Vacancy title:
Call for Proposals

[Type: FULL_TIME, Industry: Nonprofit, and NGO, Category: Management]

Jobs at:
Advocates Coalition for Development and Environment (ACODE

Deadline of this Job:
Thursday, May 15 2025

Duty Station:
kampala | Kampala | Uganda

Summary
Date Posted: Tuesday, May 6 2025, Base Salary: Not Disclosed

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JOB DETAILS:

Study to Assess the Adequacy of Uganda’s Climate and Energy Policy Frameworks in Responding to Climate Change

Call for Proposals (CfPs)

1. Introduction and Background

Uganda, a country heavily reliant on natural resources for its socio-economic development, is increasingly vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change. Ranked as the 14th most vulnerable country to climate change according to the NDGAIN Index (ND-GAIN, 2023), Uganda faces significant challenges, including erratic weather patterns, prolonged droughts, flooding, and land degradation. These climate shocks disproportionately affect vulnerable groups such as women, youth, and marginalized communities, particularly in regions like West Nile and Karamoja, which are among the most climate-vulnerable areas in the country (ACODE, 2023).

Despite these challenges, Uganda has made notable progress in responding to climate change by establishing institutional and policy frameworks. The government has developed several key policies and strategies, including the National Climate Change Policy (2015), which provides a framework for climate change adaptation and mitigation, and the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), which outlines priority actions for building resilience (Ministry of Water and Environment, 2015). Additionally, Uganda has committed to international climate agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, and has submitted its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which outline the country’s targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing climate resilience (UNFCCC, 2021).

In the energy sector, Uganda has also taken steps to promote sustainable energy development through policies such as the National Energy Policy (2002) and the Renewable Energy Policy (2007). These policies aim to increase access to clean and affordable energy, reduce reliance on biomass, and promote renewable energy sources such as solar, hydro, and wind power (Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, 2007). Furthermore, institutions such as the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and the Climate Change Department under the Ministry of Water and Environment have been established to coordinate and implement climate change interventions (NEMA, 2020).

Several institutions have been established at the national level to coordinate and implement these policies. These include:

1. National Environment Management Authority (NEMA): The principal agency responsible for coordinating, monitoring, and supervising environmental management in Uganda, including climate change interventions (NEMA, 2020).
2. Climate Change Department (CCD): Housed under the Ministry of Water and Environment, the CCD is tasked with leading the implementation of Uganda’s climate change policies and strategies (Ministry of Water and Environment, 2015).
3. Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD): Responsible for implementing energy policies, including the promotion of renewable energy and energy efficiency as part of climate change mitigation efforts (Ministry of

Energy and Mineral Development, 2007).

1. National Planning Authority (NPA): This agency plays a key role in integrating climate change considerations into national development plans and strategies (National Planning Authority, 2020).

At the district level, local governments have also established structures to address climate change. These include:

• District Environment Committees (DECs): These committees are responsible for overseeing environmental and climate change activities at the district level, including the implementation of local adaptation plans (NEMA, 2020).
• District Natural Resources Committees: These committees focus on the sustainable management of natural resources, which are critical for climate change adaptation and mitigation (Ministry of Water and Environment, 2015).
• Community-Based Organizations (CBOs): Many districts have CBOs that work directly with communities to implement climate change adaptation projects, such as tree planting, soil conservation, and water harvesting (ACODE, 2023).

In the energy sector, Uganda has also taken steps to promote sustainable energy development through policies such as the National Energy Policy (2002) and the Renewable Energy Policy (2007). These policies aim to increase access to clean and affordable energy, reduce reliance on biomass, and promote renewable energy sources such as solar, hydro, and wind power (Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, 2007).

However, despite these efforts, significant gaps remain in the implementation and effectiveness of these policies. Challenges such as weak enforcement mechanisms, limited institutional capacity, and inadequate funding hinder the full realization of Uganda’s climate and energy goals. Moreover, the integration of climate justice principles—such as equity, inclusivity, and accountability—into policy frameworks remains limited, leaving vulnerable communities disproportionately affected by climate change (ACODE, 2023).

The Advocates Coalition for Development and Environment (ACODE), in collaboration with its partners, is implementing a project aimed at strengthening civic engagement, service delivery, and climate justice in Uganda. As part of this project, ACODE seeks to conduct a study to assess the adequacy of Uganda’s climate and energy policy frameworks in responding to climate change. The study will provide critical insights into the strengths and weaknesses of existing policies, identify gaps, and recommend actionable measures to enhance the country’s climate resilience and energy sustainability.

This study is particularly timely, as Uganda continues to face increasing climate-related challenges that threaten its socio-economic development. By evaluating the adequacy of current policies and frameworks, the study will contribute to the ongoing efforts to build a more resilient and sustainable future for Uganda.

2. Problem Statement

Uganda has made significant strides in addressing climate change through the development of various institutional, legal, and policy frameworks. At the national level, the government has established key policies such as the National Climate Change Policy (2015), the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), and the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. These frameworks aim to guide the country’s efforts in climate change adaptation, mitigation, and resiliencebuilding (Ministry of Water and Environment, 2015; UNFCCC, 2021). Additionally, institutions such as the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and the Climate Change Department (CCD) have been established to coordinate and implement climate change interventions. At the district level, structures like District Environment Committees (DECs) and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) have been formed to support local climate action (NEMA, 2020; ACODE, 2023). Despite these efforts, Uganda remains highly vulnerable to climate change, with significant impacts on its socio-economic development.

However, critical gaps persist in the institutional, legal, and policy frameworks that undermine their effectiveness. Institutionally, there is limited coordination among key stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organisations, and the private sector. This lack of coordination often results in fragmented efforts and duplication of roles, reducing the overall impact of climate interventions (NPA, 2020). Legally, while Uganda has enacted environmental laws, such as the National Environment Act (2019), enforcement remains weak due to inadequate resources, capacity constraints, and limited awareness among local communities (NEMA, 2020). Policy-wise, although frameworks like the National Climate Change Policy and Renewable Energy Policy exist, they often lack clear implementation guidelines, measurable targets, and sufficient funding, which hampers their effectiveness (Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, 2007; Ministry of Water and Environment, 2015).

Implementation challenges further exacerbate these gaps. At the national level, there is often a disconnect between policy formulation and execution, with limited capacity to translate high-level strategies into actionable plans. A major challenge is mainstreaming climate change and climate justice issues across all government programs and sectors. While some sectors, such as agriculture and water, have begun integrating climate change considerations, others, like health, education, and infrastructure, lag behind. This lack of mainstreaming limits the holistic approach to effectively addressing climate change. Additionally, financing challenges pose a significant barrier. Despite the increasing recognition of climate change as a critical issue, funding for climate action remains insufficient, with limited domestic resources and over-reliance on external funding, which is often unpredictable and tied to donor priorities (NPA, 2020; ACODE, 2023).

At the district level, local governments face significant resource constraints, including inadequate funding, technical expertise, and infrastructure, which limit their ability to implement climate change programs effectively. Furthermore, issues of inclusion and marginalization persist, with vulnerable groups such as women, youth, and marginalised communities often excluded from decision-making processes. This exclusion leads to policies that do not fully address their needs, undermining the principles of climate justice, which emphasise equity, participation, and accountability in climate action (Ministry of Water and Environment, 2015). For example, women, who are often the most affected by climate change due to their roles in agriculture and household resource management, are rarely included in the design and implementation of climate policies. Similarly, youth and marginalised communities, such as refugees and indigenous groups, are frequently overlooked, despite their unique vulnerabilities and potential contributions to climate resilience (ACODE, 2023).

This study seeks to address these gaps by providing a comprehensive assessment of Uganda’s climate and energy policy frameworks. It will contribute to filling the knowledge gap by: identifying the strengths and weaknesses of existing institutional, legal, and policy frameworks; highlighting the implementation challenges at both national and local levels, including issues related to mainstreaming climate change, financing, inclusion, and marginalization; assessing the extent to which climate justice principles are integrated into policy frameworks and providing actionable recommendations to strengthen Uganda’s climate and energy policies, ensuring they are more inclusive, effective, and responsive to the needs of vulnerable communities.

By addressing these issues, the study will provide valuable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders, ultimately contributing to more robust and equitable climate action in Uganda.

3. Objectives of the Study

The primary objective of the study is to assess the adequacy of Uganda’s climate and energy policy frameworks in responding to climate change. Specific objectives include:

1. To review and analyse the strengths and gaps of the Climate Change Policy (2015) and the Renewable Energy Policy (2007) with respect to current climate risks, national, regional and international commitments.
2. To establish the status of implementation of the Climate Change Policy (2015) and the Renewable Energy Policy (2007) at the national and sub-national levels.
3. To identify implementation gaps and challenges of these policy frameworks, particularly in addressing the needs of vulnerable communities.
4. To provide actionable recommendations for strengthening Uganda’s climate and energy policies to enhance climate resilience and sustainability.

4. Content Scope

The study will cover the following areas:

• Policy Review: A comprehensive review of National Climate Change Policy (2015) and the Renewable Energy Policy (2007). Reference should be made to other related policies to establish linkages these other policy frameworks.
• Stakeholder Analysis: Identify and analyse key stakeholders involved in the formulation, implementation, and enforcement of climate and energy policies.
• Implementation Assessment: This evaluation includes the effectiveness of policy implementation at national and local levels, including key achievements, gaps and existing challenges.
• Climate Justice Integration: Assessment of how climate justice principles (e.g., equity, inclusivity, and accountability) are integrated into these policy frameworks.
• Case Studies: Identify and document 3 case studies (1 selected from each of the sub-regions) Central, West Nile and Karamoja to understand the local-level implementation of climate and energy policies.
• Recommendations: Development of actionable recommendations for improving the adequacy, implementation, and enforcement of climate and energy policies in Uganda.

5. Key Deliverables and Timeframes

The consultant will be expected to deliver the following:

1. Inception Report: A detailed work plan, methodology and tools for the study must be submitted within one week of contract signing.
2. Draft Report: A comprehensive draft report covering all aspects of the study must be submitted within three weeks of contract signing.
3. Final Report: A finalised report incorporating feedback from ACODE and stakeholders, to be submitted within 4 weeks of contract signing.
4. Presentation: A presentation of key findings and recommendations to ACODE and relevant stakeholders.

6. Duration of the Assignment

The assignment is expected to be completed within 25 days from the date of contract signing.

7. Minimum Qualifications and Experience of the Consultant

The consultant(s) should possess the following qualifications and experience:

1. Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in Environmental Studies, Climate Change, Energy Policy, Public Policy, or a related field.
2. At least 7 years of experience in climate change policy analysis, energy policy, or related fields.
3. Experience conducting similar studies or assessments in Uganda or other developing countries.
4. Strong understanding of Uganda’s climate and energy policy landscape.
5. Excellent analytical, writing, and presentation skills.
6. Experience working with government agencies, civil society organisations, and international development partners.

8. Criteria for Evaluation of the Bid

The evaluation of bids will be based on the following criteria:

9. Submission Guidelines

Interested consultants should submit the following documents:

1. A technical proposal outlining the study's methodology, work plan, and timeline.
2. A detailed budget proposal.
3. CVs of the consultant(s) highlighting relevant experience.
4. Samples of previous similar work (if available).

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: 84

Level of Education: postgraduate degree

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