CALL FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR CONSULTANCY TO SIMPLIFY THE EIGHTH NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN (8th NDP)

1. Background  

The Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR) is a civil society network that has been building the voice for 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 National Development Plans (NDP) and further monitor the NDPs to ensure government provides a means by which Zambia can effectively strategize on reducing the escalating levels of poverty. Since the third quarter of 2000, and in response to an invitation from the Zambian Government, the civil society in Zambia has been participating in the process of formulating and monitoring the NDP for the country, and hence sought the need to form a network that would enhance the effectiveness of this participation.

In partnership with United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) and the Joint Country Programme/ Norwegian Church Aid CSPR, has led social accountability interventions aimed at reducing inequalities through targeted demand driven, improved quality social service delivery in various sectors including Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Education, Health, and Social Protection. Through this support CSPR, has been conducting budget tracking and Service Delivery monitoring in 5 Provinces of Zambia. Which have promoted rural communities of Zambia with the tools needed to successfully advocate for improved budget execution and service delivery in their communities.

2. Rationale For Engaging  A Consultant

Since 2000 the Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR) has ensured that civil society effectively and meaningfully participates in the design, formulation, and implementation of the National Development Plans (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. During the formulation of the 8th National Development Plan(8NDP), CSPR and other Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) conducted consultations with non-state actors and citizens including women, youth, and children between 2020 and 2021. The Position papers compiled from the consultations were consolidated into a Shadow NDP entitled: “Shadow Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP:2022-2026): A Civil Society Perspective”.

In both the 7th and 8th National Development Plan, government has localized the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the Rapid Integrated Approach (RIA) process. This therefore means that the SDGs will be realized through the National Development Plan in the medium term and the Vision 2030 in the long term.

CSPR has always simplified the NDPs to increase awareness among ordinary citizens. This is because programmes and strategies meant to improve livelihoods of the poorest in our society are not fully communicated to but instead are viewed as mere beneficiaries. This view is opposed to best development practices where citizens should be fully involved as key partners in all phases and processes of development. In this context, the 8NDP has been prepared using an Integrated and multi-sectoral approach.

3. Scope

CSPR is therefore seeking the services of a consultant to simplify the Eighth National Development Plan and produce a booklet.  The duration for the Consultancy will be as 20 Working Days in the month of August and September. The Prospective Consultant(s) should include the following stages in their Work-plan: Presentation of Draft Outline for the Final Report (simplified 8NDP version format), Validation of First Draft, and Submission of Final Draft.

4. Objectives of the Assignment

This assignment aims to enhance citizens participation in the Eighth National Development Plan to enhance access to information on the outlined government’s objectives, strategies, and targets. When citizens are aware of these plans, they can monitor progress and assess the government’s performance in achieving those goals.

5. General Tasks

This is primarily a desk-based assignment to simplify the Eighth National Development Plan. The consultant will be expected to perform the following functions whilst undertaking the Assignment within the stipulated timeframe.

i. Develop a framework and approach for the simplification process.

ii. Review and simplify the 8th National Development Plan into a booklet which is easy to read.

iii. The consultant will identify the key messages and priorities in the 8NDP, such as the main development challenges, goals, targets, and strategies.

iv. The consultant will develop a framework for summarizing the 8th NDP which should be informed by the key messages and priorities identified in step 2. The framework should be structured in a way that is easy to understand and accessible to different audiences.

v. The consultant will draft a summary of the 8NDP using the framework developed in steps – the summary should be written in clear and concise language, without losing the essence and integrity of the 8NDP.

vi. The consultant should simplify the National Development Plan with practical examples, case studies, to demonstrate how the goals can be achieved. These should be developed in consultation with stakeholders and based on best practices.

6. Deliverables

i. Draft Outline for the Layout of the Simplified Version of the 8NDP

ii. Consultant will read the national development plan and simplify, summaries and populate the pillars from the Plan for ease understanding for common citizens.

iii. Conducting consultations with stakeholders, including government officials, private sector representatives, civil society organizations, and citizens, to understand their needs and expectations.

iv. Developing a framework for summarizing and populating the 8NDP, which will be informed by best practices and stakeholder inputs.

v. A report that summarizes the project methodology, findings, and recommendations.

7. Timelines

The work/assignment is expected to take a total number of 20 working days from the date of signing the contract. There will be no time extension for the work due to time limitations. The total number of days for the assignment includes the validation meeting and final report submission.

8. Qualifications of the Lead consultant

Must be in possession of a master’s in political science, Law Degree, Economics, Development Studies or equivalent.
Experience in simplification of Technical Public Policy Documents
Basic Policy analysis skills/training will be essential for this assignment.
Must be a very good facilitator and communicator with excellent writing skills.
Should be able to demonstrate competency and experience in production of at least three projects of similar work.
Proven experience with National Developmental Planning and National Policy Formulation Processes and an understanding of development work in Zambia will be an added advantage.

9. Requirements & Application process

Interested and eligible consultant/s can apply for the assignment by submitting their Expression of Interest (with financial proposal), Resume and at least three samples electronically to cspr@csprzambia.org putting in copy patrick.malekani@csprzambia.org .

10. Deadline for submission

The deadline for submission of the application will be on 28th August 2023.