TERMS OF REFERENCE
Oxfam is a global movement of people who are fighting inequality to end poverty and injustice. Across regions, from the local to the global, we work with people to bring change that lasts.
OVERVIEW
Title and brief description of the assignment
Oxfam Southern is looking for Zambian, registered organisations to collaborate with us to deliver the extractive industries programme.
Assignment location
Lusaka, Solwezi, Kalumbila and Mwinilunga Districts
Contract start date
03 August 2026
How to apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit:
1) Expression of Interest in a cover letter
2) Organisation profile (1-2 pages)
Application deadline
03 July 2026
1. PURPOSE OF THE CALL FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR PARTNERSHIP
Oxfam looks to identify two partners to implement a key component of the extractives programme which aims to contribute to the protection of human rights and promotion of economic and climate justice through local to global influencing in Zambia and Southern Africa’s mining and energy sectors. The two organsiations sought in partnership should include a Lusaka-based non-Governmental Organisation with experience of working on North-Western Province and another which is based in Solwezi.
2. BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT
The rush for transitional minerals in Southern Africa has driven interest from both governments and private sector actors to secure key resources such as copper, cobalt, lithium, and rare earth elements, which are essential for the global clean energy transition. Zambia, as the second-largest producer of copper and cobalt on the continent, plays a crucial role in global supply chains. However, despite these economic opportunities, challenges such as weak governance systems, inequitable distribution of benefits, gender disparities, and environmental degradation persist in the mining sector.
Oxfam in Zambia, in partnership with Oxfam United States, is implementing the project “Transforming Zambia’s Critical Mineral Supply Chains: Advancing Human Rights, Transparency, and Sustainable Development.” The project aims to strengthen governance, promote transparency, and ensure that local communities, especially women and marginalized groups, benefit from Zambia’s mineral wealth. The focus area of the project is Western province, and specific districts along the route of the Lobito Corridor rail project, notably Solwezi, Kalumbila and Mwinilunga.
3. SCOPE OF WORK
When on board, selected partner organisations are expected to co-create implementation plans and related tools which will form agreements for project execution. Broadly, the interventions will delivery on the following objectives:
1) Support frontline mining communities to safeguard and promote environmental, social and economic rights.
2) Advocacy to advance stronger human rights due diligence, anti-corruption, and fair sharing and risk mitigation in mineral value chains through adherence to global norms and frameworks.
3) Advocacy to strengthen mining industry governance and accountability, notably in relation to corporate policy implementation, transparency and accountability.
4) Build skills, share knowledge, and expand learning opportunities for Oxfam partners, allies, and decision-makers to enhance the impact of advocacy efforts.
4. PROFILE REQUIREMENTS
The company/ individual(s) should have the following competencies:
Category A
A local non-Governmental organization (NGO) or Community Based Organisation (CBO) based in Solwezi.
Expected roles on the project:
i. Community knowledge and skills enhancement on socio-environmental, human rights and local economic opportunities and risk mitigation associated with the mining and energy projects and development corridors.
ii. Community profiling and targeted mobilization for meaningful engagement on activities pertaining to the project.
iii. Constructive local stakeholder engagement on socio-environmental, human rights and local economic development associated with the mining and energy projects and development corridors.
iv. Implementation of community-level and subnational (e.g., district or provincial activities) pertaining to the project.
Category B
A non-governmental organization (NGO), with existing and verifiable operations in some parts of the Copperbelt and North-Western Provinces.
Expected roles on the project:
i. Collaborative policy advocacy in Zambia and internationally.
ii. Support community knowledge and skills enhancement on socio-environmental, human rights and local economic opportunities and risk mitigation associated with the mining and energy projects and development corridors.
iii. Support and provide accompaniment to constructive local stakeholder engagement on socio-environmental, human rights and local economic development associated with the mining and energy projects and development corridors.
iv. Support implementation of community-level and subnational (e.g., district or provincial activities) pertaining to the project.
Essential information required in the Expression of Interest (EoI):
i. Statement of Intent (Cover letter) including:
o Existing work of relevance to this call;
o Specific areas of operation in the specified provinces;
o How long you have been active in the areas of operation; and,
o How you see your collaboration with Oxfam on this programme potentially enhancing the impact of your existing work on extractives.
5. APPLICATION PROCESS
Submission deadline
Quotations and applications must reach Oxfam no later than 16:00hrs on 03/08/2026.
Submission instructions
Responses must be submitted electronically to: Zimtenders@oxfam.org.uk OR Zambialogistics@oxfam.org.uk
The subject of the mail should be: EoI Oxfam EI Partnership
Clarifications
Any questions, remarks or requests for clarification can be sent up to 7 days before the submission deadline in writing. The (anonymised) questions will be answered to all applicants.
Administrative compliance
Responses must be submitted and prepared in English and received by the deadline.
To be shortlisted for evaluation against award criteria, the following documents must be included in the application:
Administrative Criteria Importance
- Organisational profile (1-2 pages) which should include brief descriptions of existing (names of institutions and nature) of partnerships (implementing, collaborative, network/alliance, funding) of relevance to this call.
Mandatory
2. Two relevant references (minimum) for previous comparable assignments
Mandatory
3. Proof of registration: The bidders also must include a copy of their registration or incorporation
Mandatory
6. OTHER CONDITIONS
Issuance of this call for expression of interest does not constitute an award commitment on the part of Oxfam, nor does it commit Oxfam to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of a bid.
The attached Annexes are an integral part of this Request for Proposals – see section 10.
Oxfam may contact bidders to confirm contacts, addresses, bid amount and to confirm that the bid was submitted for this solicitation.
Right to Select/ Reject
Oxfam reserves the right to select and negotiate with those firms it determines, in its sole discretion, to be qualified for competitive proposals and to terminate negotiations without incurring any liability. Oxfam also reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received without explanation.
Reserved rights
All applications and quotes become the property of Oxfam, and Oxfam reserves the right in its sole discretion to:
· Disqualify any offer based on applicant’s failure to follow solicitation instructions.
· Waive any deviations by the applicant from the requirements of this terms of reference that, in Oxfam’s opinion, are considered immaterial defects requiring rejection or disqualification; or where such a waiver will promote increased competition.
· Extend the time for submission of responses after notification to all applicants.
· Terminate or modify the process at any time and re-issue the request for quotation to whomever Oxfam deems appropriate.
· Issue an award based on the initial evaluation of offers without discussion.
· Award only part of the activities in the solicitation or issue multiple awards based on solicitation activities.
7. CODE OF CONDUCT
Oxfam is committed to integrity in its operations and supply chains and ensuring high ethical standards. Complying with all laws and regulations and ensuring fair competition are fundamental to this commitment. We actively promote these principles and standards, and expect all Oxfam suppliers to demonstrate commitment towards them.
All consultants/applicant are required to agree and adhere to the Oxfam Supplier Code of Conduct, whereas individuals (including consultants) must sign the Oxfam Non Staff Code of Conduct[1]. These Codes of Conduct set out the specific standards and principles in the areas of human and labour rights, environmental impact and anti-corruption that suppliers must follow.
Oxfam has the following requirements of its service providers, to ensure integrity in its supply chain:
Bribery and collusion
Oxfam does not tolerate fraud, including bribery or kickbacks, collusion among bidders, bribery or kickbacks. Any firm or individual violating these standards will be disqualified from this procurement and barred from future procurement opportunities.
Employees and representatives of Oxfam are strictly prohibited from asking for or accepting any money, fee, commission, credit, gift, gratuity, object of value or compensation from current or potential vendors or suppliers in exchange or as a reward for business.
False statements
Bidders must provide full, accurate and complete information as required by this solicitation and Annexes. False statements in bids constitutes grounds for immediate termination of any agreement with the supplier. OXFAM takes misstatements, falsification, manipulation, alteration of facts and/or documents very seriously, has a zero-tolerance policy to such behaviours, and may choose to take legal action in a case of misrepresented disclosures by
Conflict of interest
Bidders must provide disclosure of any past, present or future relationships with any parties associated with the issuance, review or management of this solicitation and anticipated award. Failure to provide full and open disclosure may result in Oxfam having to re-evaluate the selection of a potential bidder.
Diversion of funds
Oxfam is determined that all its funds and resources should only be used to further its mission and shall not be subject to illicit use by any third party nor used or abused for any illicit purpose. Suppliers (and their affiliates/group companies, employees, officers, owners, agents and sub-contractors) may be subject to formal screening against global lists of individuals subject to designation or proscription under financial sanctions or counter terrorism regulations.
8. Monitoring
Due diligence: As a charitable organisation, Oxfam must take care to protect its assets and funds, as well as the communities that we work with. One of the steps that Oxfam takes to comply with this legal duty is to conduct adequate and proportionate due diligence on suppliers prior to entering into a contract. This includes checking legal registration and financial solvency, but may also include other checks, such as misconduct/performance reference checks and if working with children or vulnerable adults, a criminal records check.
Important note: Oxfam performs a regular screening check of all suppliers against international sanctions lists.
Audit: Any audit requirements are detailed in the terms and conditions of business
Data protection: Oxfam is legally bound to ensure that all personal details held by the organisation relating to any individual or entity are kept secure and according to international data protection standards.
9.
MISCONDUCT REPORTING AND WHISTLEBLOWING
Oxfam’s reporting and whistleblowing mechanisms are available for Service Providers as well Oxfam employees, to ensure that Oxfam continues to operate under the highest ethical standards and principles.
You can use these reporting channels confidentially, anonymously, and in your own language to report any concerns involving fraud, corruption, waste, abuse or safeguarding concerns.
Speak up
Oxfam GB
Oxfam Novib
Oxfam Intermón
Email:
SpeakUp@oxfam.org.uk
integrity@oxfamnovib.nl
buzon.etico@oxfam.org
Online:
Oxfam Misconduct Reporting Webform (including possibility for anonymous reporting)
https://oxfam.clue-webforms.co.uk/webform/misconduct/
Phone:
Global phone number: +44 1249 661808
Check https://speakup.oxfamnovib.nl for local numbers (you can request interpretation)
10. ANNEXES
· Oxfam Supplier Code of Conduct: https://oxfam.box.com/v/Oxfam-Supplier-CodeConduct
· Oxfam Non-Staff Code of Conduct: https://oxfam.box.com/v/Nonstaff-CodeConduct
· Conflict of interest declaration form: https://oxfam.box.com/v/Supplier-COI-declaration
· Safeguarding policy
· (If applicable) Oxfam child safeguarding policy
· (Edit if applicable) Example privacy notice: https://oxfam.box.com/s/mo8artt9l8a2x0cnpqrqqrugt8k0r773
[1] Non-Staff Code of Conduct applies for any self-employed individuals or contracted employees of suppliers who are working on Oxfam sites, or who have access to Oxfam materials, or who may represent Oxfam in any manner but are not part of Oxfam’s legal entity)
