Baseline Study for the Project: “Strengthening the Role of Civil Society Organisations and Citizens in Promoting Good Land Governance in Zambia.”

1.     Assignment Title

Baseline Study for the Project: “Strengthening the Role of Civil Society Organisations and Citizens in Promoting Good Land Governance in Zambia.”

2.    Background

Zambia Land Alliance (ZLA) is a national network of Non-Governmental Organisations advocating for pro-poor land-related policies, laws and practices in Zambia. ZLA works to strengthen land governance systems through research, policy advocacy, and citizen engagement.

ZLA, in partnership with Paralegal Alliance Network (PAN) and Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z), is implementing a three-year project (January 2026 – December 2028) funded by the European Union (EU).

The project is entitled: “Strengthening the Role of CSOs and Citizens in Promoting Good Land Governance.”

The overall impact of the project is: Strengthened CSO and citizen voices promoting transparent and accountable land governance in Zambia.

The project seeks to strengthen participation, improve access to land-related information, and enhance civil society capacity to promote equitable and accountable land governance systems.

To support evidence-based implementation and results monitoring, ZLA seeks to engage a qualified consultant (individual or firm) to conduct a baseline study for the project.

3.    Project Objectives

The project contributes to improved land governance through the following outcomes:

Outcome 1: Enhanced active and inclusive participation of right-holders and civil society organisations in advocating for transparent and accountable land governance.

Outcome 2: Improved access to information on land investments and developments.

Outcome 3: Strengthened capacity of civil society organisations to advance land and environmental rights, particularly for women, youth and persons with disabilities (PwDs).

4.    Geographic Scope and Target Groups

The project is implemented in the following provinces and districts:

Province

Districts

North-Western Province: Kalumbila and Mufumbwe

Central Province: Mkushi and Serenje

Luapula Province: Mansa and Kawambwa

The project directly targets 2,835 community members.

Additional stakeholders include:

• Civil society organisations
• Traditional leaders
• Government institutions
• Private sector actors

5.    Purpose of the Baseline Study

The baseline study will establish initial benchmark values for project indicators, against which progress and results will be measured throughout the project lifecycle.

The study will also provide:

• Evidence for refining the project Logical Framework indicators
• Data to support OPSYS indicator encoding
• A comprehensive understanding of the project context and target groups
• Recommendations to strengthen project implementation

6.    Scope of Work

The consultant will undertake the following tasks:

6.1.     Desk Review

• Review all relevant project documents including Project proposal, Logical Framework, Monitoring and Evaluation framework, and Relevant policies and literature on land governance
• Ensure all findings are evidence-based and properly referenced.

6.2.     Indicator Baseline Measurement

• Establish baseline values for all indicators contained in the project Logical Framework.
• Recommend adjustments where necessary to ensure indicators are measurable and realistic.

6.3.     Stakeholder Consultations

• Identify and engage key stakeholders.
• Conduct interviews with relevant institutions and actors.

6.4.     Data Collection Tool Development

• Develop both digital and paper-based data collection tools including Household survey questionnaires, Focus Group Discussion guides and Key Informant Interview guides.

6.5.     Enumerator Training and Supervision

• Train and supervise data collectors.

6.6.     Data Collection and Analysis

• Conduct quantitative and qualitative data collection.
• Clean and analyse collected data using appropriate analytical software.

6.7.     Baseline Report Development

• Document findings, analysis and recommendations.
• Ensure the report meets EU reporting standards.

6.8.     Validation

• Facilitate a stakeholder validation meeting to verify findings.

6.9.     Other Tasks

Undertake any additional tasks reasonably required to complete the baseline study.

7.    Methodology and Approach

The consultant is expected to propose a robust and participatory methodology and

ensure:

• Adequate and representative sampling
• Gender-responsive and inclusive data collection
• Ethical data management practices

The proposed sampling approach should be clearly justified and aligned with the project target groups.

8.    Deliverables and timeline

The consultancy assignment is expected to be completed within 35 working days.

Deliverable timeline

i. Inception Report: Within 1 week of contract signing

ii. Data Collection Tools: Within 2 weeks

iii. Draft Baseline Report: Within 5 weeks

iv. Validation Meeting Report and Presentation: Within 6 weeks

v. Final Baseline Report: Within 7 weeks

9.    Required Qualifications and Experience

The eligible Consultant (or Consultancy team) should meet the following requirements:

i. Education

• Master’s degree in one of the following fields:
• Environmental Science
• Land Governance
• Law
• Monitoring and Evaluation
• Development Studies
• Human Rights
• Or a related discipline.

ii. Professional Experience

• Minimum 7 years of demonstrated experience in conducting baseline or evaluation studies.
• Proven experience with EU-funded project monitoring and evaluation systems.
• Strong knowledge of land governance, environmental rights, or natural resource management.
• Demonstrated experience in:
• Designing digital data collection tools
• Conducting surveys, interviews and focus group discussions
• Quantitative and qualitative data analysis

iii. Skills

• Excellent analytical and report writing skills
• Ability to meet tight deadlines
• Strong facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills

10.  Reporting and Coordination

The consultant will report to Zambia Land Alliance and will work in close collaboration with project partners:

• Paralegal Alliance Network (PAN)
• Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z)

11.  Evaluation Criteria for Selection

Proposals will be evaluated using the following EU-style scoring matrix.

Criteria score:

i. Understanding of ToR: 20

ii. Proposed methodology and sampling approach: 25

iii. Relevant experience of the Consultant/team: 25

iv. Work plan and timeline: 10

v. Financial proposal: 20

Total score: 100 Points

Minimum technical score required: 70 points

12.  Application Procedure

Interested consultants (individuals or firms) should submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) that includes:

1. Cover letter
2. Technical Proposal, including:

• Understanding of the assignment
• Proposed methodology and sampling approach
• Work plan

1. Financial Proposal
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting relevant experience
3. Three samples of previous baseline or evaluation studies

The expression of interest should be addressed to:

The Executive Director

Zambia Land Alliance

Plot 401A St. John's Road

Makeni Bonaventure

Lusaka, Zambia.

All applications should be submitted electronically to:

info@zla.org.zm by 3rd April 2026 at 17:00 hours

13.  Disclaimer

This consultancy advertisement has been produced with the assistance of the European Union. The contents of this document are the sole responsibility of Zambia Land Alliance and its partners and should in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union.