[Hiring] Consultancy Feasibility Assessment on Soil Stabilization and Erosion-Control Measures @IISD

Role Description

The Scaling Urban Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for Climate Adaptation in Sub-Saharan Africa (SUNCASA) is a 3-year project aimed at enhancing climate resilience and promoting gender equality, social inclusion, and biodiversity protection across three cities: Dire Dawa (Ethiopia), Kigali (Rwanda), and Johannesburg (South Africa).

The SUNCASA project, led by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) in partnership with the World Resources Institute (WRI), and local partner organizations, supported the implementation of NbS projects under the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) framework. The main activities include urban restoration initiatives such as reforestation, afforestation, and agroforestry programs aimed at enhancing ecosystem services, building climate resilience, and promoting environmental sustainability.

During project implementation, the clearance of steep slopes ahead of unpredictable heavy rainfall events generated direct flood risks for downstream communities, while extensive zones characterized by shallow soils underlain by hard rock substrates rendered conventional large-block reforestation and afforestation survival rates highly unpredictable. These challenges were compounded by widespread landslide susceptibility, severe erosion hazards, stability concerns for adjacent settlements, and riparian degradation exacerbated by seasonal flooding, extreme hydrological fluctuations, and gully instability, all of which contributed to elevated seedling mortality. Consequently, standard tree-planting methodologies proved insufficient to meet restoration targets, underscoring the need for this feasibility assessment to identify technically viable soil stabilization and erosion-control measures tailored to Kigali's complex urban terrain.

IISD seeks consulting services to support an assessment of potential soil stabilization and erosion-control measures for selected sites in Kigali under the SUNCASA project. The study will evaluate technical options to reduce erosion risks, improve slope stability, and create conditions suitable for long-term reforestation and landscape restoration.

The assignment will build upon existing knowledge and engage relevant stakeholders, including the City of Kigali, to understand current priorities, preferred approaches, and any previous studies or interventions related to soil erosion and land stabilization. The study should provide evidence-based recommendations that can guide future investments in restoration activities and strengthen the long-term environmental resilience of Kigali's urban and peri-urban landscapes.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7-10 years of relevant experience in environmental engineering, geotechnical engineering, erosion control, and ecological restoration.
• Demonstrated experience on similar projects.
• Experience in successfully implementing erosion-control, slope stabilization, watershed management, or ecological restoration projects.
• Experience working in East Africa or Rwanda preferred, and an understanding of local regulations, biophysical conditions, and stakeholder dynamics.
• Ability to mobilize field staff in Kigali.

Requirements

• Team Leader/Environmental Engineer (minimum 10 years relevant experience).
• Geotechnical or Civil Engineer with expertise in slope stability.
• Restoration/Reforestation Specialist.
• GIS/Spatial Analysis Specialist.
• Socio-environmental or Stakeholder Engagement Specialist (optional but desirable).

Benefits

• Opportunity to contribute to climate resilience and environmental sustainability in Kigali.
• Engagement with local stakeholders and authorities.
• Potential for long-term impact on urban restoration efforts.

Application Process

Application deadline: September 8, 2026

For any questions related to this RFP, please send an email to [email protected]

All applications must be submitted in English. To apply for this consultancy, please submit the following:

• Technical Proposal: Demonstrating an understanding of the assignment and outlining a clear methodology, work plan, proposed team composition, and relevant experience.
• Financial Proposal: Including a detailed budget, consultants’ daily rates, travel and field costs, applicable taxes, and any other relevant expenses. All costs should be clearly broken down and aligned with each deliverable and the key activities outlined in the Scope of Work.
• Company Profile: Including evidence of registration or a certificate of incorporation/registration issued by the relevant government authority.
• Updated CVs: Of all key personnel proposed for the assignment.
• References and Relevant Experience: At least two (2) references, along with examples of similar work completed for comparable projects.

NOTE: Incomplete and late proposals will be automatically disqualified. Only proposals scoring at least 70% of the technical score shall proceed to financial evaluation.