Expert on Nature-Based Tourism (H/F)

The recruited expert will support Expertise France in the preparation of the Document of Action (DoA) for an EU-financed “Regenerative nature-based tourism Micro-Small and Medium Enterprises support pilot programme” aimed at supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the nature-based tourism sector. The expert will be responsible for developing the thematic and technical aspects of the proposal related to intervention logic and the proposed activities. Specifically, the expert will:
1.      Conduct a situational analysis:
o   Briefly describe the structure of the nature-based tourism value chain and the various types of MSMEs involved, highlighting their roles within the value chain.
o   Identify barriers faced by MSMEs, to access markets and secure sustainable funding.
o   Analyze the enabling business environment and gaps for MSMEs in the target regions.
o   Develop a problem tree and solution tree to map the root causes of challenges and propose actionable solutions for the sector.
Deliverable: A comprehensive situational analysis report, including problem and solution trees.
Expert days: 5

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2.      Contribute to project design:
o   Collaborate with Expertise France, to refine the objectives, results, and activities of the proposed action.
o   Finalize and refine a Theory of Change for the project, clearly linking activities, outputs, outcomes, and impacts.
Deliverable: A refined Theory of Change and project design framework.
Expert days: 2

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3. Draft the Document of Action (DoA): Approche méthodo Conducting the problem analysis (as outlined in point 2 of these terms of reference).
Listing and describing the key stakeholders.
Providing a detailed description of the action, including general approach, main activities, expected results, project phases and indicative timeline. This will be done with consideration that three different agencies will implement the project in three distinct regions, yet the intervention logic and approach must remain consistent, though tools may vary slightly.
Clarifying how the global mechanism will be established to support nature-based MSMEs, ensuring it can be effectively piloted in the target regions and replicated in other countries. The expert will explain how the global approach will be initially developed and further enriched and adapted during the implementation phase.
Developing a logical framework for the project, outlining clear objectives, results, indicators, and activities.

Deliverable: A draft section of the Document of Action (DoA) covering the context description, the action description, and the logical framework.
Expert days: 6
4.      Coordinate with Project Stakeholders:

Engage with Expertise France, GIZ, AICS and EU in Brussels to ensure alignment and coherence of the action.
Organize virtual consultations with local stakeholders in the target regions, including protected area managers, EU delegations, relevant ministries and public authorities, professional networks, associations, and representatives from the private sector in the nature-based tourism field.

Deliverable: Stakeholder consultation reports summarizing key inputs and recommendations.
Expert days: 2
Consulting Duration: 15 days, starting February 2025 and concluding by the end of April 2025.  

Nature-based tourism plays a pivotal role in promoting sustainable development and contributes to global sustainability agreements by encouraging sustainable consumption and production (SCP) patterns along tourism value chains. However, MSMEs in the sector face several challenges, including financial barriers, lack of infrastructure, and limited integration into global value chains, which restrict their capacity to generate and retain revenues sustainably.