Call for Proposals: Evaluation of the Isolated Peoples Corridor (IPC) Initiative

By Rainforest Foundation Norway.
Last updated 30. June 2026

1. Background

Rainforest Foundation Norway (RFN) is seeking a qualified consultant or team of consultants to conduct an evaluation of its Isolated Peoples Corridor (IPC) Initiative. For over two decades, Indigenous organizations in Brazil and Peru with RFN support have protected Indigenous Peoples in Isolation and Initial Contact (PIACI) within the Yavarí-Tapiche and Pano-Arawak transboundary corridors. This initiative has been elevated to a core thematic priority for RFN, and this evaluation will generate actionable evidence to guide its strategic development, improve program design, and strengthen learning systems.

2. Objective

The primary purpose of this evaluation is to provide a systematic and comparative assessment of the IPC-initiative, focusing on results achieved and the added value of its binational approach. It will identify patterns, success factors, and constraints across Brazil and Peru to inform RFN's future strategy and enhance its Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) systems.

3. Scope

The evaluation will cover activities in the Brazilian and Peruvian Amazon (Yavarí-Tapiche and Pano-Arawak corridors) with a primary focus on the current phase (2023–2026), including the BMZ co-funded period. The work will involve a hybrid approach with extensive remote consultations and at least one field visit to each country.

4. Key Evaluation Questions

The evaluation will explore:

Global best practices in PIACI protection and alignment with the IPC initiative.

The contribution of the initiative to PIACI protection and Indigenous governance.

The added value and effectiveness of the binational approach.

How different components (platforms, advocacy, monitoring) function together as a system.

Lessons learned for scaling the approach within RFN's portfolio.

Strategic recommendations for strengthening RFN's positioning and MEL systems, including the programs gender and generational focus

Cost efficiency of the program

5. Deliverables

The consultant will deliver:

An Inception Report detailing methodology and workplan.
A Literature and Portfolio Review Brief.
A Draft Evaluation Report for review.
A Validation Seminar/Presentation of findings.
A Final Evaluation Report (max. 30 pages) and a 2-page Executive Summary in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

6. Timeline

The consultancy is expected to run from July to December 2026. A detailed timeline will be agreed upon with the selected consultant.

7. Required Qualifications

Proven experience in evaluating PIACI work in forest contexts with Indigenous Peoples will be considered as an asset but is not mandatory

In-depth knowledge of the territorial context in the Brazilian and Peruvian Amazon.

Expertise in designing and performing qualitative and quantitative data collection, including contribution analysis.

Demonstrated expertise in gender, youth & inclusion, and participatory validation approaches.

Excellent track record in preparing well-written reports on time.

Language competence: English and at least one team member must be fluent in Spanish and Portuguese.

8. Proposal Submission

Interested candidates or teams should submit their proposals electronically by 15.07.2026.

Proposal Requirements:

CV(s) of all team members and a summary of qualifications.

Proposed methodology and timetable (max 2 pages).

A financial offer (not exceeding NOK 500,000).

At least two references for similar work.

9. Evaluation of Proposals

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

Understanding of the assignment and methodology: 50%

Past experience and competency on Indigenous peoples, local communities and people in voluntary isolation: 30%

Budget proposal: 20%

For complete details, including the full Terms of Reference (ToR) and evaluation questions, please refer to the below ToR or visit our website.

For any questions about the Call/Terms of Reference, please contact: Luis Miguel Arroyo, Senior Adviser, MEL and Capacity Building, Peru and Colombia programme luis.a@rainforest.no

Terms of Reference: Evaluation of RFN’s Work on the Isolated Indigenous Peoples’ Territorial Corridor Initiative

1) Background

Over the past two decades, Rainforest Foundation Norway has supported partner organizations and indigenous communities in Peru and Brazil in documenting the presence of and advocating for the protection of Indigenous Peoples in Isolation and Initial Contact (https://youtu.be/Jnz64t1m0u4?si=nMgI6wjwK-g9zmEU) (PIACI) along the Peru-Brazil border. This long-term engagement has contributed to the identification of two major transboundary territorial corridors: Yavarí-Tapiche and Pano-Arawak. The corridors retain approximately 95% intact well-preserved forests, and support exceptionally high levels of biodiversity. Together, these are home to the largest known concentration of Indigenous Peoples in voluntary isolation and are critical to their survival and self-determination. The contiguous territories inhabited by isolated indigenous peoples were identified in the late 1990s. RFN has contributed to protect these areas since early 2004 (https://www.regnskog.no/uploads/documents/RFN-Solutions-Booklet-v2.pdf) by supporting partners’ work in the territory and taking the next step by strategizing the protection work with a binational approach through establishing the Isolated Indigenous Peoples’ Territorial Corridor (IPC) -initiative.

Building on this foundation, RFN and its Brazilian and Peruvian partners have developed a joint innovative and ambitious initiative to safeguard the socio-ecological integrity of these territories. The initiative brings together dozens of indigenous and non-indigenous organizations, as well as hundreds of communities located in the surrounding buffer zones, for one shared objective: to ensure the long-term protection of these highly biodiverse and carbon-rich rainforest ecosystems, and upholding the rights of the Indigenous Peoples living in voluntary isolation and strengthening the well-being and territorial governance of neighbouring indigenous peoples.

This includes a proposed structure to strengthen coordination of protection efforts by establishing “platforms” (Peru) or “networks” (Brazil) on local, regional, national and binational levels in both countries, putting Indigenous leadership at the forefront. The binational coordination, both at local levels in the territory and at higher government and political levels is key due to the transboundary nature of these corridors. Other key elements include capacity building of local Indigenous communities, monitoring activities, targeted advocacy, policy and legal action against deforesting actors. There is an emphasis on collaboration with the government at different levels, as well as other stakeholders.

The Isolated Indigenous Peoples’ Territorial Corridors-initiative aligns with the transformative international momentum surrounding Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IP&LC). Drawing on the mandates of UNFCCC COP26 and COP30, and CBD COP16, these communities are recognized as the primary stewards of global biodiversity and essential leaders in climate mitigation. By working directly with local partners, the initiative ensures long-term integrity of vital ecological corridors. It establishes a strategic buffer against the compounding threats of deforestation, human rights violations and industrial encroachment, ranging from legal logging to drug trafficking. Specifically, it addresses the fragmentation caused by infrastructure and road projects, which pose an existential threat to Indigenous peoples living and isolation and initial contact.

To integrate lessons learned, inform programmatic choices and fulfil organizational learning ambitions, RFN is consolidating findings across its portfolio to define the future trajectory of the initiative. Now elevated to a core thematic priority, the initiative requires a robust, evidence-based foundation (consulting directly to those who hold rights in these territories, as the indigenous peoples and their organizations) to guide the development; expansion, refine strategic definition-making and ensuring continuous quality improvements. This Initiative has been elevated to a thematic priority of RFN, underscoring the need for evidence-base exercise to guide scale-up, refinement of future decisions, and quality improvements.

2) Purpose

The primary purpose of this evaluation is to generate actionable, evidence-based insights to inform RFN’s strategic and programmatic decisions related to the IPC-initiative. It will provide a systematic and comparative assessment of the initiative, with particular emphasis on achieving results and the added value of the binational approach.

Through an evidence-based analysis, this evaluation will identify what has worked, what has not and why, across different levels (local, national, binational) and intervention types. It will assess how the different components of the initiative interact as a system, including governance platforms/networks, capacity building, monitoring and advocacy efforts.

The evaluation will generate a cross-country and cross-portfolio learning, moving beyond project-level analysis to identify patterns, success factors and constraints across Brazil and Peru. The evaluation will also inform the consolidated framework to be in line with the RFN One Result framework and at the same time able to function within the complexity of having several funding streams and countries involved in the initiative.

Ultimately, the findings will be used to strengthen RFN’s strategic positioning, improve program design, and enhance Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) systems, including more consistent results-oriented reporting practices. The final report will be prepared for public dissemination, in line with RFN’s commitment to transparency and knowledge-sharing within the global conservation community, the final evaluation report will be prepared for public dissemination on the organization’s website.

3) Intended Use and Users

Primary users: RFN Program country teams (Brazil and Peru), team leaders, Knowledge & Learning (SALT), and other relevant RFN teams, with key focus on the position of Significance of Forest. Partners and (relevant) donors.

Secondary users: Other allied organizations and the general public.

4) Objectives

Landscape analysis: Review and synthesize relevant academic and grey literature on protection approaches for PIACI, including global and regional best-practices to inform RFN’s strategic development.
Portfolio performance and results synthesis: Assess the results of RFN’s Isolated IP territorial corridors initiative to date by consolidating evidence across projects and countries, with a focus on effectiveness, coherence and added value of the binational approach.
Systems and approach analysis: analyze how the different components of the initiative (e.g. platforms/networks, advocacy, policy engagement, monitoring) function together as an integrated system, including key enablers, bottlenecks, and coordination challenges.
Comparative positioning and added value: Conduct a comparative analysis of RFN’s approach against key actors and initiatives, in order to define RFN’s distinct comparative advantage, niche and potential strategic partnerships.
Cross-country learning and scalability: Identify transferable lessons, success factors, and limitations from Brazil and Peru to inform scaling, replication and adaptation of the IPC-approach within RFN’s broader portfolio.
Strategic recommendations: Provide a practical, prioritized recommendations to: 1) improve program effectiveness and coherence and 2) strengthen MEL systems and adaptive management practices including the programs gender and generational focus.

5) Key Evaluation Questions

EQ1 Landscape analysis: What global and regional best practices for the protection of PIACI can be identified through the synthesis of academic and grey literature, and how transferable are these practices across different socio-political and ecological contexts?

To what extent is the Isolated IP territorial corridors initiative aligned with global and regional best practices, and how relevant is its design in addressing key threats and needs for PIACI protection? What are the current most prominent threats to Indigenous peoples in voluntary isolation and initial contact?

EQ2 Impact and evolution/results so far: To what extent has the IPC-initiative contributed to the protection of PIACI territories and the strengthening of Indigenous governance across Brazil and Peru? To what extent and how have different funding streams (including BMZ funding) contributed to the observed results, without requiring strict attribution?

Reviewing the 1) historical analysis of RFN and partners’ PIACI work (2004-2022), compared to the current period with a defined strategy of these efforts as one binational initiative (2023-2026). What insights emerge from the binational scope that cannot be captured at a single-country level?

2004-2022: Historical analysis

2023-2026: Recent implementation of the initiative.

EQ3 System functioning and coherence: How effectively do the different components of the initiative (e.g. platforms/networks, capacity building, monitoring, advocacy) function together as a coherent system, and what are the key enablers and bottlenecks?

EQ4 Bi-national level and country level implementation: What is the added value of the binational approach, and under what conditions does it enhance effectiveness? Which are the features common to both sides of the boarders in the implementation of the Isolated Peoples Corridors’ strategy? Which are the specificities and nuances derived by country-context specificities (Peru, Brazil) considering different institutional structures, stakeholder mapping.

EQ5 – Learning and scalability: What lessons, success factors, and limitations from Brazil and Peru can inform the scaling, adaptation, and sustainability of the PIACI Corridors approach across RFN’s broader portfolio?

EQ6 Strengthening and strategy: What are RFN’s comparative advantages in the initiative, and how can the approach be refined and scaled to increase impact and strengthen MEL systems, including the program’s gender and generational focus?

How can RFN strengthen PIACI protection and better integrate this into rights-based management (SO1) and policy influence (SO2) at local and binational levels?

With PIACI work we include; approaches, capacities, partnerships, risk management, gender youth and inclusion. How should these insights inform RFN’s thematic priorities and future strategy? What strategic shifts are needed to position RFN distinctly in the PIACI workspace?

6) Scope

Geographic: Brazilian Amazon and Peruvian Amazon shared boarders. Specifically work in and surrounding the territorial corridors Yavarí-Tapiche and Pano-Arawak.

Who: This evaluation will focus on activities developed by the indigenous movement and their representative local organizations, supported by RFN partner organization.

Period: two-fold – Historical account (2004-2022) and recent stage 2023–2026.

The primary focus of the evaluation is the current phase of the Isolated Peoples' Corridor initiative (2023–2026), including the period co‑funded by BMZ (2024–2026). Earlier work since 2004 will be drawn upon selectively, only where necessary to understand the evolution of the initiative.

Depth: Mixed portfolio-level synthesis and deep-dive cases (Brazil + Peru).

Mode: hybrid – extensive use of virtual and remote activities (interviews, institutional consultations, dialogue with partners, government officers, stakeholders) and at least one field work visit in Peru and one in Brazil

The evaluation shall also review the initiative's approach to risk management, security and integrity. This includes anti‑corruption measures, fraud prevention, and complaints mechanisms, with specific attention to how these are applied in cooperation with Indigenous and local partner organizations

7) Methodology

This consultancy will be conducted, including (but not exclusively) the Utilization-Focused Evaluation (UFE) framework. The premise of UFE is that the value of an evaluation is determined by its actual utility to its intended users. Rather than producing a static document, the approach includes participation and a formative evaluation. This process should ensure that the findings are specifically designed to inform the strategic and operational shifts required by the RFN team and its partners. The evaluation will also be conducted in line with internationally recognised evaluation standards, including the OECD‑DAC criteria.

Programme readiness will be ensured internally by RFN (PeCo and BRA teams) and in collaboration with partners through a participatory process. Evaluator readiness will be addressed through the tender process by requiring demonstrated competence in participatory and formative evaluation approaches. Primary Intended Users (PIUs) will include relevant staff within RFN and one representative from each partner, who will contribute to the design, implementation, and use of the evaluation.

Given constraints in time and resources, the evaluation will follow a pragmatic, hybrid approach that combines participatory principles with a more traditional design. Early steps of the utilisation-focused approach will be led by RFN, including the development of draft Primary Intended Uses and Key Evaluation Questions (KEQs), which will be shared with PIUs for review and refinement. The evaluation will aim to support improved joint learning, coordination, and strategic planning among RFN and partners, strengthen collaboration and alliances, and inform funding relevance and effectiveness.

Based on the finalised uses and KEQs, RFN will develop the Terms of Reference (ToR), after which the selected evaluator(s) will elaborate the detailed evaluation design in an inception report. Subsequent evaluation phases will be guided by the ToR and inception report, with RFN facilitating the use of findings upon completion.

The consultant will be expected to facilitate a collaborative process that identifies the "Primary Intended Users" (PIUs) at the outset. By engaging these stakeholders early, the evaluation will prioritize the specific questions and data points that are most relevant to those managing the Isolated Indigenous Peoples’ Territorial Corridor (IPC)-initiative. This ensures that the methodology is not just technically sound but contextually grounded in the realities of the Brazil-Peru border regions.

Throughout the consultancy, the evaluator will act as a learning partner, maintaining a high level of engagement with RFN to ensure the evaluation remains aligned with organizational needs. This approach requires the consultant to design the data collection, analysis, and reporting phases with a focus on how the information will be applied. The final deliverables should not only summarize results but provide a clear, evidence-based roadmap that the intended users can immediately integrate into program refinement, strategy development, and the strengthening of the MEL system.

Desk review: Key program documents will be provided by RFN

Literature-review: Review and synthesize literature on PIACI work (scope to be agreed)

Key informant interviews / focus groups: RFN staff, partners, and IP&LC representatives, ensuring gender representation and inclusion (women, youth, diverse socio-economic groups).

Participatory validation: Draft findings´ presentation/validation with RFN and (as relevant) partners to improve quality and uptake.

Analysis: Contribution-oriented analysis of outcomes; thematic synthesis for cross-country lesson-drawing; efficiency reflections where data allows.

Ethics: Informed consent, confidentiality, do-no-harm, cultural sensitivity; alignment with RFN’s guidelines.

8) Deliverables

To prepare the listed deliverables, data collection tools and instruments should allow systematic documentation including Interview summaries / field notes (in agreed format), validation workshops with key stakeholders (RFN and partners)

Deliverables:

A) Inception Report: methodology, sampling/case selection, data sources, final EQs, plan for gender & inclusion. The methodology must include:

Refined evaluation questions (KEQs) and sub-questions aligned with intended uses

Detailed methodology, with data collection tools and sampling strategy. Also including questions of the semi-structural interviews to be held with project partners/ stakeholders (virtual and in person), and interviews with government officials (Peru, Brazil), Civil Society Organizations, RFN staff and experts.

Analytical framework (including how the binational and systems dimensions will be assessed)

Stakeholder mapping and engagement plan (including partners and Indigenous organizations) in both Brazil and Peru

Workplan with clear milestones and deliverables

Limitations, risks, and mitigation strategies

B.)Literature and portfolio review brief: A concise synthesis of key findings from the landscape review and document analysis

Summarize global and regional best practices relevant to PIACI protection

Highlight initial hypotheses or analytical lenses to be tested during fieldwork

Map RFN’s current portfolio against identified approaches

C.)Draft Evaluation Report: Based on desk and literature reviews, undertake in depth evaluation of IPC-initiative focusing on:

Clear answers to each KEQ, supported by evidence

Analysis of effectiveness, binational added value, and system functioning

Identification of success factors, bottlenecks, and trade-offs

Reflections on historical accounts

Analysis of the contribution of the initiative's process in terms of indigenous people's organisational strategies, territorial management and defence, as well as their relationship with the state, also beyond the IPC-initiative

Draft version of in-depth review of results achieved with a special focus on shared (binational) but also nuances per country (Brazil and Peru)

Draft lessons learned (what should be continued and what should not in future programming)

Preliminary conclusions and actionable recommendations

D.) Presentation / Validation Seminar: A virtual presentation is expected to be held. The Consultants must present PPT slides, summarizing main information presented on the adjusted draft report, where preliminary findings will be presented to RFN (and partners as appropriate).

Presentation of key findings to RFN and partners (virtual or in-person)

Slide deck summarizing key insights and recommendations

Optional: adapted summary for external/public dissemination

E.) Final Evaluation Report & 2-page Summary (in Spanish, Portuguese and English) must be presented as two main documents + annexes as listed below:

Present a clear and concise narrative Final Report with a maximum of 30 pages excluding annexes.

2-page Executive Summary for internal sharing and RFN’s evaluation database, including a summary tailored for decision-makers

Annexes must include tools, sources, ToR, list of interviewed partners/organizations etc.

Define RFN’s comparative advantage and strategic positioning

Include prioritized, practical recommendations (short-, medium- and long-term).

The Final Report must bring the following content:

Final version of reflections on historical accounts

In-depth review of results achieved with a special focus on shared (binational) but also nuances per country (Brazil and Peru)

Final version of lessons learned (what should be continued and what should not in future programming)

At least 4 impact/success stories from Agreement Level Approach (Bezos, BMZ) for internal learning and external communication.

Main recommendations for ongoing and future programming

9) Indicative Timeline

10) Required Qualifications (evaluation team)

Proven evaluation experience from PIACI work in forest contexts with Indigenous Peoples and Forest Dependent Communities will be considered as an asset but is not mandatory.

Knowledge of territorial context in Peru and Brazil with special focus on the Amazon Biome

Proven track record in designing and performing quantitative and qualitative data collection, comfortable with contribution analysis; experience with creating impact stories, and in making recommendations.

Comprehensive understanding of relevant national and international policy arenas and instruments for rainforest protection, and related public policies in Brazil and Peru.

Demonstrated expertise in gender, youth & inclusion and participatory validation approaches.

Excellent track record in preparing well-written reports on time.

Regional/language competence is a requirement for at least one member of the consultancy (Spanish, Portuguese)

11) How to apply

Interested and eligible candidates (team or individual consultant) must submit technical and financial proposals by 15th of July. The proposal must include the following information:

CV of all members in the team, and a summary of their qualifications (maximum two pages combined)

Proposed methodology and timetable (max 2 pages)

A financial offer, including daily fees based on 8 working hours per day. If team members have different fees, the expected division of labour between them must be indicated. The financial proposal must contain all the information related to the prices for the performance of the deliverables described in these terms of reference. The economic proposal to be offered must contain all direct and indirect costs, including audit fees and taxes. The financial offer should not surpass NOK 500,000 (including the payment of applicable taxes).

At least two references for similar work.

SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS
Interested candidates or teams should submit their proposals electronically by 15.07.2026.

For more details or questions about the the Call/Term of Reference (ToR) please contact Luis Miguel Arroyo, Senior Monitoring, Learning and Evaluation Adviser, luis.a@rainforest.no.

12) Evaluation of proposals

Tenderers will be ranked according to a score based on the following criteria:

Understanding of the assignment and methodology: 50%

Past experience and competency on Indigenous peoples, local communities and people in voluntary isolation: 30%

Budget proposal: 20%

Responsibilities

The division of responsibilities for the evaluation is defined according to the following table.
Interested party Responsibilities

13) Eligible Tenderers

i) Tenderers must provide information on their legal form and ownership structure.

ii) Tenderers shall be excluded from participation in a procurement procedure if:

(1) they are bankrupt, are having their affairs administered by the courts, or have suspended business activities.

(2) they or persons having powers of representation, decision-making, or control over them have been convicted of an offence concerning their professional conduct by a final judgment.

(3) they have been guilty of grave professional misconduct.

(4) they have not fulfilled obligations relating to the payment of social security contributions or taxes in accordance with the legal provisions of the country in which they are established, or those of the country where the contract is to be performed.

(5) they or persons having powers of representation, decision-making, or control over them have been convicted for fraud, corruption, involvement in a criminal organization or money laundering by a final judgment.

(6) they make use of child labour or forced labour and/or practice discrimination, and/or do not respect the right to freedom of association and the right to organize and engage in collective bargaining pursuant to the core conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO).

iii) Tenderers shall confirm in writing that they are not in any of the situations listed above. RFN reserves the right to investigate any of the situations listed above if it has reasonable grounds to doubt the contents of such confirmation.

iv) Contracts shall not be awarded to tenderers which, during the procurement procedure:

(1) are subject to a conflict of interests.

(2) are guilty of misrepresentation in supplying the information required as a condition of participation in the tender procedure or fail to supply this information.

RFN reserves the right to reject any of the proposals that it does not consider relevant.

14) Ethical considerations

Ethical considerations will be upheld throughout the development of the consultancy, ensuring informed consent, confidentiality, and respect for the rights and privacy of participants. The assignment should be conducted in accordance with the highest professional standards. As such, the work will ensure sensitive, safe, non-discriminatory participation, confidentiality, and anonymity of respondents. Specific consideration must be given to ethical issues of design, data collection, reporting and storage. According to the EU General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR), the consultancy must maintain appropriate measures to protect personal data. Info on GDPR can be found here: https://gdpr.eu.

ToR Evaluation of RFN’s Work on the Isolated Indigenous Peoples’ Territorial Corridor Initiative