Terms of Reference (ToR) for Consultancy services spatial and temporal analysis of rainfall variability and trends and assessing variability in monthly rainfall and water balance in Nyamagabe, Nyaruguru, and Rulindo Districts.

1. Background

Rwanda Climate Change and Development Network (RCCDN) is implementing the project "Strengthen Agroecology for Climate Change Resilient Community" in Nyamagabe, Nyaruguru, and Rulindo Districts. Climate variability and change pose significant challenges to rural communities, particularly in managing water resources and agricultural productivity. Understanding rainfall patterns and their impact on water balance is critical for informed decision-making and risk management.

To enhance climate risk management strategies, RCCDN seeks to hire an individual consultant to conduct a research entitled “Spatial and temporal analysis of rainfall variability and trends and assess variability in monthly rainfall and water balance in Nyamagabe, Nyaruguru and Rulindo Districts”. The study will generate evidence-based insights to support policy recommendations and climate adaptation strategies for local communities.

2. Objectives of the Assignment

The primary objectives of this consultancy are:

1. To analyze spatial and temporal rainfall variability and trends in Nyamagabe, Nyaruguru, and Rulindo Districts.
2. To assess the variability in monthly rainfall and its association with water balance in the target districts.
3. Computation of near homogeneous zones of each District.
4. To provide actionable recommendations for policy, planning, and community-based adaptation interventions.

3. Scope of Work

The consultant will be responsible for:

• Data Collection and Review: Gathering historical and recent rainfall data from meteorological sources, government agencies, and relevant institutions.
• Spatial and Temporal Analysis: Conducting statistical and geospatial analyses to determine trends, anomalies, and patterns in rainfall variability.
• Water Balance Assessment: Evaluating the linkages between rainfall variability on water balance
• Provide or propose mitigation and adaptation measure based on results obtained above
• Report Preparation: Preparing a comprehensive report with findings, interpretations, and recommendations for climate risk management and adaptation.
• Drafting the papers to be published in recognized journal at the end of this exercise

4. Deliverables

The consultant is expected to deliver the following outputs:

1. Inception Report: This will be detailing methodology, data sources, and work plan, to be submitted within four days after contract signing.
2. Interim Report presenting preliminary findings
3. Final Report covering detailed analysis,

5. Duration of the consultancy

The assignment is expected to take 28 days from the date of contract signing.

6. Languages

The document will be produced in English

7. Consultant qualifications and experience

The ideal consultant should have:

• A Master’s or PhD in Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, Climate science, Environmental Science, Hydrology, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in climate change risk analysis, meteorological data analysis, and water resource management. 
• Research Skills: Proven ability to conduct high-quality research and analysis, including policy reviews, stakeholder consultations, and synthesizing complex information into actionable insights.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting similar studies in Rwanda or East Africa, preferably proven experience of writing and publishing scientific papers in international journal on related matters.
• Demonstrated expertise in climate data analysis, with proficiency in handling and processing NetCDF data formats.
• Communication Skills: Excellent writing and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex ideas in a clear and accessible manner

8. Application process

Interested consultants should submit the following documents:

• Technical Proposal detailing approach, methodology, and work plan.
• Financial Proposal outlining the consultancy fee and cost breakdown.
• A detailed CV(s) of the consultant(s) highlighting relevant experience.
• A minimum of three similar assignments or scientific publications demonstrating expertise in the subject matter.

9. Submission Deadline

Interested candidates are invited to submit their application document, in one file to RCCDN, using this email: rccdnrwanda@rccdnetwork.org, by 17^th February 2025.

The proposal will be evaluated first and candidate who shall pass the technical stage shall be the only ones eligible for financial evaluation. Only the selected candidate will be notified

10. Safeguarding Programme Participants: Program/Project right holders, PWD, Children & Adults

RCCDN respects the intrinsic dignity of every person, celebrates differences and aims to create relationships of mutual respect wherein the rights and dignity of every person are respected. The Network is committed to safeguarding people within our programmes from exploitation and abuse and has specific policies on this commitment and the code of conduct, which outlines the expected behaviors and the responsibility of all staff, board members, consultants and other organisational representatives. RCCDN is committed to promoting transparency, gender equality, and inclusivity in all its engagements.

NB: RCCDN reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal based on its evaluation criteria.