• Conduct Qualitative Data Analysis using Dedoose or similar software.
• Participate in the development of codebook and synthesize findings into actionable recommendations to inform new designs.
• Collaborate with the team to compile and present detailed evaluation reports, highlighting key findings, insights, and actionable recommendations.
• Participate in the development and refinement of the evaluation design and methodology, including data collection instruments, ensuring alignment with project objectives and USAID expectations.
• Participate in the preparations of PowerPoint presentations of the Evaluation Design and Preliminary findings and present to USAID.
• Participate in dry runs before presentations to share the findings, insights, and best practices derived from the evaluation with a broader audience.

Deliverables: 
With support from USAID/T-MELA and team members, the Evaluation Specialist will be expected to participate in the production and management of the following:
Final Evaluation Design: A detailed, full evaluation design and work plan following an initial consultation with USAID that will include chosen methodologies and data collection tools.
Kick-off meeting/In brief: A PowerPoint/Google Slides presentation summarizing the Inception Report for USAID/T-MELA and key partners prior to the launch of data collection.
Findings Conclusions and Recommendations (FCR) Matrix: An analysis tool through which data is triangulated and findings, conclusions, and recommendations specific to each evaluation question are produced. Two FCR matrixes are expected, a preliminary document after the first full week of data collection, and a final matrix at the end of the data analysis period.
Outbrief: The team will present the key findings, conclusions, and recommendations to the wider USAID/Tanzania Mission through a PowerPoint/Google Slides presentation. The Team Lead is expected to update this PowerPoint after the final report.
Draft Report: A draft report with fully developed findings, conclusions, and recommendations, no longer than 30 pages excluding annexes, will be submitted to the T-MELA COP who will submit to the USAID COR for T-MELA activity. The format will include an executive summary, table of contents, methodology, findings, and recommendations. USAID/T-MELA and key local stakeholders will provide comments on the draft report.
Final Report: The team will submit a final report that incorporates responses to USAID’s/partner’s comments and suggestions. The report will be submitted electronically in English. The report will be disseminated within USAID and key stakeholders.

Qualifications and Skills: 
The Biodiversity Expert must have/hold:

• Master’s degree or higher in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Conservation Biology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in biodiversity conservation, with specific experience in Tanzania or East Africa being highly desirable.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting field studies, surveys, and assessments related to biodiversity.
• Proven track record of effective engagement with diverse stakeholders, including local communities, NGOs, and government entities.
• Proven record of Working in diverse teams and ensuring the timely delivery of high-quality reports.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to liaise effectively with stakeholders at various levels.
• Familiarity with USAID’s evaluation policies and procedures would be advantageous.
• Proven expertise in conducting operational research (qualitative data collection)
• Strong background in qualitative data collection methods, including focus group discussions (FGD), key informants/ in-depth interviews (KII/IDI).
• Significant experience in conducting qualitative data analysis is required.
• Experience in conducting Quantitative data analysis is recommended.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team.
• Ability to develop effective working relationships with USAID, local organizations, other program partners, and counterparts.
• Must be fluent (writing and speaking) in English; additional language proficiency in relevant languages (e.g., Kiswahili) would be an asset.