1.   Background

The Partnerships for Municipal Innovation – Women in Local Leadership (PMI-WILL) is a $27,610,160 project with a financial contribution of $26 million from Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and $1,610,160 of in-kind contributions from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM). Implemented by FCM in collaboration with the Local Government Association of Zambia (LGAZ), PMI-WILL is designed to bring about enhanced enjoyment of rights for women and girls in Benin, Cambodia, Ghana, Sri Lanka, and Zambia. To bring about this ultimate outcome, the project will seek to achieve the following intermediate and immediate outcomes:

Intermediate outcome 1000: increased participation of women, particularly those from marginalised groups, as leaders and decision-makers in local governance.

a) Increased capacity of women from marginalised groups to run for local elected office.

b) Increased capacity of women in local government administration to perform their duties effectively.

c) Increased capacity of the network of women elected officials to support women leadership and participation in decision-making in local governance.

Intermediate outcome 2000: increased capacity of local authorities to deliver inclusive, gender responsive municipal services.

a)   Increased capacity of local authorities to deliver inclusive, gender-responsive municipal services.

b)   Increased capacity of the Local Government Association of Zambia (LGAZ) to create an enabling environment for inclusive, gender-responsive local governance and municipal service delivery.

Evidence from recent studies has shown that sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment as well as discriminatory workplace practices significantly prevent local government female staff from performing their duties effectively. This is exacerbated by the absence of institutionalized mechanisms for addressing gender-based violence and inequalities at the workplace.

To address this challenge and create a conducive and more inclusive workplace environment for local government staff, LGAZ under the auspices of the PMI-WILL project is supporting ten (10) local authorities in developing policies and internal mechanisms aimed at addressing sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment.

For this purpose, the Association seeks to engage a competent and experienced individual (consultant) to provide professional support to the following Ten local authorities that are developing their sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment prevention policies: Chifunabuli, Kafue, Kasama, Luangwa, Lunte, Lusangazi, Mansa, Nakonde, Pemba and Sinda.

2.   Purpose of the Assignment

 The consultant will provide expert support to:

a)   Review draft institutional policies for selected local authorities to address sexual abuse, exploitation, and harassment.

b)   Support local authorities to refine their policies and ensure that they are context-specific, realistic, gender-responsive and aligned with national laws, international human rights standards, and principles for the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (PSEAH).

c)   Incorporate and facilitate peer learning in the policy review process.

3.   Scope of Work

The consultant is expected to fulfil the following specific tasks:

a)  Provide technical guidance to target local authorities in identifying and assessing policy gaps and areas for improvement in their existing policies in line with Zambia’s legal framework, PSEAH standards and relevant international conventions and practices.

b)  Design and deliver a 2-day peer learning session to facilitate sharing of innovative practices and solutions.

c)  Prepare a report highlighting the outcomes of the policy review process and recommendations.

d)  Submit revised institutional policies for target local authorities.

4.   Key Deliverables

The main deliverables are:

a)   An inception report detailing an efficient methodology, work plan, and an agenda for a 2-day peer learning session.

b)   Organise and facilitate preliminary review sessions (online) with target local authorities.

c)   Organise and facilitate a two-day, in-person final review and peer learning session.

d)   A consolidated report on the review of existing policies and peer learning.

5.   Level of Effort

No. Deliverables and Level of Effort (in days)

a)    An inception report (not more than five pages) providing details on methodology, work plan, and agendas for review meetings – 1 day

b)    Review of draft or existing policies – 2 days

c)    Draft guidelines (step-by-step guidance) for developing institutional policies to address SEAH – 1 day

d)    Design and facilitate a 2-day final review and peer learning session – 3½ days

e)    Prepare and submit a consolidated report – 1½ day

 Total: 9 days

6.   FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS

Applicants are required to indicate only the consultancy fees per day (in Zambian Kwacha, inclusive of Withholding Tax) and the duration (in days) anticipated to complete the assignment.

7.   DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

The consultant is expected to possess the following:

a)   Advanced qualification (master’s degree or Higher) in a relevant social science or related discipline.

b)   At least three (3) years of demonstrated professional experience in facilitating the formulation, execution and evaluation of institutional policies aimed at addressing sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment at the workplace.

c)   Demonstrated experience in enforcing or evaluating policies relating to organisational culture and professional conduct.

d)   Excellent facilitation, organising, and interpersonal skills.

e)   Demonstrated experience in applying adult and participatory learning approaches.

f)    In-depth understanding of the context in Zambia with specific focus on laws and regulations relating to employment code or code of conduct at the workplace.

8.   EVALUATION CRITERIA

Applicants will be evaluated based on the technical and financial criteria that combines the following aspects:

a)   Demonstrated understanding of the terms of reference (10 points)

b)   Applicant’s professional qualifications (15 points).

c)   Prior experience in a similar assignment (40 points).

d)   Proposed approach to the assignment (25 points)

e)   Consultancy daily rate (10 points).

Please submit an expression of interest (EOI) (not more than five pages) indicating the following:

a)   Methodology or approach (including the process, strategies, and work plan with timelines)

b)   Record of similar professional assignments.

c)   Professional and academic qualifications.

d)   A quotation - anticipated daily fee (in Zambian Kwacha), withholding tax inclusive.

Submissions should be addressed to:

The National Project Coordinator,

Partnerships for Municipal Innovation - Women in Local Leadership,

Local Government Association of Zambia, Lusaka

and submitted in PDF format by e-mail to [email protected] & copy [email protected] by close of business on  Wednesday 8^th October 2025