Data Collectors

Job description

The Zambia Institute for Policy Analysis and Research (ZIPAR) is a Zambian think tank of international repute, renowned for its policy analysis, research, dialogue facilitation, advocacy, and capacity-building initiatives.

Background

The Zambia Institute for Policy Analysis and Research (ZIPAR), in collaboration with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), is undertaking the 2025 Joint Agricultural Sector Review (JSR). The JSR is a nationally led, evidence-based review aimed at strengthening mutual accountability, policy coherence, and results-oriented decision-making in Zambia’s agriculture sector.

The 2025 JSR builds on the baseline established by the 2015 Joint Sector Review and assesses progress in the implementation of Zambia’s agricultural transformation agenda under the Comprehensive Agriculture Transformation Support Programme (CATSP/NAIP II), the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP), and the CAADP/Malabo Declaration commitments.

To support this process, ZIPAR is recruiting 20 Part-Time Data Collectors to conduct field-level data collection across all ten provinces. The data collected will inform the assessment of sector performance, coordination mechanisms, and the fulfilment of financial and non-financial commitments at national and sub-national levels.

The data collection exercise aims to:

1.    Assess progress in the implementation of agricultural policies, programmes, and institutional arrangements under the CATSP/NAIP II and the 8NDP at provincial and district levels.

2.    Collect primary data to evaluate progress towards key agricultural sector outcomes and targets, including productivity, resilience, food security, and inclusivity.

3.    Examine the functionality of mutual accountability and coordination mechanisms, including Sector Advisory Groups and Technical Working Groups (TWGs), at sub-national levels.

4.    Document stakeholder perspectives on financial and non-financial commitments made by Government, Cooperating Partners, and Non-State Actors in the agriculture sector.

5.    Generate evidence to inform actionable recommendations for improving agricultural sector performance during the remaining implementation period of the 8NDP and CATSP.

About the Role

The Part-Time Data Collectors will support field data collection activities using structured questionnaires and interview guides. They will work under the supervision of Field Supervisors and the ZIPAR technical team to ensure high-quality, accurate, and timely data is collected in line with approved research protocols.

Key Responsibilities

• Administer household, community, and stakeholder surveys using structured tools

• Accurately record responses using digital and/or paper-based questionnaires

• Engage respondents in a respectful and professional manner

• Ensure adherence to research ethics, confidentiality, and informed consent procedures

• Submit completed tools and progress updates to Field Supervisors as required

Required Attributes and Competences

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

• High level of accuracy and attention to detail

• Ability to follow instructions and meet deadlines

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Qualifications and Experience

• Grade 12 (GCE) certificate

• College /University transcript, certificate, diploma or degree.

• Ability to communicate effectively in English and at least one local language

• Willingness to travel and work in rural and community settings

• Prior experience in data collection, surveys, or field research is an advantage.

How to Apply

Interested candidates who meet the above requirements should submit their applications, electronically, with appropriate supporting documentation all in a single email to jobs@zipar.org.zm:

The applications should be clearly marked with job title and applicant’s name as the subject of the email and should be addressed to:

The Executive Director,

Zambia Institute for Policy Analysis and Research,

P.O. Box 50782,

LUSAKA

 ZIPAR is an equal opportunity employer. Women are encouraged to apply. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

 Application deadline

26th January ,2026.

ZIPAR recruitment process is free, transparent, and merit-based. No solicitation or payment is permitted. Any form of corruption-related solicitation will result in automatic disqualification or further action in accordance with the Anti-Corruption Act, No. 3 of 2012.