Within FGMC, RFN’s consumer-country work focuses on engaging market and finance-sector actors whose decisions influence global timber supply chains. China is a key consumer-country market for timber and wood products. 

To support FGMC-related research and engagement activities on timber supply chains and forest-risk in China, RFN seeks to engage a China-based consultant to provide project-based engagement, coordination, and advisory support, including facilitating dialogue, supporting workshops and visits, and contextualising research outputs for relevant stakeholders. 

The consultancy is time-bound, non-exclusive, and focused on supporting engagement activities rather than representing RFN or undertaking operational roles. 

Location 
China (home-based / consultant’s own premises). RFN will not provide office space or permanent facilities. 

Contract period and level of effort 

The contract period will run from July 2026 to December 2027. 

The consultancy will comprise of up to 200 working days over the contract period. 
The working days represent a maximum level of effort over the full calendar period and do not imply continuous or regular work. Specific tasks and use of days will be agreed in advance on a task-by-task basis. 

Purpose 

The purpose of this consultancy is to support RFN’s engagement activities in China related to timber supply chains and forest-risk, by facilitating external engagement opportunities, supporting the communication and contextualisation of research findings, and providing advisory input based on industry and market experience. 

The consultant will provide project-based, advisory and facilitative support, without representing RFN in a formal capacity or being integrated into RFN’s operational structures. 

Scope of work 

The consultancy will comprise of engagement, advisory, and coordination activities to support RFN’s China-facing work on timber supply chains and forest-risk. This may include: 

1. Stakeholder identification and engagement facilitation 

• Identifying and proposing relevant Chinese stakeholders across the timber industry, related manufacturing sectors, and financial institutions (including banks, trade finance providers, investors, and industry associations). 

• Advising RFN on appropriate engagement formats (e.g. workshops, roundtables, briefings) suited to different stakeholder groups and objectives. 

2. Contextualisation of RFN’s work 

• Supporting RFN in framing research findings and engagement activities in a manner appropriate to the Chinese policy, industry, and financial-sector context. 

• Providing contextual advice on how timber and forest-risk issues are discussed within Chinese industry and finance communities. 

3. Communications and information support 

• Supporting the translation and adaptation of selected RFN research outputs and briefing materials into Simplified Chinese, or coordinating translation where appropriate. 

• Advising on channels and formats for disseminating information to relevant stakeholders. 

4. Engagement activities and workshops 

• Supporting the planning and organisation of engagement activities, including agenda input, participant identification, and logistical coordination. 

• Providing practical support related to venues, service providers, and scheduling. 

5. Coordination of RFN visits 

• Supporting logistical coordination for RFN staff visits to China linked to the consultancy, including meeting scheduling and coordination with external stakeholders. 

6. Advisory input 

• Providing ad hoc advisory input on timber-sector dynamics, stakeholder landscapes, and engagement approaches in China. 

• Sharing insights related to market, policy, and finance-sector developments relevant to RFN’s work. 

The consultant will not: 

• Act as a formal representative of RFN 

• Speak on behalf of RFN without explicit prior agreement 

• Manage RFN staff or internal operational processes 

Deliverables 

Deliverables will be agreed on a task-by-task basis and may include: 

• Engagement plans or concept notes 

• Stakeholder mappings 

• Workshop agendas and summaries 

• Translated or adapted briefing materials 

• Short advisory notes related to engagement activities 

Remuneration 

The consultant will be remunerated on a fee-based, per-day basis, up to the maximum number of working days specified above. 

The total contract value is expected to be in the order of NOK 450,000, exclusive of VAT (MVA). 
Applicable VAT will be handled in accordance with Norwegian regulations for remotely deliverable services. The consultant shall be responsible for the payment of any applicable local taxes, duties, or VAT arising from the execution of this consultancy. Final amounts may vary depending on the agreed daily rate, actual number of days commissioned, and applicable exchange rates.  

Qualifications, skills, and experience 

The consultant should demonstrate: 

• Relevant professional experience in the timber, forestry, wood-products, or related natural-resource sectors, preferably linked to China. 

• Experience in industry-facing, market-facing, or advisory roles. 

• Experience engaging with financial institutions or investors on commodities, supply chains, ESG, or risk management is a strong asset. 

• Demonstrated experience supporting or organising workshops, meetings, or stakeholder engagement activities. 

• Strong understanding of the Chinese market and stakeholder landscape. 

• Ability to communicate clearly in English and Simplified Chinese. 

• Ability to work independently and deliver agreed outputs to deadline. 

Formal education may be compensated by relevant professional experience. 

Evaluation of proposals 

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria: 

• Relevant experience and expertise related to the assignment – 40% 

• Understanding of the assignment and local context – 25% 

• Relevant language skills (English and Simplified Chinese) – 15% 

• Overall value for money – 20% 

Proposal submission 

Eligibility and legal status 

Bidders must be legally registered entities or independent consultants in good standing with relevant tax and VAT authorities. 

Language 

All proposals must be submitted in English. 

Deadline and submission method 

Proposals must be submitted electronically by 16th February, 2026. Late submissions will not be considered. 

Proposal structure 

The proposal should include: 

• Consultant or company profile (incl. CVs) 

• Relevant experience and references 

• Proposed daily rate and cost structure 

Sustainability considerations 

RFN encourages consultants to consider environmentally responsible practices in the delivery of this assignment, including minimising unnecessary travel and prioritising digital engagement where appropriate. 

Ethical standards and integrity 
The consultant is expected to adhere to high standards of professional and ethical conduct. Any potential conflicts of interest must be disclosed. Confidential information obtained during the assignment must be handled responsibly and not disclosed without prior consent from RFN. 

Confidentiality and data protection 

All information shared in connection with this assignment shall be treated as confidential and used solely for the purposes of carrying out the consultancy. The consultant must comply with applicable data protection and privacy regulations. 

Contact information 

Questions related to this Invitation to Tender may be directed to: 
Abhimanyu Manimaran (Abhi), Rainforest Foundation Norway 
Email: abhi@rainforest.no 

RFN reserves the right to reject any or all proposals or cancel the tender process without incurring liability.