EXTERNAL CONSULTANT TO CONDUCT AN EXPERT ANALYSIS ON THE SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE FINANCING FACILITY (SAFF) AND ITS CONTRIBUTION TO FOOD SECURITY IN IN ZAMBIA

Job description

Specific objectives are to:
1.     Assess the alignment of SAFF’s design, objectives, and financial products (such as those targeting irrigation, mechanization, and drought-tolerant crops) with the climate adaptation and food security needs of farmers in the most vulnerable regions.
2.     Synthesize and analyze existing data to identify early evidence, emerging trends, and implementation bottlenecks affecting the uptake and utilization of SAFF financing among farmers in drought-prone provinces and districts.
3.      Map and evaluate stakeholder dynamics, including the roles, perceptions, coordination, and levels of engagement among key government institutions, financial partners, civil society, and farmer organizations involved in SAFF’s implementation and oversight.

Required expertise and qualifications of the consultant

The consultant or consulting firm should possess the following:

Education: Master’s degree (minimum) in Agricultural Economics, Rural Finance, Development Studies, or a related field.
Experience:
Minimum 10 years of experience in agricultural finance, policy analysis, or program evaluation in Southern Africa.
Demonstrable expertise in food security, climate change adaptation, and smallholder agriculture in Zambia or comparable contexts.
Proven experience in conducting high-quality desk reviews and stakeholder analysis for government or international organizations.
Skills: Excellent analytical, synthesis, and report-writing skills in English. Proven ability to work remotely and coordinate consultations with diverse stakeholders.
Expected Deliverables and Timeline

The assignment is expected to be completed within 20 days (inclusive of weekends) and should have the following deliverables.

1.     Inception Report (Detailed methodology, work plan, stakeholder list)

2.     Draft Desk Review Report

3.     Draft Final Report (Incorporating Stakeholder Analysis and Initial Recommendations)

4.     Final Expert Analysis Report (Incorporating Feedback)

Qualifications and Experience

The External Expert should possess the following qualifications:

Advanced degree (Master’s or higher) in Agricultural Economics, Development Finance, Agribusiness, or related field.
At least 10 years of professional experience in agricultural finance, rural development, or policy analysis.
Proven track record in conducting policy research and facilitating multi-stakeholder dialogues.
Strong analytical, communication, and report-writing skills.
Familiarity with Zambia’s agricultural financing landscape and government development frameworks.
Reporting and Supervision

The Expert will work under the overall supervision of the CSPR Executive Director and the Programmes Manager.

Application Procedure

Interested experts should submit the following:

A technical proposal outlining understanding of the assignment, approach, and methodology.
A financial proposal indicating professional fees and expected costs.
Curriculum Vitae (CV) demonstrating relevant experience.
Three references for similar assignments.

If you are interested send your proposal to cspr@csprzambia.org on or before 31st October 2025.