INTRODUCTION

Zambia National Educational Coalition (ZANEC) is an umbrella body for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) that include Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Faith Based Organizations (FBOs), Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), Teacher Trade Unions (TTUs) and Students Unions. ZANEC currently has 93 members. ZANEC envisages a quality national education system that is accessible, relevant and equitable for all in Zambia.
One of ZANEC’s goals is to advocate for the provision of quality and equitable education through the attainment of Sustainable Development Goal number four. In its quest to promote critical thinking and research skills among university and college students in the country, ZANEC with the help of SAIH has since 2018 successfully supported students to conduct research on topical issues. The research findings have helped enhance evidence-based advocacy work in institutions of higher learning.
It is from this background that ZANEC would like to engage the services of a professional to mentor the successful candidates for the 2025 Student research.

PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT.

The main aim of this activity is to capacitate students with research skills as well as promote and enhance their critical thinking skills

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE

The specific objective of the task is to:

i Promote critical thinking as an exercise of academic freedom in institutions of higher learning; and
ii Contribute to enhanced quality learning outcomes.

SCOPE OF THE CONSULTANCY

The Consultant will be expected to mentor 10 students to conduct and complete academic-style research.
Specifically, the consultant is expected to do the following:

• Reviewing and providing feedback on research proposals developed by students.
• To conduct a research orientation workshop for the selected students
• Assisting students in refining their research questions, objectives, and hypotheses.
• Guiding students in selecting appropriate research methodologies and data collection techniques.
• Providing resources, literature recommendations, and access to academic databases.
• Conducting regular meetings with students to monitor progress, address challenges, and provide guidance.
• Reviewing draft chapters, analyses, and research outputs, offering constructive feedback for improvement.
• Ensuring compliance with ethical guidelines and research protocols.
• Assisting students in preparing presentations, posters, and manuscripts for dissemination.
• Participate in dissemination platforms for the students’ research findings.

SPECIFIC DELIVERABLES

i. Written recommendations for approval of proposed student research;
ii. Report on the induction session with the students
iii. Mentors’ overall process report to ZANEC

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

• Must be a lecturer / Researcher in a Higher Institution of Learning
• Must hold a minimum of a Master’s Degree.
• Demonstrated experience in research supervision and academic mentorship.
• Strong understanding of research methodologies, ethical standards, and academic writing.
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills.
• Female consultants are encouraged to apply.

All Expressions of Interest must be submitted through email to the address below by Friday, 21st February 2025.

The Executive Director,
Zambia National Education Coalition,
P.O. Box 30774,
Lusaka-Zambia.

Email: admin@zanec.org.zm

Cc: za2002nec@gmail.com