1. Introduction

ActionAid Zambia (AAZ) is a part of the ActionAid Global (AAG) Federation, sharing common values and aims to drive social change towards a just, equitable and sustainable world. The ActionAid Federation builds an active agency of people living in poverty, their organizations, and movements, to address the structural causes of social injustice, gender inequality and poverty. This is in line with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which have identified the importance of addressing poverty and inequality.

ActionAid Zambia (AAZ), working towards social justice, gender equality, and poverty eradication launched its Country Strategy Paper (CSP) 2023-2028 in 2023 providing a framework for programming and advocacy. To ensure its effectiveness and alignment with the ActionAid Global Secretariat’s Strategic Implementation Framework 3 (SIF3), approved in December 2024, the country office will be conducting a mid-term review (MTR) as the Global SIF3 emphasizes a shift towards strengthening social movements and advancing women’s rights, which must be integrated into AAZ’s strategic direction.

2. Objectives of the Review

The mid-term review aims to:

• Assess the relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, and sustainability of the CSP 2023-2028.
• Identify progress, gaps, and challenges in implementation.
• Evaluate alignment with the new ActionAid SIF3 framework, particularly its focus on social movements and women’s rights.
• Provide a process that aligns AAZ’s strategy with the newly approved SIF3, particularly in social movements and women’s rights, while strengthening programmatic effectiveness.
• Provide strategic recommendations to enhance the remaining implementation period and inform future strategic direction.

3. Scope of the Review

The review will focus on:

• Alignment with ActionAid Global Secretariat SIF3: Assessing how well AAZ’s strategy aligns with SIF3’s priorities, particularly in social movements and women’s rights.
• Programmatic Effectiveness: Evaluating key thematic areas such as women’s rights, youth empowerment, climate justice, governance, and economic justice.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Examining partnerships with government, civil society, social movements, and communities.
• Financial and Operational Performance: Reviewing resource allocation, efficiency, and sustainability.
• Adaptability and Resilience: Assessing how AAZ has adapted to external and internal challenges while shifting towards a movement-building approach.

4. Methodology

The review will adopt a participatory and consultative approach, including:

• Desk Review: Analyzing strategy documents, reports, policies, and financial data.
• Key Informant Interviews (KIIs): Engaging stakeholders such as AAZ staff, board members, partners, social movements, and beneficiaries.
• Focus Group Discussions (FGDs): Engaging communities and program beneficiaries, with a strong emphasis on women’s rights groups.
• Surveys & Case Studies: Collecting quantitative and qualitative insights on impact and gaps.
• Comparative Analysis: Benchmarking against SIF3 and best practices from other ActionAid country programs.

5. Expected Deliverables

• Inception Report: Outlining methodology, work plan, and key areas of focus.
• Draft Mid-Term Review Report: Presenting preliminary findings and recommendations.
• Validation Workshop: Engaging stakeholders to validate findings.
• Final Mid-Term Review Report: Incorporating feedback and presenting strategic recommendations.

6. Duration and Timeline

The review is expected to take 8-10 weeks, starting in May 2025 and concluding in July 2025.

7. Required Expertise

The consultant/team should have:

• Extensive experience in strategy evaluation and program assessments.
  Strong knowledge of ActionAid’s mission, thematic focus areas, and human rights-based approach.
• Expertise in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.
• Familiarity with social movement building and women’s rights advocacy.
• Understanding of global and regional development trends, particularly in Zambia.

8. Reporting and Accountability

The consultant/team will report to the ActionAid Zambia Country Director and work closely with the Programmes Team.

9. Budget and Logistics

A detailed budget will be agreed upon based on the consultant’s proposal, covering consultancy fees, travel, and data collection costs.

10. Application Process

Interested consultants should submit:

• A detailed proposal including methodology, timeline, and budget.
• CVs of the lead consultant and team members.
• Evidence of similar previous assignments.
• Two references.

Applications must be sent to info.zambia@actionaid.org by 25th April 2025.