1. About the organisation
Xcalibur Foundation Zambia is a newly established Zambian non-profit organisation committed to advancing sustainable development and improving opportunities for local communities. The Foundation is initiating its activities in Zambia with a focus on environmental restoration, sustainable natural resource management and resilient rural livelihoods.
Its environmental programme aims to integrate ecosystems and landscapes restoration, sustainable land management, integrated water resources management and watershed restoration, biodiversity conservation and community-based natural resource management. Sustainable livelihoods, nature-based solutions and community participation and safeguarding are central to achieving durable environmental results and local ownership.
2. Purpose of the consultancy
The consultant will support Xcalibur Foundation Zambia in identifying, assessing, prioritising and designing viable environmental interventions in Kalumbila District. It will build on existing environmental and territorial assessments and strengthen the evidence through targeted fieldwork and consultations with local stakeholders and communities.
The overall objective is to develop a technically sound, feasible and participatory project design, with clear priorities, geographic focus, expected results and implementation arrangements that can guide the Foundation’s decisions and next steps.
3. Scope of work and expected outputs
Under the coordination of the Foundation and its designated technical focal points, the individual consultant will undertake the following interconnected stages. The approach and timing will be confirmed with the Foundation at inception.
3.1. Evidence review and work planning. Review the existing diagnoses, studies, and relevant information provided or identified for the assignment. Define priority information gaps, areas and stakeholders to assess, and propose a practical methodology for field investigations and consultations, including appropriate ethical and safeguarding measures.
Expected output: Concise inception notes, methodology and work plan.
3.2. Complementary field assessment and stakeholder engagement. Undertake targeted investigations at ward and community levels in Kalumbila District. Examine, as relevant to potential intervention areas, the causes and effects of ecosystem and land degradation, watershed and natural-resource conditions, biodiversity pressures and connections with rural livelihoods. Consult communities, customary authorities, relevant district services, civil society and potential delivery partners. Record site observations, evidence gaps and stakeholders’ roles and perspectives.
Expected output: Field assessment and stakeholder-mapping report, supported by relevant observations and evidence.
3.3. Identification and prioritisation of interventions. Identify and compare feasible environmental interventions based on the assessment and consultations, including potential links between restoration, resource management and sustainable livelihoods. Evaluate priority locations, environmental and community benefits, implementation feasibility, partnership opportunities, risks and indicative resource requirements. Explain the rationale for the recommended options.
Expected output: Prioritised options appraisal with recommendations for the project focus and locations.
3.4. Participatory project formulation. Work with the Foundation and relevant stakeholders to define the project’s overall goal, specific objectives and expected results, geographic and beneficiary targeting, and proposed activity package. Develop the intervention logic (theory of change or results framework), implementation sequence and indicative calendar, delivery modalities and partner roles. Set out monitoring indicators, key risks and safeguards, sustainability considerations, and realistic resource and budget assumptions.
Expected output: Draft technical project design, including the proposed work plan and results framework.
3.5. Validation and finalisation. Present the main findings and draft project design to the Foundation and relevant stakeholders for review. Document material feedback and remaining uncertainties, adjust the proposal as appropriate, and submit a coherent final design suitable for the Foundation’s programme planning.
Expected output: Final technical project design and brief record of the validation process.
Travel requirement. In addition to activities in Kalumbila District, up to two short visits to Lusaka may be required for coordination and project-validation meetings. Travel and accommodation expenses for these Lusaka visits will be covered by Xcalibur Foundation Zambia, subject to arrangements agreed in advance.
4. Qualifications and experience
The consultancy is open to individual professionals meeting the following requirements:
University degree in environmental sciences, ecology, forestry, natural resource management, geography, agriculture or a related field, combined with good knowledge of Zambian ecosystems, district institutions, customary land systems and rural livelihood contexts.
At least five years of relevant professional experience in Zambia, including work at district and community levels. Previous experience or specific knowledge of Kalumbila District is an advantage.
Demonstrated competence in environmental or landscape assessment, field investigation, interpretation of environmental and socioeconomic information, and analysis of the drivers of degradation.
Proven experience of participatory approaches and effective engagement with local communities, traditional authorities, government services and civil society organisations.
Experience in project formulation for development or environmental programmes, including concept notes, donor proposals, theories of change or logical frameworks.
Excellent written and spoken English, ability to produce clear and practical technical reports, and fluency in one or more local languages used in Kalumbila District.
Additional assets include experience working with local NGOs, assessing prospective partners and applying inclusive consultation and safeguarding practices.
5. Eligibility and contractual conditions
Applicants must be individuals with the legal right to work in Zambia and, where relevant, the permits required to undertake the assignment.
Preference will be given to applicants based in North-Western Province, the Copperbelt or surrounding areas. Applicants based elsewhere in Zambia may also apply, provided they are willing and able to travel to Kalumbila District and other locations as required by the scope of work.
Applicants must hold a valid Taxpayer Identification Number (TPIN) issued by the Zambia Revenue Authority and provide tax-clearance documentation if requested.
The selected consultant will work as an independent service provider and not an employee of the Foundation. Detailed contractual terms will be agreed in the consultancy agreement.
The consultant must comply with the Foundation’s safeguarding, anti-fraud, confidentiality, data-protection and code-of-conduct requirements.
6. Application procedure
Interested individuals should send their application in English to [email protected] with the subject line “Consultancy: Project design” no later than 08 November 2026 at 23:59 (Zambia local time). The application should include:
A technical proposal (maximum six (6) pages) outlining the proposed approach, methods, consultations, work plan and quality and ethical safeguards.
Financial proposal: indicating the proposed daily fee, estimated number of working days and total cost of the assignment. The daily fee must be all-inclusive, covering professional fees and all operational expenses associated with the consultancy, including local transport, accommodation, communications and other field-related costs. Travel and accommodation expenses for visits to Lusaka will be covered separately by Xcalibur Foundation Zambia, as indicated in Section 3. The proposal should specify the currency and whether the amounts include applicable taxes.
A CV highlighting relevant assignments in Zambia, geographic experience, language skills and availability.
Up to two examples of comparable technical assessments or project proposals (with confidential information removed).
Contact details for two professional referees.
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. The Foundation may seek clarifications and verify submitted information and reserves the right not to award the consultancy.
7. Equal opportunities and safeguarding
Xcalibur Foundation Zambia is an equal opportunity organisation. Women and professionals experienced in rural community engagement are encouraged to apply; no recruitment fees are charged. All consultations and fieldwork must respect voluntary participation, informed consent, confidentiality, do-no-harm principles and the protection of vulnerable people.
