Iraq: Study on Investments in Water-Energy-Food (WEF) nexus, focusing on promoting Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) (Consultancy)

Apr 20, 2025 | Oxfam
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Oxfam is a global movement of people who are fighting inequality to end poverty and injustice. Across regions, from the local to the global, Oxfam works with people to bring change that lasts. Its work is grounded in the commitment to the universality of human rights. Driven by diversity and founding our asks in evidence and experience, Oxfam takes sides against poverty and injustice everywhere. Feminist approaches guide all its analysis, action and interaction.

 

 

Introduction

 

The current trends of increasing population, rising incomes, urbanization and resource extraction are putting pressure on natural and built systems to provide clean and adequate water, nutritious and affordable food, as well as sustainable and secure energy. The linkages between water, food, and energy sectors are now well articulated in the form of Water-Energy-Food (WEF) nexus approach and the nexus is considered significant for sustainable development. Considering the interdependence, an integrated approach is important and urgent as pressures increase in each sector. Therefore, through relevant policies and actions, work on the nexus can minimize the negative consequences for each sector and ensure that two, or all three benefit and reinforce each other positively. Promoting investments and public-private partnerships (PPPs) within WEF models can enhance resource efficiency, resilience, and economic growth and climate action.

 

Purpose of the Consultancy

 

Oxfam is looking for a consultant or team of consultants to undertake a study on the current investment landscape and opportunities in WEF nexus models, identify key stakeholders, and recommend strategies to attract PPPs and investments in the sector focusing on Al-Anbar and Saladin Governorate, Iraq.

 

 

Objectives

 

The primary objectives of the study are to:

 

  • Assess the investment landscape for WEF models, including public, private, and blended finance.
  • Identify barriers and opportunities for investment and PPPs in WEF nexus models.
  • Propose strategies and practical recommendations to enhance PPPs and attract investment in WEF projects.
  • Develop an action plan for strengthening PPPs and increasing private sector involvement in sustainable WEF investments.

 

Scope of Work

 

The Consultant(s) will carry out the following tasks:

 

Desk Research

 

  • Review existing literature on WEF nexus models and their financing mechanisms.
    • Conduct a comparative analysis of global and regional best practices in WEF investments and PPPs.

 

Stakeholder Mapping and Analysis

 

  • Identify key stakeholders in the WEF sector, including government agencies, private sector actors, financial institutions, development banks, academia, and civil society.
  • Analyze the roles and interests of stakeholders in supporting PPPs and investment in WEF models through stakeholder engagement (interviews, focus groups discussions, consultations)

 

Assessing the Nexus and the Investment Landscape

 

  • Assess the current state of water, energy, and food security in the context of natural, built, and social capital.
  • Assess the nexus relationships in the context of past stressors and future risks.
  • Analyze existing policy, regulatory frameworks, and incentives that impact investment and PPPs in the WEF sector.
  • Assess the current investment trends, challenges, and barriers in the WEF sector.
  • Identify potential investment opportunities, business models, and revenue streams for PPPs within the WEF nexus.
  • Document insights about how investments, policies and actions are likely to impact WEF security.

 

Investing in a WEF

 

  • Based on findings, develop an actionable roadmap, i.e., a specific investment strategy for promoting PPPs and attracting investment in WEF models.
  • Include a monitoring and evaluation framework to assess progress and outcomes.

 

 

Deliverables

 

Inception Report: Outlining methodology, work plan, and timeline for the study.

Interim Report: Preliminary findings, including an overview of the nexus and investment landscape, stakeholder analysis, and key challenges.

Final Report: Includes an executive summary, full analysis, recommendations, and the action plan after incorporating feedback.

Presentation to Stakeholders: Summarizing key findings, recommendations, and the action plan to relevant stakeholders, including public, private, and civil society representatives in Arabic and English languages.

 

Proposal requirements

 

  • Oxfam is requesting the service providers to hand in a proposal of maximum three (3) pages, which should highlight the methodology and analytical approaches that the consultant will employ for acquiring and analyzing data.
  • The types of data(sets) that will be used; an analysis plan; and a workplan.
  • The proposal should also include description of consultant’s capacities, and any relevant experience related to the ToR.
  • The 3-page proposal does not include biographies, CVs, sample work and references, which should be submitted separately.
  • The applicant must submit the financial offer in Iraqi Dinars exclusively.
  • Proposals not fulfilling the minimum criteria will be excluded from the tender procedure and will not be assessed further.

 

Competences

 

  • Advance degree in Economics, Agriculture, Sustainable Development, Environmental Science, Development studies or any other relevant field.
  • Capacity and capability to collect primary data efficiently in Anbar and Saladin Governorates in Iraq.
  • The consultant should have significant knowledge and experience in Water, energy, and food systems, especially within integrated nexus models.
  • Knowledge and experience of public-private partnerships and investment strategies, policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, and development economics is required.
  • Experience in Iraq and MENA region is an asset.
  • Proficiency in English and in Arabic.

 

Ethical considerations

 

  • Ensure participants are fully informed about the study and consent to participate.
  • Protect the privacy and confidentiality of participants.

 

 

Education

 

Advance degree in Sociology, Gender studies, Environmental Science, Development studies or any other relevant field. Academic training or degree combining social studies and climate science and climate change related matters is highly preferable.

 

Knowledge and Experience

 

  • In-depth knowledge of the constraints and best practices on justice between women and men and the particular barriers women face in fully benefiting from and participating in climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.
  • At least three (3) years of conducting multi-dimensional analysis and mainstreaming justice between women and men into climate risk management, development, environmental management and related field.