Consultant – Nutri-Aid Trust

2 months ago
Application deadline closed.

Job Description

Nutri-Aid Trust

NUTRI AID- TRUST (NAT) Zambia

Project Title: Improving Socio-Economic Status of Women, Youths, and Marginalized Groups

Project Location: Western (Mongu & Kaoma) and Southern (Namwala & Gwembe) Provinces, Zambia

Implementing Organizations: Nutri-Aid Trust in partnership with Oxfam in Zambia
Posted 20th July 2024

1. Background and Context
The “Improving Socio-Economic Status of Women, Youths, and Marginalized Groups” project aims to empower these groups through enhanced agricultural practices, focusing on Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) to address the challenges posed by climate change. The Farmer Field School (FFS) approach will facilitate experiential learning among farmers, emphasizing sustainable and resilient farming techniques. A needs-based CSA curriculum will be developed to guide FFS activities in the Western and Southern Provinces of Zambia.
2. Objectives of the Assignment
The main objective of this assignment is to develop a comprehensive, needs-based Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) curriculum for the Farmer Field School. This curriculum will equip facilitators and participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to implement CSA practices, thereby improving agricultural productivity and resilience to climate change for women, youths, and marginalized groups in the targeted regions.

3. Scope of Work
The consultant(s) will undertake the following tasks:

1. Needs Assessment:

  •  Conduct a thorough needs assessment in the Western and Southern Provinces to identify the specific   educational and training needs related to CSA.
  •  Gather data through surveys, interviews, focus group discussions, and field visits.

2. Stakeholder Consultation:

  •  Engage with local farmers, community leaders, women’s groups, youth associations, and marginalized   communities to gather insights and feedback.
  •  Consult with Nutri-Aid Trust, Oxfam Zambia, agricultural experts, and relevant government agencies.

3. Curriculum Development:

Develop a structured CSA curriculum that includes:

  •  Introduction to CSA concepts and principles
  • Sustainable agricultural practices
  •  Climate-resilient farming techniques
  •  Soil health and water management
  •  Crop diversification and rotation
  •  Livestock management in changing climates
  •  Integrated pest management
  •  Post-harvest handling and value addition
  • Gender and social inclusion in CSA
  • Economic empowerment through climate-smart agribusiness
  • Practical exercises, case studies, and participatory learning activities

4. Validation and Finalization:

  • Organize validation workshops with stakeholders to review and refine the draft curriculum.
  • Incorporate feedback and finalize the curriculum.
  • Ensure the curriculum is user-friendly, context-specific, and culturally relevant.

4. Deliverables

  1. Inception Report: Detailed plan and timeline for the assignment, including the methodology for the needs assessment.
  2. Needs Assessment Report: Comprehensive report outlining the findings from the needs assessment.
  3. Draft CSA Curriculum: Initial version of the needs-based CSA curriculum for review and validation.
  4. Validation Workshop Report: Summary of feedback and suggestions from stakeholders.
  5. Final CSA Curriculum: Revised curriculum incorporating all feedback.
  6. Executive Summary: Brief overview of the curriculum, its objectives, and key component

5. Duration of the Assignment
The assignment is expected to be completed within 30 days from the commencement date. A detailed timeline will be agreed upon during the inception phase.
6. Required Expertise
The consultant(s) should possess the following qualifications and experience:

  •  Advanced degree in agriculture, climate science, rural development, or related fields.
  •  Proven experience in developing curricula and educational materials for agricultural and CSA projects.
  •  Knowledge of CSA practices and the socio-economic and cultural contexts of the Western and Southern Provinces of Zambia.
  •  Strong facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills.
  •  Excellent writing and communication skills in English. Knowledge of local languages is an asset.

7. Management and Reporting

The consultant(s) will report to the Project Manager at Nutri-Aid Trust and the Program Officer at Oxfam Zambia. Regular updates and progress reports will be required as per the agreed timeline.

8. Application Process
Interested candidates should submit the following documents:

1.Technical Proposal: Outlining the approach, methodology, and timeline for the assignment.
2. Financial Proposal: Detailed budget including consultancy fees and any other expenses.
3. CV(s) of the Consultant(s): Highlighting relevant qualifications and experience.
4. Samples of Previous Work: Examples of similar assignments completed.

Applications should be sent to gracemalama4@gmail.com and copied to mukondes65@gmail.com by 30th July 2024.