Business Plan Development for The Seychelles' Conservation and Climate Adaptation Trust (SeyCCAT)
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TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR SHORT-TERM CONSULTANCY
Business Plan Development for The Seychelles’ Conservation and
Climate Adaptation Trust (SeyCCAT)
1. BACKGROUND
The Seychelles’ Conservation and Climate Adaptation Trust (SeyCCAT) is an independent, public-private
trust fund currently managing more than US$ 25 million. SeyCCAT strategically invests in ocean
stakeholders to generate new learning, bold action and sustainable blue prosperity in the Seychelles.
SeyCCAT was originally established in 2015 to manage the US$ 21.6 million innovative debt restructure
between the Government of Seychelles and the Paris Club of creditors, supported by The Nature
Conservancy (TNC). Under the debt conversion, the Government of Seychelles committed to improved
policies and investment around marine conservation and climate change, most notably the development
of a Marine Spatial Plan (MSP) for a 1.35-million-km2 Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), including the
protection of 30% of the EEZ. SeyCCAT provides additional support for the MSP process through grants
and human resources management services.
SeyCCAT initiated their Blue Grants Fund (BGF) in 2017, providing grants to support marine conservation
and investment into the blue economy across the Seychelles. The organization is now recognized to
provide an attractive framework for grants management with an established process, independent
technical evaluators, a Board with both public and private sector representation, and experience of
reporting to international donors.
In 2018, SeyCCAT entered into a further agreement with the Government of Seychelles and the World
Bank to manage 20% of the Seychelles’ US$ 15 million sovereign blue bond, and in 2019, SeyCCAT was
identified as the ideal partner to support the Government of Seychelles in its reputation as a leader in the
Blue Economy and climate change arena. SeyCCAT now manages some US$ 700,000 in BGFs and manages
a project to integrate blue carbon into the nationally determined contributions (NDCs) of the Government
of Seychelles.
The Government of Seychelles is an important partner for SeyCCAT, providing mutually beneficial
opportunities to further the Blue Economy. The composition of the SeyCCAT Board includes a nominee by
the Government of Seychelles as an ex-officio member, as SeyCCAT is guided and affected by national
policies. On October 25th 2020, the Seychelles welcomed a new government alongside a new parliament
providing a new opportunity to re-sensitize and re-vitalize this partnership with the Government of
Seychelles.
2. ORGANIZATIONAL OBJECTIVE
Since its original inception in 2015, SeyCCAT has expanded its remit, increasing the size and scope of its
granting under the BGF but also positioning itself as an ideal financing partner to the national government,
due to its complementary ability to access non-governmental funding.From 2015 to 2020, during the development of the Seychelles MSP, the BGF has sought to fund projects
to increase scientific knowledge of the marine environment that would ultimately feed into the MSP
development and/or review process. In June 2021, the focus of the MSP will turn to implementation.
There is an evident and looming financing gap to ensure that the 410,000 km 2 of marine protected areas
(MPAs) is effectively managed, making sustainable financing of these MPAs critical. 2021 provides an
opportunity for SeyCCAT redefine its role in view of the achievement of this milestone.
Two priorities remain paramount for SeyCCAT. These include identifying a pathway to financial
sustainability post 2022, as well as how to best support the financial sustainability of those MPAs
developed under the Seychelles commitment of 30% protection.
3. SCOPE OF WORK
Please note that with the current pandemic, this consultancy is expected to be undertaken virtually, (at
least for the first half of 2021). SeyCCAT from the Seychelles office will facilitate organizing meetings
with local stakeholders.
There is an immediate need for SeyCCAT to develop a business plan in light of recent institutional growth,
as well as investigate appropriate financing frameworks under which it can best complement the
Government of Seychelles MSP and Blue Economy development.
The SeyCCAT is seeking a consultant or consultants to develop the following:
I. SeyCCAT Business Plan;
II. MPA Financing Plans for two Seychelles MPAs developed under the recent national MSP
initiative; and
III. Design one Blue Finance Pilot Project, connecting blue finance to MPA management within one
of the selected MPA sites as defined in the MPA Finance Plan.
I. SeyCCAT BUSINESS PLAN
The development of the SeyCCAT Business Plan will take a two-phased approach:
PHASE 1. Business Plan Development
PHASE 2. SeyCCAT Business Communication Planning
PHASE 1. BUSINESS PLAN DEVELOPMENT
SeyCCAT’s business plan should be developed around three priority areas:
1. Identifying a pathway to financial sustainability post-2022;
2. Identifying opportunities for SeyCCAT to redefine its role as a finance partner to the Government
of Seychelles;
3. Identifying options for SeyCCAT to support implementation and financing of the national MSP
initiative and MPAs.In order to develop a business plan, the consultant or consultancy will review SeyCCAT’s current business
model, prioritize current activities and program, and financing options, as well as identify potential
opportunities to increase SeyCCAT’s size, reach and impact in the coming years. The business plan should
be developed with consider of Seychelles’ national goals and priorities moving forward.
The business plan will provide an outlook over a 5–10-year period and include three possible business
outlooks ranging from a minimal, fiscally conservative plan to more optimistic, larger-growth scenario.
The exact nature of these business outlooks is to be developed with SeyCCAT during the course of this
consultancy.
The final business plan should include (but is not limited to) the following components:
1. An updated Strategic Plan which updates the current SeyCCAT Strategy22 based on SeyCCATs
growing role within the Seychelles’ Blue Economy. This should focus on updating, where
necessary, SeyCCAT’s vision and priority activities in light of this expanded role as well as
progression of the MSP process from planning to implementation phases.
2. Development of three outlook scenarios for SeyCCAT management and administration. Outlooks
should identify priority activities for SeyCCAT under a minimal, a mid-range, and an optimistic
revenue-generating scenario. Each scenario should present recommendations for operational
capacity and personnel needs, priority actions, and outcomes for SeyCCAT, as well as SeyCCAT’s
future vision and mission.
3. A Costing Analysis which outlines the estimated cost of SeyCCAT administration and
programmatic functions over 5–10-year period across the three outlook scenarios.
4. A Revenue Analysis that outlines at least 3–5 viable revenue-generating options to increase
SeyCCAT’s annual income. The financial mechanisms should be chosen in consultation with
SeyCCAT stakeholders and with consideration of previous financial analyses, including those laid
out in the SeyCCAT Strategy22, and is to include implementation of a potential green-fee
mechanism. New resource mobilization opportunities not previously considered are also
encouraged.
5. As part of the revenue analysis, a detailed Actionable Roadmap to implementation should be
developed for a potential green-fee mechanism and at least two other promising mechanisms,
including identification of any legal requirements and/or implications of each mechanism.
6. A Multi-year Financial Plan which covers a 5–10-year period, where 10 years would be the ideal.
The financial plan should include the three outlook scenarios as defined under this consultation.
The financial plan should be developed with the mindset of achieving financial resilience through
a portfolio approach as well as consideration of cost efficiencies and in-kind support.
7. The financial plan should also include recommendations for the design on an overarching
Financial Framework for SeyCCAT priority actions to complement Government spending on MSP
and MPA management. The design of this infrastructure will be carried out in close consultation
with Government stakeholders and linked to the MPA sustainable financing plans as defined
under this TOR.
8. A Business Plan Narrative document should identify key programmatic and financial goals, how
to achieve them, and what milestones should be used to measure progress. This written report
will be presented as the main deliverable to SeyCCAT staff and board members.PHASE 2. BUSINESS COMMUNICATION PLANNING
As previously noted, due to COVID, it is anticipated that this consultancy will be carried out remotely
with support from the SeyCCAT office. As such, the TOR asks for planning documents only. On-the-
ground activities being carried out by SeyCCAT staff and local consultants. If travel is permitted during
2021, and it is safe for all parties to do so, the TOR is open to enabling the consultants to lead these
activities as well as allowing for additional travel budget.
Once developed, it will be important to familiarize key stakeholders with SeyCCAT’s new Business Plan.
As such, the TOR retains some budget for the development of SeyCCAT communication tools.
The Communication Tools should include:
1. A concise Business Plan Marketing Document that can be shared with stakeholders, in particular
government and future funder audiences. The final format for the marketing material will be
determined through consultations with the SeyCCAT CEO, however it should be a stand-alone
document that highlights key messages from the business narrative in an easy-to-follow format.
2. A Business Plan Presentation that can easily be shared with key stakeholder by SeyCCAT Board
and Secretariat. As with the marketing document, the presentation should highlight key messages
from the business narrative in an easy-to-follow format.
3. A one-day (virtual) Meeting with SeyCCAT Board and Secretariat do discuss implementation and
alignment of SeyCCAT Business Plan;
4. A two-day Retreat Workplan for SeyCCAT Board Members and immediate SeyCCAT stakeholders.
The retreat/workshop should focus on finalizing SeyCCAT’s newly developed business approach
with stakeholders. The workplan should allow for one/one half day for SeyCCAT Board
negotiations only.
ACTIVITIES ON WHICH DEVELOPMENT OF SEYCCAT BUSINESS PLAN SHOULD BE BASED:
+ SWOT analysis of SeyCCAT’s current business model;
+ Desktop review of existing SeyCCAT documents and workshop reports;
+ Stakeholder interviews and consultations, including SeyCCAT staff, SeyCCAT Technical Work
Group (TWG), Government partners, other relevant stakeholders;
+ Consultation with partners working on Seychelles’ Blue Economy work; and
+ At least one SeyCCAT Business Planning and Development Stakeholder Engagement
Workshop to discuss and ground truth business development strategy (Phase 1);
+ A SeyCCAT Strategy and Communication Retreat/Workshop (Phase 2).DELIVERABLES FOR SEYCATT BUSINESS PLAN:
All materials to be submitted to the CEO of SeyCCAT unless otherwise stated.
Phase 1: Business Plan Development
+ Inception Report
+ SWOT Analysis of SeyCCAT’s current business model;
+ Periodic Work Progress Reports as agreed between the consultant and SeyCCAT;
+ At least one SeyCCAT Business Planning and Development Stakeholder Engagement
Workshop and Report;
+ Presentation of Draft Business Plan to the SeyCCAT Board, Secretariat and Finance
Committee for feedback and editing; and
+ SeyCCAT Business Plan including financial roadmaps, and marketing document, along with
consultation records (documented in minutes and notes) for submission to the CEO of
SeyCCAT.
Phase 2: SeyCCAT Business Communication Planning
+ Inception Report
+ Presentation of Draft Marketing Document and Presentation to the SeyCCAT Board,
Secretariat and Finance Committee for feedback and editing;
+ SeyCCAT Marketing Document;
+ SeyCCAT Business Plan Presentation; and
+ Retreat/Workshop Workplan and Report.
II. MPA FINANCE PLAN FOR TWO MPAS
Financing strategies for two national MPAs are to be developed. These financial plans will build off the
management frameworks and plans of the selected MPAs, which should be selected through consultation
with SeyCCAT and government stakeholders. At least one of the selected MPAs for analysis will be a
remote, open water MPA with a more limited portfolio of revenue options relative to those more
accessible parks.
Similar to the business planning document, the financial plans for each MPA should include (but is not
limited to):
1. A Costing Analysis that outlines the estimated cost of MPA management over 5–10-year period.
Costs should be broken down to include budget and programmatic needs. Depending on the
selected site, the costing analysis should include a lower bound and higher bound cost estimate;
these scenarios are to be developed in consultation with MPA staff and SeyCCAT and may include
passive and/or active management scenarios.
2. A Revenue Analysis that outlines viable revenue-generating options for MPA management. The
analysis should include a review of existing revenue streams as well as identification of new or
innovative mechanisms. Two financial mechanisms should be prioritized for implementation, or
if already existing, improved design. Selected financing options should be directly linked to cost
estimates and MPA management plans. Where possible, site-specific financing mechanisms
should be prioritized. The revenue analysis should provide a detailed road map for
implementation for any selected financing options.3. The revenue analysis will be supported by a Review of current/draft MPA Regulations and
Legislation, which may support or hinder mechanism uptake and utilization at the site level. Any
necessary legislative opportunities/barriers will be highlighted, alongside recommendations for a
roadmap/pathway to implementation.
4. A Multi-year Financial Plan that covers a 5–10-year period, where 10 years would be the ideal.
The financial plan should include a low-cost management scenario alongside a more optimal
management scenario.
ACTIVITIES ON WHICH DEVELOPMENT OF MPA FINANCE PLAN SHOULD BE BASED:
+ Review of all MPA management and business planning documents;
+ Review of Seychelles MSP Initiative, national goals and priorities, including blue economy
road maps and action plans;
+ Review of previous feasibility assessment(s) on Blue Enterprise Fund;
+ Review of current legislation/regulations as they relate to implementation of financing
mechanisms in the Seychelles;
+ Stakeholder interviews and consultations, including MPA staff, SeyCCAT Technical Work
Group (TWG), Government partners, other relevant stakeholders; and
+ Consultation with partners working on Seychelles Blue Economy work;
DELIVERABLES FOR MPA FINANCE PLAN:
All materials to be submitted to the CEO of SeyCCAT unless otherwise stated.
+ Inception Report
+ Periodic Work Progress Reports as agreed between the consultant and SeyCCAT;
+ Presentation of Draft MPA Finance Plans for each of two MPA sites to the SeyCCAT Board,
Secretariat and Finance Committee, MPA Managers and relevant Government agencies for
feedback and editing; and
+ Final MPA Finance Plans for two MPA sites, along with consultation records (documented
in minutes and notes) for submission to the SeyCCAT CEO.
III. DESIGN OF ONE BLUE FINANCE PILOT PROJECT
The consultant/consultancy will design a pilot project investigating the potential for blue finance to fund
MPA implementation under the Seychelles’ national MSP. The selected project site will be based on results
from Output II of this TOR “MPA Financial Plan”. The goal of the pilot is to take a deeper dive into applying
the road maps as defined under Output II 2. The hope is that these pilot project will be implemented at a
later stage and present real-world case studies for the Seychelles’ MSP.
This work should start with a country-wide assessment of all financing mechanisms relevant to MPA
funding within the Seychelles. This review should highlight current MPA financing mechanisms and
opportunities for improving current systems as well as development of new innovative mechanisms. This
work should form the ground work for the design of one Blue Finance Pilot Project.The design-phase of this pilot project should detail an in-depth real-world plan for the implementation of
the road maps as identified under Output II 2 of this TOR.
It is anticipated that the design of this pilot project will:
• Identify relevant stakeholders of MPA implementation and finance;
• Identify all tangible financing mechanisms relevant to the selected MPA site;
• Prioritize one or two financing mechanisms for deeper dive;
• Identify enabling conditions for implementation of selected financing mechanisms and revenue
collection, including regulatory, legislative as well as any site-specific conditions that could
impede development of financing system;
• Develop appropriate finance collection and delivery systems;
• Develop a methodology and indicators for monitoring finance flows;
• Develop methodology and framework for project implementation and timeline; and
• Determine SeyCCAT’s role in supporting financing needs and financing infrastructure of respective
MPA.
Pilot design should be developed in partnership with with SeyCCAT staff as well as MPA practitioners and
relevant Government agencies. However, preference is given to those MPA site that are more remote,
deep water areas which have more limited revenue options.
ACTIVITIES ON WHICH DESIGN OF PILOT PROJECT SHOULD BE BASED:
+ Review of current financing mechanisms currently used within the Seychelles MPA, relevant
global MPAs and any other relevant field;
+ Review of MPA management and business planning documents;
+ Stakeholder analysis;
+ Stakeholder interviews and consultations, including MPA Managers, SeyCCAT Technical
Work Group (TWG), Government partners, other relevant stakeholders; and
+ Review of current legislation/regulations as they relate to implementation of financing
mechanisms in the Seychelles;
+ Review of ongoing Seychelles Blue Economy work and feasibility analyses;
+ Review of Blue Finance best practices and relevant case studies; and
+ Stakeholder engagement workshop(s) to enable feedback on selected mechanism.
DELIVERABLES FOR DESIGN OF PILOT PROJECT:
All materials to be submitted to the CEO of SeyCCAT unless otherwise stated.
+ Inception Report
+ Periodic Work Progress Reports as agreed between the consultant and SeyCCAT;
+ Review of current country-wide MPA financing infrastructure/options;
+ Presentation of Draft Pilot Project Design to the MPA manager, SeyCCAT Board, Secretariat
and Finance Committee for feedback and editing; and
+ Final MPA Blue Finance Pilot Project Design, including methodology/in-depth road map for
implementation4. DELIVERABLES & TIMELINE
The consultancy is expected to start January 2021. The consultant will be required to produce the
following deliverables according to the timeline:
DELIVERABLES DUE
I. SEYCCAT BUSINESS PLAN JUNE 2021
+ Inception Report Jan 2021
Phase 1: Business Plan Development
+ SWOT Analysis of SeyCCAT’s current business model
+ Periodic Work Progress Reports as agreed between the consultant and
SeyCCAT
+ At least one Stakeholder Engagement Workshop to discuss and ground
truth business development strategy
+ Presentation of Draft Business Plan to the SeyCCAT Board, Secretariat and
Finance Committee for feedback and editing
+ SeyCCAT Business Plan including financial roadmaps, and marketing June 2021
document, along with consultation records (documented in minutes and
notes) for submission to the CEO of SeyCCAT
Phase 2: SeyCCAT Business Communication Planning
+ Presentation of Draft Marketing Document and Presentation to the
SeyCCAT Board, Secretariat and Finance Committee for feedback and
editing
+ SeyCCAT Marketing Document July 2021
+ SeyCCAT Business Plan Presentation July 2021
+ Retreat/Workshop Workplan and Report Aug 2021
II. MPA FINANCE PLAN FOR TWO MPAS OCT 2021
+ Inception Report
+ Periodic Work Progress Reports as agreed between the consultant and
SeyCCAT
+ Presentation of Draft MPA Finance Plans for each of two MPA sites to the
SeyCCAT Board, Secretariat and Finance Committee, MPA Managers and
relevant Government agencies for feedback and editing
+ Final MPA Finance Plans for two MPA sites, along with consultation records Oct 2021
(documented in minutes and notes) for submission to the SeyCCAT CEO
III. BLUE FINANCE PILOT PROJECTS DEC 2021
+ Inception Report
+ Periodic Work Progress Reports as agreed between the consultant and
SeyCCAT
+ Review of current country-wide MPA financing infrastructure/options
+ Presentation of Draft Pilot Project Design to the MPA manager, SeyCCAT
Board, Secretariat and Finance Committee for feedback and editing
+ Final MPA Blue Finance Pilot Project Design, including methodology/in- Dec 2021
depth road map for implementation5. TYPE OF CONTRACT
This is expected to be a 90+ day contract over a 12-month short-term international consultancy.
6. RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
The consultant shall report on any matter pertaining to the task directly to the SeyCCAT CEO who will
responsible for the effective implementation of the assignment. This arrangement will be further
elaborated at the inception phase.
7. QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS REQUIRED
The consultant should have the following minimum qualifications:
+ Master’s Degree in business development, law, environmental economics, natural resource
management, or related social sciences;
+ Minimum 7 years of demonstrable experience in the field of biodiversity conservation focused on
conservation financing, business development, planning and implementation.
+ At least 5 years’ experience in leading development and financing conservation enterprise and
private-public partnerships (PPPs);
+ Proven experience in community development activities, preferably in implementing income
generating activities and strategies, micro-finance and eco-tourism;
+ Experience working with Trust Funds;
+ Good understanding and knowledge of environmental sector financing issues in the small island
developing States will be an asset;
+ Experience in conducting risk analysis, impact assessments and business models;
+ Demonstrated ability to understand, negotiate, and/or oversee the development of public-private
alliances and partnerships related to impact investment;
+ Knowledge on governance systems and local laws desirable;
+ Experience working in development off PPPs internationally is desired.
The consultant should have the following competencies:
+ Excellent speaking and writing skills in English;
+ High level planning, organizational and time management skills, including flexibility, attention to
detail and the ability to work under pressure to meet challenging deadlines;
+ Analytical and problem-solving skills of a high order, including the ability to formulate
recommendations and advise senior management on tackling difficult scenarios;
+ Leadership qualities, including the ability to make sound judgment and to meet challenges
constructively and creatively;
+ Excellent interpersonal skills, including ability to establish strong cooperative relationships with
senior government officials, civil society and donors;
+ Ability to quickly adapt to change, and to remain calm under pressure;
+ Proven cross-cultural communication and the ability to function effectively in an international,
multicultural environment; and
+ Experience with working in the Seychelles context and/or small island developing States.8. APPLICATIONS Applications may be submitted by email or as hard copies in sealed envelopes, sent or delivered to the below named person at SeyCCAT, Oceangate House. Applications must include the following: • A cover letter describing experience and qualifications and full curriculum vitae. • A simple workplan or time line • A financial proposal linked to the work plan • Mark proposals as SeyCCAT Business Plan NOTE: applications from women are encouraged. Proposals should be sent to: Angelique Pouponneau Seychelles Conservation and Climate Adaptation Trust Oceangate House, Room 109, Flamboyant Avenue, Victoria, Mahe, Seychelles. E-mail: info@seyccat.org Closing Date: December 1st, 2020 (Late submissions will not be considered. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted).
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