Consultancy services to assist the Embassy of Denmark in Rwanda with the identification and formulation of a potential new development programme in circular economy and sustainable solid waste management in Rwanda.

Description Brief background. Rwanda is experiencing rapid population growth, urbanisation, and changing consumption patterns, resulting in increased waste generation and pressure on infrastructure, natural resources, and waste management systems. While the country has made significant progress through strong environmental policies, including the National Integrated Solid Waste Management Strategy (2022–2035), the National Circular Economy Action Plan, and the ban on non-biodegradable plastics, challenges remain in implementation. Key gaps include limited waste collection coverage, recycling capacity, infrastructure, data systems, and institutional coordination. A significant share of waste remains uncollected or underutilised, creating environmental, public health, and climate risks. However, the waste sector presents major opportunities for climate mitigation and green growth through improved collection, recycling, composting, landfill gas recovery, waste-to-energy solutions, and increased private sector engagement. Denmark has decided to strengthened its partnership with Rwanda, with the establishment of a Danish Embassy in Kigali in 2025 and ongoing cooperation in the areas of migration and refugees, climate and environment, and governance and human rights. In the environment and climate area, Denmark currently supports initiatives related to wetland restoration, green private sector transition, and clean cooking solutions through partnerships with multilateral organisations and national actors. As part of Denmark’s continued engagement, new avenues are being explored to strengthen cooperation with Rwanda within the field of environment and climate. This creates a need to identify strategic opportunities and formulate a potential programme particularly in circular economy and sustainable solid waste management. Purpose The overall purpose of the assignment is to support the Embassy of Denmark in Rwanda in scoping possible support options in the areas of circular economy and sustainable solid waste management in Rwanda with a view to identifying and formulating a potential new programme to be part of Denmark’s sector engagement in the next 3-4 years. Objective The objective of the consultancy services is, in consultation with potential partners and relevant key stakeholders in Rwanda, to facilitate the development of a potential new programme and prepare the programme documents and related annexes in line with the Aid Management Guidelines (AMG), for approval, financing, and implementation over the 2027–2029 period. Scope of work The assignment will take place in Denmark with at least 2-week field mission to Rwanda between September and October 2026. The scope of work for this assignment is linked to the following responsibilities: 1. Analyse the context, including political economy, Danish interests, key actors, poverty implications, and other relevant factors. 2. Review lessons learned from previous programmes, research, and ongoing donor initiatives. 3. Produce ideas for the overall strategic programme direction and orientation and it’s subsequent Theory of Change (ToC) and potential partners. These ideas should be well documented in programme identification report which will be discussed and validated with potential partners and the Embassy in Kigali. 4. Undertake (if necessary) more specific analysis and consultations with stakeholders and beneficiaries. 5. Following consultations and field mission to Rwanda, draft the programme document and budget in line with the AMG and Financial Management Guidelines (FMG) guidelines and templates. 6. Present the draft programme documents and annexes to the Embassy, and other relevant stakeholders including GoR partners for discussion and validation. 7. Based on the feedback, finalize the programme documents and annexes. The Embassy might require further document revision after quality assurance (appraisal) process. Methodology The assignment will apply a combination of desk reviews, stakeholder consultations, and a field mission to Rwanda. The consultant will engage with government of Rwanda officials, potential partners, and key actors in the circular economy and waste management sector to gather insights, identify opportunities, and ensure alignment with existing initiatives while avoiding duplication and promoting synergies. Team composition. The Embassy is flexible regarding the composition of the consultancy team to allow applicants to propose the most suitable team structure for the assignment as per specifications in the Terms of Reference. Timing of the contract The assignment is expected to start early September 2026 and be completed by end January 2027. It will include a field mission to Rwanda between September and October 2026 (Exact dates TBD). The assignment is expected to require approximately 336 working hours for completion. Estimated budget The estimated budget for this assignment is a maximum of DKK 440,000 (net of VAT) inclusive of consultant fees and all reimbursable expenses. Deadline for application 14.07.2026 at 14:00 Danish time Interested Consultants can request to get the instructions prepared for applicants by e-mail to the Contact person stated below Contact point Embassy of Denmark in Rwanda. Contact person Livingstone Mugisha Contact e-mail livimu@um.dk Criteria for selection A minimum of three and a maximum of five applicants with references best suited for the assignment will be invited to submit a tender.