TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR)
Consultancy Services for the Development and Implementation of a Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Strategy
BACKGROUND
Lusaka Child Development Agency (LKCDA), on behalf of ChildFund Zambia, is leading the engagement of a consultant to develop a Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy. ChildFund Zambia is a child‑focused development organization that works through locally led initiatives to strengthen families and communities in addressing the root causes of child poverty and safeguarding children’s rights.
Through six local partners in Lusaka and Central Provinces, and grant‑funded projects across nine provinces, ChildFund Zambia prioritizes health, education, and livelihood initiatives. Central to this work is child protection, recognizing that violence, exploitation, abuse, and neglect can rapidly undermine developmental progress.
Within this process, LKCDA serves as the representative and coordinating body, guiding the Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy to ensure it reflects Zambia’s local realities while advancing ChildFund Zambia’s commitment to resilient communities where children grow up healthy, educated, skilled, and safe.
In recognition of the growing risks that climate change, disasters, and emergencies pose to children’s well‑being and community resilience, ChildFund Zambia through LKCDA is committed to strengthening disaster risk reduction (DRR) and management capacities across its Country Office (CO) and Local Partners (LPs). This initiative is aligned with the FY26 Annual Operating Plan and underscores the organization’s dedication to building resilient systems that safeguard children and empower communities to withstand future shocks by ensuring that preparedness, response, and resilience-building efforts are systematic, coordinated, and effective.
OBJECTIVE
The primary objective of this consultancy is to develop and support the implementation of a comprehensive DRR strategy that ensures effective preparedness, resilience, and disaster response mechanisms at both CO and LP levels.
SCOPE OF WORK
The consultant will undertake the following key tasks:
- Desk Review
- Review existing emergency preparedness and DRR frameworks relevant to ChildFund Zambia.
- Identify best practices and gaps in current preparedness efforts.
- Emergency Response Plans (ERP)
- Develop Emergency Response Plans for the Country Office and all LPs (Month 1).
- DRR Strategy Development
- Draft a comprehensive DRR strategy aligned with ChildFund’s operational needs and global standards.
- Incorporate community-based disaster risk management principles.
- Capacity Building and Socialization
- Facilitate workshops and orientation sessions to socialize the DRR strategy with ChildFund staff and LPs (Month 2).
- Ensure shared understanding and ownership of the strategy.
- Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Tools
- Develop a monitoring framework and tools to track implementation of DRR initiatives.
- Reporting
- Submit biweekly progress reports and a final consultancy report documenting processes, achievements, and recommendations.
DELIVERABLES
- Inception Report
- Methodology and detailed work plan.
- Emergency Response Plans
- Tailored plans for CO and LPs (Month 1).
- DRR Strategy Document
- Draft and final versions.
- Workshop/Orientation Reports
- Summary of sessions conducted with staff and LPs.
- Monitoring and Evaluation Framework
- Tools and indicators for DRR initiatives.
- Biweekly Updates and Final Consultancy Report
- Comprehensive documentation of the consultancy process.
TIMELINE
The consultancy is expected to run for 2 months (aligned with FY26 AOP):
- Month 1: Development of Emergency Response Plans and DRR framework strengthening.
- Month 2: Socialization, orientation workshops, and rollout of the DRR strategy.
REPORTING
The consultant will report to the Federation Manager of Lusaka Child Development Agency and Health Technical Manager of ChildFund Zambia to provide regular updates on progress, challenges, and required support.
CONSULTANT PROFILE
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in disaster risk reduction, emergency preparedness, or related fields.
- Strong understanding of community-based disaster management in Zambia or Southern Africa.
- Experience developing strategies, frameworks, and monitoring systems for NGOs/INGOs.
- Degree/Masters in Disaster Risk Management, Humanitarian Studies, Development Studies, or related field.
- Excellent facilitation, analytical, and reporting skills.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
Consultants will be evaluated based on:
- Technical competence and relevant experience.
- Quality and practicality of proposed methodology and work plan.
- Timeliness and feasibility of deliverables.
- Communication and facilitation skills.
PAYMENT TERMS
Payments will be made in three instalments as follows:
- 40% upon submission and approval of the Inception Report and Emergency Response Plans.
- 40% upon delivery of the DRR Strategy and completion of socialization workshops.
- 20% upon submission and approval of the Final Consultancy Report and M&E framework.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Interested consultants should submit:
- Cover Letter – describing relevant experience and suitability for the assignment.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) / Company Profile
- Technical Proposal – including approach, methodology, and work plan.
- Financial Proposal – budget and expenses (in ZMW).
- At least two references from similar assignments.
Applications should be sent to info@lkcda.com by 9th January 2026 23:59 CAT with the email subject: Disaster Risk Reduction Consultancy Application.
