TERMS OF REFERENCE (TORs): Recruitment of a Policy Consultant

Job Description National Policy Engagements and Targeted Advocacy Initiatives on Agroecological Entrepreneurship (AAEs) and Territorial Markets (TMs) in Zimbabwe African Agroecological Entrepreneurship (AAE) Initiative Duties and Responsibilities Scope of Work: i. Review key background documents, including relevant concept notes, national policy frameworks, stakeholder mapping outputs and prior advocacy materials. ii. Conduct a policy and regulatory analysis to identify gaps, opportunities and entry points for advancing AAEs and TMs within national policy frameworks. iii. Conduct consultations (key informant interviews, focus group discussions and/or desk-based engagement) with relevant stakeholders, including government ministries, Members of Parliament, farmer organisations, territorial market leaders, civil society networks (e.g. ZIMAEKN, My Food is Zimbabwe Alliance), private sector actors and academic institutions. iv. Draft 1 (one) policy brief, each addressing a distinct thematic priority area related to AAEs and/or TMs (e.g. market recognition and formalisation, agroecological production, inclusive value chains, gender and youth participation). v. Draft 1 (one) position paper consolidating multi-stakeholder positions and advocacy asks for use in structured engagements with Parliament and Ministries. vi. Present draft advocacy materials to the Advocacy Subcommittee and relevant stakeholders for review and validation. vii. Revise and finalise the policy brief and position paper based on stakeholder feedback. viii. Conduct a national-level training that seeks to translate regional learning into practical capacity strengthening for local stakeholders involved in Territorial Markets. • Strengthen capacity of Territorial Market actors in Zimbabwe to integrate agroecology and Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) into market systems, governance structures, and value chains. • Enhance participants’ knowledge and application of PGS as a practical tool for building trust, transparency, and credibility in agroecological markets. Submit a final compiled package of all advocacy materials, together with a short report summarising the process, methodology and key policy recommendations. Approach and Methodology The Consultant is expected to propose a robust and participatory methodology for the assignment. At a minimum, the approach should: • Be evidence-based, drawing on documented case studies, baseline data and stakeholder consultations. • Be participatory, ensuring the voices of smallholder farmers, women, youth, persons with disabilities and territorial market actors are reflected in the materials. • Align with the objectives and stakeholder mapping of the National Advocacy Coordination Platform. • Ensure validation of draft materials through consultative review processes before finalisation. • Ensure all materials are written in clear, non-technical, decision-maker-friendly language, with technical/simplified versions produced for wider public communication. Key Thematic Areas to Guide the Policy Brief and Position Paper While the Consultant may refine these in consultation with the Advocacy Subcommittee, the materials are expected to address: • Recognition and formalisation of Territorial Markets within local government and market governance frameworks. • Integration of agroecological principles and Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) into market systems and value chains. • Strengthening inclusive value chains and market access for smallholder agroecological entrepreneurs. • Agroecology, sustainable natural resource management and food and nutrition security. • Inclusion of women, youth, persons with disabilities and marginalised producers in AAEs and TMs. Qualifications and Experience Qualifications and Experience The Consultant (individual or firm) should demonstrate: • A relevant postgraduate qualification in agricultural economics, public policy, development studies, food systems, law or a related field. • A minimum of 7 years of experience in policy analysis, policy brief and position paper development, preferably within agriculture, food systems or agroecology sectors. • Demonstrated understanding of Zimbabwe's agricultural and rural development policy environment. • Strong stakeholder engagement, facilitation and consultation skills. • Excellent analytical and policy writing skills, with a proven portfolio of policy briefs, position papers or similar advocacy products. • Familiarity with agroecology, Territorial Markets and/or Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) will be an added advantage. How to Apply Application Procedure Complete applications should be submitted to info@pelumzimbabwe.org by 20 July 2026. A complete application should include: i. A detailed technical proposal, including proposed methodology, work plan and timeline. ii. An up-to-date Curriculum Vitae with traceable references, including relevant academic and professional qualifications and a portfolio of previous policy brief/position paper. iii. A one-page cover letter expressing interest and relevant qualifications (not more than one page). iv. A detailed budget, including any travel, consultation and communication costs. v. Any other relevant supporting documents. Qualifications and Experience Qualifications and Experience The Consultant (individual or firm) should demonstrate: • A relevant postgraduate qualification in agricultural economics, public policy, development studies, food systems, law or a related field. • A minimum of 7 years of experience in policy analysis, policy brief and position paper development, preferably within agriculture, food systems or agroecology sectors. • Demonstrated understanding of Zimbabwe's agricultural and rural development policy environment. • Strong stakeholder engagement, facilitation and consultation skills. • Excellent analytical and policy writing skills, with a proven portfolio of policy briefs, position papers or similar advocacy products. • Familiarity with agroecology, Territorial Markets and/or Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) will be an added advantage. How to Apply Application Procedure Complete applications should be submitted to info@pelumzimbabwe.org by 20 July 2026. A complete application should include: i. A detailed technical proposal, including proposed methodology, work plan and timeline. ii. An up-to-date Curriculum Vitae with traceable references, including relevant academic and professional qualifications and a portfolio of previous policy brief/position paper. iii. A one-page cover letter expressing interest and relevant qualifications (not more than one page). iv. A detailed budget, including any travel, consultation and communication costs. v. Any other relevant supporting documents.

Qualifications and Experience Qualifications and Experience The Consultant (individual or firm) should demonstrate: • A relevant postgraduate qualification in agricultural economics, public policy, development studies, food systems, law or a related field. • A minimum of 7 years of experience in policy analysis, policy brief and position paper development, preferably within agriculture, food systems or agroecology sectors. • Demonstrated understanding of Zimbabwe's agricultural and rural development policy environment. • Strong stakeholder engagement, facilitation and consultation skills. • Excellent analytical and policy writing skills, with a proven portfolio of policy briefs, position papers or similar advocacy products. • Familiarity with agroecology, Territorial Markets and/or Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) will be an added advantage. How to Apply Application Procedure Complete applications should be submitted to info@pelumzimbabwe.org by 20 July 2026. A complete application should include: i. A detailed technical proposal, including proposed methodology, work plan and timeline. ii. An up-to-date Curriculum Vitae with traceable references, including relevant academic and professional qualifications and a portfolio of previous policy brief/position paper. iii. A one-page cover letter expressing interest and relevant qualifications (not more than one page). iv. A detailed budget, including any travel, consultation and communication costs. v. Any other relevant supporting documents.