TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR DEVELOPMENT OF THE ZAMBART 2026-2030 STRATEGIC PLAN

About Zambart

Zambart is a research organization that grew out of a collaboration between the University of Zambia’s School of Medicine and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine that was first established in 1988. The initial focus of the research undertaken by Zambart was on the impact of HIV on the clinical presentation and outcome of the treatment of TB. Zambart has now expanded to other areas of public health importance such as schistosomiasis, water and sanitation, mental health, and COVID-19. We have a multidisciplinary team with expertise in the areas of epidemiology, clinical trials including vaccine studies, social science, laboratory, operations research, health policy analysis, health economics, development communications, counselling, and community-based research. Central to all our work is the role of the community and ensuring meaningful community and stakeholder engagement is a key approach in all our studies.
Most of our studies are conducted in collaboration and consultation with the Ministry of Health and other relevant local Ministries and stakeholders as this ensures that the studies are relevant to the local context. Through a rigorous process of dissemination of results at the local community, national, regional, and international levels, we make every effort to ensure that the research results contribute to policy and practice. Our partners include local and international universities, research institutes and organizations, and local communities.
The Zambart 2026 – 2030 Strategic Plan seeks to position the organization as an internationally recognized leading public health research and training organization in Africa. Zambart aims to be a great place to work, with inspired people working in a safe and great environment.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this assignment is to prepare a strategic plan for Zambart to guide the implementation of the organization’s mandate for the period 2026 to 2030.

KEY TASKS

The following are the key tasks that the Consultant will perform in undertaking this assignment.

• Evaluate and assess the performance of the 2019-2025 Zambart Research Directorate Strategic Plan.
• Review and assess Zambart’s internal and external operating environment (the context, the organization, competitors, collaborators, financiers and clients) to identify factors which may affect, impede or drive achievement of the organization’s performance.
• Facilitate a comprehensive Zambart SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis in consideration of the national and global level trends and patterns in the political, social, economic, technological, legal and research and development areas with a view to identify opportunities which will position Zambart as a leading research and training organization.
• Facilitate a comprehensive analysis of the health sector level trends, patterns, developments and shifts in the key sector participants and stakeholders including governments and funding institutions’ policy priorities and regulations.
• Facilitate and lead senior leadership team visioning sessions to review the organization’s values, mission, and goals, and create a clear sense of ambition to develop clear strategic priorities for the organisation.
• Facilitate the discussion and development of the organisation’s key strategic pillars and corresponding key performance tasks for the 2026 to 2030 strategic plan; incorporating other key areas/ departments that are not adequately represented in the current strategic plan, the Zambart Research Directorate Strategic Plan.
• Facilitate the discussions and development of a resource plan (financial and human resources), strategy operationalisation plan (key shifts with timelines) and a tool to track progress towards success.
• Produce the Zambart Strategic Plan for the period 2026 to 2030

DELIVERABLES

The consultant will submit a strategy for Zambart for the period 2026 to 2030 that should include;

• An assessment of the performance of the 2019-2025 Zambart Research Directorate strategic plan.
• An assessment of Zambart’s internal and external operating environment (including internal processes, competitors, collaborators, financiers and clients).
• A comprehensive analysis of the national and global level trends and patterns in the political, social, economic, technological, and legal developments.
• A comprehensive analysis of the sector level trends, patterns, developments and shifts in the key sector participants and stakeholders including governments and funding institutions’ policy priorities and regulatory environment.
• A strategy operationalisation plan that includes a resource plan (both financial and human resources) and key shifts with timelines. The strategy operationalisation plan should be adequately detailed for the first two years, with abbreviated shifts and resource plans for years three (3) to five (5).
• A results management framework that will support the implementation of the strategy and guide its delivery and performance. The framework should also set out the monitoring, reporting and reviewing process.
• A Zambart Strategic Plan for the period 2026 to 2030 with mission, vision, values, and an overarching goal with key strategic priorities or pillars and corresponding key performance tasks.

DURATION OF ASSIGNMENT

We estimate this assignment to take not more than ten (10) weeks

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

The consultant should have the following qualifications, experience and qualities

• A post graduate degree in a relevant field
• Exceptional facilitating and writing skills in English
• Experience in developing and writing strategic plans of similar organisations
• Able to communicate technical concepts clearly and compellingly
• Experience with public health issues in Southern Africa context or other low-income countries.

Location

This assignment will be undertaken in Lusaka, Zambia.

Payment Terms
Payment will be provided based on submission of specific deliverables as indicated below;

40% on signing the Consultancy Contract
30% on presentation of draft report
30% on submission and acceptance by Zambart of the final draft strategy document

Submission of Applications

Please send your technical and financial proposal to Suzan@Zambart.org.zm The proposals should include the following:

• Expression of interest detailing your technical understanding of this assignment including your proposed methodology and timelines.
• Detailed profile of the lead consultant (s) and other team members, outlining critical relevant qualifications and experience.
• Fee proposal in Zambian Kwacha, inclusive of all applicable taxes
• Three traceable referees that can confirm the firm (or individual) experience with similar assignments.

Closing date for receipt of applications is close of Business on Friday 25th October 2024.