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Baseline Data Collection and Semi-Annual Monitoring of Plastic Waste Sources and Management Pathways

• Background : 

WWF North Africa (WWF NA) is part of the WWF global network and leads conservation and climate resilience efforts across the North African region. The office works at the interface of science, policy, and community engagement to conserve biodiversity, restore critical ecosystems, and promote sustainable natural resource management. WWF NA collaborates closely with national authorities, regional institutions, civil society, and local communities to deliver inclusive, evidence-based solutions aligned with national priorities and international environmental commitments.

In this context, WWF North Africa is implementing the Plastic Smart Ports project to reduce plastic pollution in Tunisian coastal areas. Two pilot ports, Tabarka and Gabès, were selected for their touristic and fishery activities. The initiative targets single-use plastics, improves recycling, and prevents ghost gear in fishing shelters and tourism-oriented ports. The project aims to reduce plastic leakage, promote circular economy solutions, establish sustainable waste management models, and develop replicable policy and financing roadmaps.

• Objective of the assignment

The objective of this assignment is to provide high-quality, comparable local data and documentation to enable WWF North Africa and the University of Rostock to :

1. Produce a baseline analysis describing plastic waste sources, quantities, composition and principal pathways from the ports of Tabarka and Gabès into the marine environment ;
2. Produce semi-annual monitoring reports (every six months) that track changes in waste inputs, flows, losses and locally-implemented mitigation actions.
3. Produce annual summary consolidating monitoring reports at the end of each project year.

Scope of work

The local consultant will :

1. Collect primary data (field sampling, container audits, harbour/beach litter counts, visual transects, short boat surveys where applicable) and secondary data (municipal collection records, transfer-station throughput, recycling reports) for Tabarka and Gabès and their immediate catchment.
2. Apply agreed national/international sampling and waste-characterization protocols; document sampling metadata (date/time, GPS, weather, tide, chain-of-custody).
3. Characterize single-use plastics and relevant categories (cigarette butts, PET bottles, cups, single-use cutlery/plates, straws, bags, packaging, ghost nets/gear), reporting both mass and item counts where feasible.
4. Audit container locations, record collection frequency, overflow/ leakage observations and likely pathways to the sea.
5. Conduct structured stakeholder interviews with municipal authorities, port authorities, transfer/sorting facilities, tourism operators (boats, hotels, restaurants), fishing coopératives (GDP) and informal waste collectors ; capture quantitative and qualitative information on waste streams, recycling and losses.
6. Provide photographic documentation and GPS coordinates for sampling sites and containers ; include short safety notes for field teams.
7. Deliver cleaned datasets (CSV/Excel), raw data, a concise methodology and QA (Quality Assurance) note, photo log and interview summaries using the consortium template.
8. Repeat monitoring data collection at six-month intervals and highlight seasonal patterns, significant changes and urgent issues for the period of 3 years. 
9. Participate in quarterly remote coordination calls with WWF North Africa, University of Rostock and the project consortium and respond to requests within agreed timelines.

Methodology & Quality Assurance

• Sampling and characterization will follow the standardized Regional Sea Conventions methodology for consistency with Mediterranean practices.Alternati methods may be used if proven more reliable and justified, and if aligned with recognized international standards (e.g., UNEP, IOC, EU). 
• All data must include metadata and chain-of-custody. Photographic evidence for sampling sites and separation areas is mandatory.
• WWF North Africa and University of Rostock will perform QA and may request clarifications or re-submissions.

Deliverables & timetable

1. 1. Inception note & detailed data collection plan within 5 working days after contract signature.
   2. Methodology & Quality Assurance note : as detailed in the note below

• Baseline data package & comprehensive report :

• Cleaned datasets (CSV/Excel) 
• Photo log and GPS coordinates 
• Interview summaries 
• Full baseline analysis including a detailed situational assessment of plastic waste sources, quantities, composition, and pathways for Tabarka and Gabès 
• Preliminary interpretation and figures

Target deadline for the baseline : within 8 weeks of contract signature.

1. Semi-annual monitoring reports every 6 months after baseline : A total of 6 reports (from early 2026 to late 2028) with data tables, change analysis (vs baseline/previous monitoring), short interpretation (max 10 pages), updated maps/figures, and raw data. 

Expected delivery windows : end March and end September each year (or as agreed).

1. Ad hoc clarifications responses to data queries within 7 working days.

All deliverables to be submitted in English and French (French to facilitate engagement with Tunisian stakeholders) in electronic format (word and pdf). 

WWF North Africa will confirm acceptance within 5 working days of submission.

Reporting line & coordination

• Technical reporting: WWF North Africa and University of Rostock.
• Contractual/operational management & in-country facilitation: WWF North Africa
• Routine coordination will include quarterly remote calls.

Confidentiality & intellectual property

All interviewees’ personal data will remain strictly confidential. The study findings will be published as part of the Plastic Smart Ports project deliverables. All project-related data and reports are the exclusive property of the Project Consortium and may not be disclosed or used externally without prior written consent.

• Consultant profile, duration & budget

Profile 

• Local consultant with a degree in Environmental Science, Waste Management, Marine Sciences, or a related field ; 
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience ; 
• Proven expertise in field sampling and stakeholder engagement ; 
• Proficiency in English and French.

Budget and Payment Terms

The estimated budget for this assignment is calculated as follows :

• Daily rate : 500 TND
• Number of days per year : 22
• Duration : 3 years

Total calculation :

• Per year : 500 TND × 22 days =11,000 TND/year
• For three years : 11,000 TND × 3 = 33,000 TND

Total estimated budget : 33,000 TND.

Important notes :

• The daily rate must include all costs related to travel, accommodation, and per diem. WWF North Africa will not cover any additional expenses.
• Payments will be made per deliverable, upon acceptance by WWF North Africa, as outlined in the Deliverables section.

• Proposal requirements

Interested consultants should submit :

1. CV (max 2 pages) ;
2. Technical note (max 3 pages) describing approach, sampling plan, and including a preliminary table of contents outlining the main sections of the study ;
3. Financial offer confirming daily rate. All travel, accommodation, and per diem costs must be included in this rate ;
4. At least two references from similar assignments.

• Where and How to Submit Applications

The application package, including the technical and financial offers, must be sent to the following email address : procurment@wwfna.org and please indicate in the email subject line : « Baseline Data Collection of Plastic Waste Sources – Plastic Smart Ports ». 

The deadline for receiving applications is 18 /02/2026 EoB. 

Applications received after this date will not be considered.