Terms of Reference (ToR) – Compilation of climate justice advocacy good practices

Introduction

Climate justice advocacy and policy engagement is a key priority in the current Strategy of the Lutheran World Federation (2019 – 2024). The LWF has engaged with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) for more than ten years as observer, contributor and participant in climate negotiations and other processes. Its longstanding commitment to climate justice englobes building resilience, climate adaptation and mitigation, as well as supporting communities affected by climate change impacts and undertaking advocacy from local to global levels.

The Action for Justice- AfJ Unit is the advocacy hub of the LWF and accompanies member churches, World Service Country Programmes, and collaborates closely with ecumenical and faith-based organizations, civil society, as well as communities affected by climate impacts. The LWF advocacy methodology is essential to accelerate actions needed to set up a pathway for a sustainable and resilient society and economy where we protect the environment as the foundation for all life.

Local to Global Action for Climate Justice is a global project in 18 countries that includes

Africa: Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Sierra Leone, Madagascar, South Africa, Ghana;

Asia and Pacific: Philippines, Bangladesh, Nepal, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and,

Latín America and the Caribbean: Peru, Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, El Salvador, and Cuba

The overall goal of the project is to accelerate climate action from local to global by boosting the global commitment to the Paris Agreement. The objectives of the project are:

• Churches and faith-based organizations (FBOs) in the project countries have increased their engagement for climate justice.
• By the end of the project, churches, FBOs and partner civil society actors in the project countries have effectively influenced national and regional policymakers for ambitious national and regional climate policies.
• National religious leaders, churches, and faith-based actors actively contribute to climate justice advocacy in international forums.

Target groups for the project include churches, faith-based leaders, and faith-based organizations, their congregations, and the communities where they live and indirectly, local, district and National Government officials and policy makers. The project also targets and influences interfaith and civil society actors from local to global levels. LWF member churches in 18 focus countries represent more than 31 million people according to the LWF 2019 membership figures and engage with many more in their diverse communities.

A particular focus is placed on youth, women, and vulnerable people most impacted by climate change. The project aims for equal participation of women and men when possible and when not, at least will ensure 40% participation whether male or female.

Key stakeholders in civil society such as environmental and climate justice organizations are important allies and critical to the reach and impact of the project, as are academia and the scientific community to ensure science-based actions are taken and evidence-based advocacy is employed for effective influencing and results.

A detailed Terms of Reference is provided below with instructions and deadline for application.

1.Objective of the assignment

To identify and systematize good practices in carbon emission reduction and climate justice advocacy, particularly those led by faith-based organizations (FBOs), with a focus on projects supported by the LWF and other faith-based organizations.

The aim is to collect, analyze, and document examples that demonstrate replicable contributions to global climate targets, particularly in reducing carbon emissions and promoting climate justice through faith-driven actions. This process will highlight how FBOs are adopting and implementing climate change mitigation strategies, including their pursuit of carbon neutrality.

These documented practices will provide concrete examples of the effectiveness of FBOs in reducing emissions, advocating for just climate policies, and driving systemic change towards a low-carbon future.

2. Expected deliverables

The purpose of this document is to profile climate justice good practices from faith-based organizations that can be replicated in other contexts.

The expected deliverables are the following:

• Inception Report: Detailing the methodology, tools for collecting data, proposed work schedule and agreeing on the criteria[1] for defining a good practice and timeline, and data sources within two weeks of contract commencement.
• A draft report of good practices in reducing carbon emissions and climate justice advocacy led by faith-based organizations – FBO. The report will document relevant projects, initiatives, and strategies implemented by FBOs, including those supported by the LWF. The report will include sections on the methodology, used for data collection and analysis, including criteria for selecting good practices, and a breakdown of the key findings.
• A final report will provide detailed descriptions of the selected initiatives and include between 8 to 10 good practices/ case studies of a maximum of 4 pages per case (excluding photos and annexes). The report will provide recommendations for enhancing the role of FBOs in climate mitigation and carbon emission reduction. These will include suggestions for strengthening advocacy, improving collaboration between FBOs and governments, and promoting greater support from international climate frameworks.
• A presentation summarizing the key findings of the report showcasing best practices and recommendations. This will be used for internal and external dissemination among stakeholders.

These deliverables are to be:

• Prepared in English
• Submitted to the LWF Program Executive for Climate Justice electronically via e-mail.

3. Suggested time frame and period of the assignment

The assignment will take place from Nov 2024 – Jan 2025.

4. Methodology

This methodology should integrate the following:

• Checklist as first guidance for identification and setting of categories of good practices.
• Guidance for the characterization of good practice selection and analysis.
• Template for the compilation and analysis of the selected good practices

It is expected that data collection will be done remotely.

5. Qualifications and Experience of the consultant(s)

• Proven experience in climate justice related work.
• Proven track record of conducting similar work of international development programs, including programs implemented in different geographical regions
• Experience in conducting remote research (online interviews, surveys etc.)
• Excellent writing skills in English.
• Ability to communicate in Spanish as some of the LWF initiatives are in LAC
• Experience in working with faith-based organizations;
• Knowledge of LWF and the ACT Alliance members an advantage.

[1] The Criteria for defining a good practice will include: measurable impact, sustainable over the time, scalability and replicability, cost-effectiveness, innovation, social and economic co-benefits, equity and inclusivity, alignment with global climate goals, engages local communities, promotes awareness and behavioural change, monitoring and evaluation, changes in the lives of local communities as a result of the initiative, possibilities of initiative be scaled-up, replicated or expanded, among others.