Expression of Interest (EOI): Consultancy for Baseline Assessment and Rapid Appraisal

Job description

Expression of Interest (EOI): Consultancy for Baseline Assessment and Rapid Appraisal
Project: Promotion of Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) for Improved Productivity and Sustainable Livelihoods

The Conservation Farming Unit (CFU) has received a grant from GIZ to implement the project “Promotion of Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) for Improved Productivity and Sustainable Livelihoods”. CFU intends to apply part of this grant to engage a team of consultants to conduct a Baseline Assessment, and a Rapid Appraisal of Subsidized Input Use and Farming Practices. The assignment will begin with data collection from targeted farming communities within CFU’s operational areas, under the guidance of the Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Impact Assessment (MELIA) Department.

About CFU

The Conservation Farming Unit (CFU) is an independent organization registered in Zambia as a Company Limited by Guarantee since 1996. CFU promotes sustainable and climate-smart agricultural practices to enhance productivity, resilience, and rural livelihoods.

Project Locations: Mumbwa, Chibombo, Chongwe, Mazabuka, Choma, and Kalomo districts.

Implementing Agency: Conservation Farming Unit (CFU).

Lead Consultant Profile

The Lead Consultant should possess:

1. Extensive experience in designing and conducting baseline surveys, livelihood research, and related studies.

2. Proven understanding of how CSA can enhance the well-being, resilience, and livelihoods of smallholder farming households reliant on rain-fed, field-scale agriculture in Zambia.

Required Team Skills and Expertise

The consultancy team should collectively demonstrate:

1.     At least two relevant academic backgrounds (Economics, Agriculture, Statistics, Social Sciences).

2.     Strong, traceable experience in designing and conducting baseline assessments and rapid appraisals, particularly in CSA and sustainable livelihoods.

3.     Demonstrated experience conducting baseline surveys in Zambia or Southern Africa (essential).

4.     Proven capacity in conducting livelihood research and studies.

5.     Strong understanding of CSA concepts and applications (advantageous).

Submission Requirements

Interested consulting teams are invited to submit the following:

1.     A Letter of Interest (max. one page) outlining relevant experience and qualifications.

2.     A Technical Proposal detailing the proposed methodology for the baseline and appraisal.

3.     A Consolidated Work Plan and Budget Estimate (the baseline and appraisal should be integrated, with no separate timelines or budgets).

4.     CVs of the proposed team members clearly indicating roles and responsibilities.

Deadline for Submission

Interested consultants (teams with a designated Team Leader) should submit their applications no later than EOD, 9th October, 2025with the subject line:

“CFU Baseline & Rapid Appraisal 2025”.

Submissions should be sent to: hr@conservationagriculture.org with copies to: stanley@conservationagriculture.org and kasongo@conservationagriculture.org.