Call for Proposals at Zambia Academy of Sciences (ZaAS)

Job description

The Zambia Academy of Sciences (ZaAS) is established under the Zambia Academy of Sciences Act No. 18 of 2020, to provide independent and evidence-informed scientific advice or opinion to the government, the private sector and the general public.

1.    EXTERNAL AUDIT SERVICES

The objective of the external audit is to express a professional opinion on the Financial Statements of ZaAS, including the income and expenditure account, statement of financial position, cash flows, and changes in funds. Bidders will comment on the soundness and compliance of internal controls with ZaAS policies.

A.   SCOPE OF THE AUDIT

The audit will be performed at ZaAS offices in Lusaka. The auditor will audit the Financial Statements for the period 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and the operations of ZaAS.

B.   KEY DELIVERABLES

The auditor will present two reports: an opinion on the Financial Statements and a Management Letter.

C.   AUDITORS’ EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

The audit firm should have a valid license from the Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants, a valid tax certificate and valid practising certificates for the partners.

The key audit team will comprise, at least:

i.        A partner with at least 10 years of experience in auditing in a similar business as ZaAS. In addition, he/she should be a member of the Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants.

ii.       A manager with at least ACCA, CA Zambia, CIMA, and a degree in accounting with a minimum of 5 years’ experience in auditing.

iii.      A senior with at least a minimum of 3 years’ professional experience in auditing.

D.  BID SUBMISSION

Bids must include annexures: company profile, references, scope comments, methodology, team composition, and proposed fees.

E.   FORMAT AND SEALING OF BIDS

I.        Submit one external envelope containing two sealed internal envelopes:

“TECHNICAL PROPOSAL”: 3 hard copies (1 original, 2 copies – marked)

“FINANCIAL PROPOSAL”: 3 hard copies (1 original, 2 copies – marked)

II.        The proposal should be limited to 10 pages. Deliver to: Zambia Academy of Sciences, National Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research Headquarters, KK International Airport Road, P.O. Box 50266, Lusaka; between 08:00 – 14:00hrs.

Mark outer envelope top right: “EXTERNAL AUDIT SERVICES”.

III.        The deadline for submission is 16th July 2025 at 14:00 hours Lusaka time (GMT+2). Bids should be delivered between 08:00 – 14:00hrs at the ZaAS offices.

2.   FOR DEVELOPMENT OF A RESOURCE MOBILIZATION STRATEGY

The purpose of this consultancy is to develop a comprehensive resource mobilisation strategy for the Zambia Academy of Sciences (ZaAS). The strategy should include sustainable and creative resource mobilisation practices, diversity of funding sources, and improves relationships with funders, the government, and the private sector.

A.   SCOPE OF WORK

The consultant will assess ZaAS’s current fundraising capacity, examining systems, infrastructure, processes, and staff to identify gaps and areas for improvement. Based on this, they will define clear resource mobilisation objectives, identify diverse funding sources, and establish KPIs. The assignment includes developing a strong case for support aligned with national priorities and crafting a comprehensive resource mobilisation strategy covering multiple fundraising streams. This should include a detailed implementation plan, internal capacity-building recommendations, and a monitoring framework to track progress and adapt the strategy as needed.

B.   EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

I.        A master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g. development studies, public administration, business). Candidates with a bachelor’s degree and extensive relevant experience (minimum 7 years) may also be considered.

II.        A minimum of 5 years’ experience in resource mobilisation or fundraising for scientific, academic, or nonprofit institutions.

III.        Strong understanding of donor landscapes at local, national, regional, and international levels, including donor priorities and expectations.

IV.        Demonstrated ability to facilitate stakeholder consultations and workshops, and engage with diverse partners.

V.        Excellent communication skills, with the ability to craft persuasive narratives and present complex ideas clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.

C.   SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Interested individuals or firms should submit the underlisted to zaasfinance@gmail.com and copy zaas@zaas.org.zm by 16th July 2025, 14:00 hours Lusaka time (GMT +2) with the email subject line, “Consultancy – ZaAS Resource Mobilisation Strategy”.

I.        A cover letter

II.        A technical proposal outlining the understanding of the assignment, proposed approach, and methodology, including a workplan/timeline.

III.        A financial proposal, inclusive of all taxes and associated costs.

IV.        A company profile and certificate of registration (for firms only); TPIN certificate for individuals

V.        CV(s) of proposed consultant(s), including relevant qualifications and references.

VI.        At least two samples of previous similar work.