Consultant to conduct a study on the FSC® National Risk Assessment (NRA) of Italy

TERMS OF REFERENCE

1. 1.     Goal of the Service

WWF (WWF Sweden) aims to hire a short-term consultant to conduct a study on the FSC® National Risk Assessment (NRA) of Italy, which was published in April 2018.

This study aims to assess the following:

-        Whether the identified risks and control measures in the FSC NRA of Italy could be better identified at the level of regional administration.

-        How the lessons learned from this study can improve the development process of FSC NRAs and Centralize National Risk Assessment (CNRAs).

1. 2.     Background information

Although Italy has a relatively low number of hectares certified according to FSC standards (app 66,000 hectares and 18 certificates), this country holds the second-highest number of chain of custody certificates (more than 2500) after China. 

The chain of custody standard heavily relies on the availability of both 100% certified and controlled wood material, so the implementation of an effective controlled wood standard, and particularly the due diligence system to avoid material from unacceptable sources (Requirements for Sourcing FSC® Controlled Wood FSC-STD-40-005 V3-1 EN), is crucial for the FSC system. The standard FSC-STD-40-005 V3-1 EN, which is by far the most important related to controlled wood in terms of amounts and number of certificates, is strongly dependent on the identification of low and specified risks based on FSC NRAs and CNRAs.

With few exceptions (some specific High Conservation Value areas, such as Intact Forest Landscapes), NRAs and CNRAs generally define risks at national level, this is often appropriate as, for example, it is common for the legal system to be set at the national level. However, this is not always true and Italy could be an interesting case to explore for the following reasons:

-        The country has recently experienced significant changes in governance that have had an impact on the forest sector, such as the suppression of the Forestry Corps and their integration in the Police force; at the same time, some provinces have been abolished and this process is expected to continue.

-        Italy has five autonomous regions that have a special legal framework, this may affect the risk categorization, also Italy is characterized by strong differences among regions, in relation to economic development, infrastructure, compliance with the law, and procedures/rules which are designed and implemented at regional level. This is also reflected in the forestry sector: where, for instance, the percentage of national forest area with a valid forest management plan varies from 94% in Bolzano, to close to 0% in some southern Regions (the national average is approximately 16%).

-        The country has a significant number of indicators classified with a specified risk (11) at the national level.

These factors represent good reasons to explore how each indicator in the NRA could be classified at a lower and more refined level than the national one. In particular, the study may focus on three regions: Trentino Alto Adige (both autonomous provinces), Lombardia, and Campania. The geographic scope will be re-evaluated during the selection process.

1. 3.     Methodology and activities

The study will be mainly based on desk review and interviews with relevant stakeholders. An adequate engagement of forest experts from Italy is required. In particular, it is expected that:

-        The consultant conducts a research in the agreed regions and identify whether regional circumstance may affect the risks indicated in the FSC National Risk Assessment.

-        The consultant interviews a wide list of stakeholders (at national and regional levels, where relevant) including

• certification bodies and auditors operating in the country,
• certificate holders, including a sample of group certificate and smallholders.
• Relevant organizations and other civil societies associations involved in the issue
• Academic institutions
• Regional and national authorities
• FSC National Standards Development Group, FSC members and other experts involved in the development of the NRA for Italy

-        The consultant will develop a final report, including the inputs from consultation: the report will include recommendations for improving risk assessment, insights on how to improve the process, and concrete and specific issues identified for the three regions scope of the study.

1. 4.     Deliverables

Main Deliverables

-        Final report which includes the following

• Recommendations for risk classification and control measures (if different from what currently indicated in the official NRA) for the three region, based on the NRA indicators, justified by literature review or interviews.
• How recent changes in the forest law and procedures may have changed some risks identified and whether a discussion among stakeholders would be desirable.
• An assessment of lessons learned from this study, including inputs on how to better incorporate regional circumstances in the NRA or CNRA.

Other Deliverables

-        A finalized work plan

-        List of interviewees and questionnaires

-        Preliminary findings from the literature review and preliminary interviews

-        A draft report and an online presentation to WWF and the key forestry stakeholders in Italy

The timeline for the deliverables will be agreed in the contract.

1. 5.     Reporting

• WWF staff and the consultant will arrange planning and evaluation calls, depending on the needs
• Staff from WWF and its partners will serve as an advisory group for the consultant, to provide support, feedback, and suggestions on the list of interviewees, stakeholders to be included in the study, review and comments on the draft.
• WWF and its partner will join some interviews, if possible
• The consultant will inform WWF on the status of deliverables, including timely communicate WWF on any issues/delays/challenges related to the tasks.
• The consultant and WWF will discuss a possible extension of the contract if needed.

1. 6.     Qualifications

-        At least 7 years of experience in forestry, forest certification, and particularly FSC

-        Preferably based in Italy and has demonstrated experience of working in forestry management certification in Italy. 

-        Fluent in Italian and English

-        Having a good network of relevant stakeholders in Italy is an asset

-        Proven experience in research on similar topics

-        Good presentation and communication skills, organized and able to handle multiple deadlines under minimal supervision

1. 7.     Application instructions

Companies and freelancers meeting the qualifications should submit proposals to Mauro Ciriminna, mauro.ciriminna@wwf.se

Proposals should include a one-page cover email stating relevant expertise, résumé (maximum 3 pages), and a brief proposal (2 pages maximum) including timeline and a budget by the 15 of March 2020.  Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early applicants are welcomed.

1. 8.     Payment

The payment and disbursement will follow WWF procedures and will be indicated in the contract