Job Description

The Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) is a public interest environmental law organisation promoting environmental justice, sustainable and equitable use of natural resources, and good governance. With a rights-based approach rooted in Environmental, Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (EESCR), ZELA works extensively with grassroots communities, including through its community monitors, to enhance local agency and participation in natural resource governance.
In line with the organisation’s empowerment model, ZELA seeks to further embed localisation principles in its programming and organisational structures, fostering meaningful local partnerships, participatory planning, and sustainable capacity-building.
2. Objective of the Consultancy
The objective of this consultancy is to support ZELA in designing and implementing a localisation strategy that:
• Strengthens the leadership and participation of local actors in natural resource governance.
• Aligns with various funding partner localisation agendas and ZELA’s strategic vision.
• Enhances the agency of grassroots networks and communities in environmental justice work.

Duties and Responsibilities

3. Scope of Work
The consultant will be expected to do the following:
Contextual Analysis
o Assess ZELA’s current localisation strategies, related practices, tools, and structures.
o Review existing documentation (including the Community Engagement Strategy) and stakeholder feedback.
o Map current partnerships with local actors, community monitors, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and traditional authorities.
Benchmarking & Good Practice Review
o Identify international and regional best practices in localisation relevant to environmental governance.
o Review Sida and other donor localisation frameworks for alignment.
Strategy Development
o Co-develop a draft localisation strategy with ZELA, ensuring community agency, power-sharing, and inclusive governance.
o Define pillars of localisation (e.g. community-led programming, equitable funding, decision-making).
o Integrate practical pathways for strengthening local capacities, accountability, and sustainability.
Institutional Strengthening Recommendations
o Propose systems and tools for local partner engagement, monitoring, and feedback loops.
o Advise on internal capacity and policy reforms to align with localisation goals.
Stakeholder Consultations
o Facilitate consultative workshops with community monitors, CSOs, internal ZELA staff and other key stakeholders.
o Capture diverse perspectives from women, youth, and traditionally marginalised groups.

Localisation Capacity-Building Module
o Design a modular training program to support ZELA staff and other key stakeholders on localisation approaches, relevant to environmental governance work.
4. Key Deliverables
• Inception Report (with detailed methodology and workplan)
• Localisation Assessment Report (including findings and stakeholder analysis)
• Draft and Final Localisation Strategy (with monitoring framework)
• Summary Presentation to ZELA leadership and relevant stakeholders
• Localisation Capacity-Building Module
5. Timeline
The consultancy is expected to run for a period of 6–8 weeks, commencing in August 2025. A detailed timeline will be agreed upon during the inception phase.

Qualifications and Experience

6. Required Qualifications
• Proven experience in localisation, community development, or participatory governance.
• Background in human rights, environmental law, or sustainable development.
• Strong facilitation, participatory research, and writing skills.
• Familiarity with the Zimbabwean context, particularly in natural resource governance.

How to Apply

8. Application Process
Interested candidates should submit:
• A technical and financial proposal (including methodology) with a maximum of 4 pages.
• CV(s) and profile of lead consultant(s)
• Examples of similar work undertaken
• Contact details of three references

Candidates are asked to clearly demonstrate in their applications how they meet the requirements of the position. Applications to be send on [email protected] by 18 August 2025
In the subject of the email please state: the position you are applying for.