CALL FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST TO CONDUCT A STUDY ON PARTICIPATION OF YOUTH AND WOMEN IN THE MANAGEMENT OF CONSTITUENCY DEVELOPMENT FUND.

1.0 Introduction

The Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR) is a civil society network of 104 members that has been building the voice of the poor in the fight against poverty. It was established in 2000, primarily to ensure that civil society effectively and meaningfully participates in the design, formulation, and implementation of the NDPs and further monitor the NDPs to ensure government provides a means by which Zambia can effectively strategize on reducing the escalating levels of poverty.

CSPR’s mission statement in its 2022-2026 strategic plan” To Promote pro-poor development through coordination of network member efforts, evidence-based policy engagement and community participation to reduce poverty in Zambia. The overall objective is to advocate for people-centered and fairer national economic development model and approach which guarantees every Zambian a productive and dignified life.

CSPR in partnership with the Diakonia has been implementing a project titled: Activating Women and Youth-Led Accountability for Social Justice. The project commenced in April 2021 and will end in December 2023. The project aims to promote active participation of women and youth in the monitoring of national development programmes and budget processes for the realization of citizens’ economic, social, and cultural rights in Mansa, Choma and Monze Districts by the year 2023.’

The specific objectives of the project are:

1.     Increase youth and women’s access to information on public resource management and economic, social, and cultural rights at the district and community level in Mansa, Choma and Monze Districts by the end of the implementation of the 8th National Development Plan (2022-2026).

2.     Enhance the transparency and accountability of Ward Development Committees, the District Development Coordinating Committees, Local Authorities, and the Office of the Member of Parliament for effective engagement of community members in district planning and budgeting by the end of 2023.

3.     Strengthen the institutional and advocacy capacity of Civil Society Organizations to mobilize community members and monitor the implementation of the National Development Plans and the Economic Recovery Programmes (ERP-2020-2023) in Choma, Monze and Mansa Districts by the year 2023.

4.     Support Civil Society Project Management, Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning during the implementation of the 8th National Development Plan (2022-2025)

The Activating Women and Youth-Led Accountability for Social Justice (CIVSAM) Project is being managed under the Youth and Women Economic Empowerment Programme area. The project strategic focus is to facilitate local community access regarding empowerment opportunities for women and youth aimed at promoting and achieving sustainable livelihoods for poorly resourced communities and households in Zambia. The Project is therefore seeking the services of an expert to determine the adequacy of youth and women participation in the management of the Constituency Development Fund.

2.0        Background

The government of Zambia established the Constituency Development Fund in 1995 as provided for in Article 162 of the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Act No. 2 of 2016 and is operationalized by the Constituency Development Fund Act No. 11 of 2018, with the main goal of encouraging local development in rural and urban communities across the country and assist in the fight against poverty (Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, 2022). The primary objective of the CDF is to facilitate human development and improve the standards of living in various constituencies throughout the country.

Constituency Development Fund (CDF) presents an opportunity to improve service delivery, enhance decentralization and support the implementation of community projects which have a strict allocation of 20% to women and youths which includes 40% grants and 60% soft loans. There is a noted increase in the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocation from K28.3 million to K30.6 million per constituency in the 2024 Budget. However, increasing the fund without addressing the challenges in accessing the fund renders the progressive initiative less meaningful to citizens. There is also a need to strengthen the monitoring of implementation of CDF and ensure gender disaggregated data so that the benefits to women and youths, and other vulnerable groups can be measured, and plans put in place to ensure equitable access.

Following the enhancement of the Constituency Development Fund by government beginning 2022 FY, the government also revised the coordination Framework. The frameworks which were enhanced included the Constituency Development Fund Guidelines and the Ward Development Committee Guidelines. Apart from improving the management of the Fund, the two documents also sought to enhance community participation in development projects. However, the available literature and performance assessment reports does provide an in-dept review of the extent to which the CDF regulatory framework enhances or inhibits participation of youth and women in national development.

CSPR will therefore undertake a study to examine the extent to which the Revised CDF and WDC Guidelines have promoted the participation of women and youth in the planning, implementation, and performance reviews of the Constituency Development Fund in the year 2022 and 2023.

3.0. Purpose of the study

The study has been undertaken to measure the effectiveness of the main policy guidelines which govern the management of Constituency Development Fund at the District level. Hence it will review the Ward Development Guidelines and the Constituency Development Guidelines and examine the structural, fiscal and administrative changes that have been put in place to actualize the realization participation entitlements as enshrined in the two documents.

Hence, the main objective of the study will be to assess the effectiveness of the enhanced Constituency Development Fund and Ward Development Committee guidelines in promoting women and youth participation in the management of the Constituency Development Fund

3.2.  Objectives of the Study

Assess the Awareness and Understanding of CDF Guidelines by women and youth community members and community structures.
To assess the level of awareness and comprehension among women and youth regarding the existing CDF and WDC guidelines to determine the extent to which they are familiar with the principles and expectations outlined in the guidelines.

Measure the Actual Participation Levels across the CDF Programme Management Cycle.
To assess the actual involvement of women and youth in the management and decision-making processes of the Constituency Development Fund, including participation in planning, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation stages (using a proposed participation framework).

Identify Economic, Political, Social and Cultural Barriers and Facilitators to Participation for women and youth.
To Investigate the various obstacles and facilitators influencing the active participation of women and youth in the CDF management, examining factors such as socio-economic constraints, cultural norms, and the effectiveness of support mechanisms outlined in the guidelines, to provide actionable insights for improvement.

Review the extent to which the CDF and WDC guidelines have been implemented in line with the governing legislative framework.
To Investigate the various obstacles and facilitators influencing the active participation of women and youth in the CDF management, examining factors such as socio-economic constraints, cultural norms, and the effectiveness of support mechanisms outlined in the guidelines, to provide actionable insights for improvement.

3.3  Other Tasks

3.3.1 Other than the CDF and WDC Guidelines, the Consultant is also expected to consult with the planning and budgeting policies and laws which govern the management of CDF.

3.3.2 The sample size should be proposed in the EoI, subject to further discussions with the Client.

3.4  Methodology

It is expected that the Consultant will use both Desk Review methods as well as undertake field interviews with identified respondents. In terms of geographical coverage, the study should be limited to Mansa and Choma only as these areas where the CIVSAM areas where the project is being implemented. Details of the sample size and number of key informants will be subject to discussion between the CSPR and the Consultant.

4.0  Deliverables

The main product of this study is a Discussion Paper on Constituency Development Fund; however, it is also expected that the Consultant will further build the capacity of the Client on the use of tools to assess participation in the management of the CDF

5.0 Duration Of The Study

• The assignment is expected to take a total of 30 days from the effective date of the contract.

6.0  Request For Expression Of Interest

CSPR therefore invites a suitable Consultant to submit a technical and financial proposal in accordance with  Terms of Reference.

5.0 Qualifications and Experience

5.1 Educational Background:

Minimum of bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Economics, Development Studies, Demography, Public Policy, Social Sciences, or a related discipline.

5.2 Skills:

Research Methodology: Proficiency in research methodologies, including quantitative and qualitative research techniques.

Data Collection: Proficient in data collection methods, including surveys, interviews, focus groups, and observation etc.

Data Analysis: Strong data analysis skills using software like SPSS, STATA, or qualitative analysis tools, depending on the nature of the research.

Report Writing: Excellent report writing skills to effectively communicate research findings and recommendations.

Critical Thinking: Ability to think critically, analyze complex issues, and draw meaningful conclusions from research data.

Project Management: Skills to manage and coordinate the research project, including budget management, time management, and adherence to deadlines.

Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills to interact with stakeholders, present research findings, and collaborate with a team.

5.3 Experience:

Research Experience: Demonstrated experience in conducting research, including previous work on projects related to development, governance, or public finance.

Knowledge of CDF: Familiarity with the specific context and regulations related to Constituency Development Fund (CDF) in the research area.

Fieldwork Experience: Experience in conducting fieldwork, especially in rural or community settings, and the ability to adapt to challenging field conditions.

Data Management: Proven experience in managing and analyzing data, ensuring data quality, and maintaining confidentiality.

Policy Analysis: Experience in analyzing policy documents, public finance, and development policies relevant to the CDF.

6.Application process

Interested and eligible individuals can bid for the assignment by submitting their quotation and CVs with three traceable references to recruitments.procurements@csprzambia.org and putting in copy cspr@csprzambia.org

7.Deadline for submission

The deadline for submission of the application will be on 15th December 2023 at 17:00hrs.